Importing and exporting products could be a challenge for businesses in Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing outlines an overall step-by-step guide for import and export process in Vietnam. In addition we have a look at registration, license permit requirements, customs procedures, and duties applied.

Vietnam doesn’t require a firm to experience a separate import or export license to take part in import and export activities in the united states.

The most common entity for investors trying to embark on import and export activities, along with participate in domestic distribution of merchandise, is to establish a trading company. It is deemed an inexpensive establishment option with no minimum capital contribution required.

However, in the event an importer would want to sell imported products to Vietnamese consumers, they should get an additional trading license should be obtained to legalize the procedure. Establishing a trading company takes approximately 3 months while obtaining a trading license can take 1 to 3 months.

n practice, companies which want to import to Vietnam without setting up a local legal entity can utilize an importer of record to facilitate the procedure. This plan allows foreign companies that have enough time constraints, desire to test industry, or only import a few times to handle logistical, regulatory, and language barriers.

Certain goods require companies to have permits through the government. Moreover, petroleum oil is banned from exports while goods banned from imports include cigars, tobacco, petroleum oils, newspapers and journals, and aircraft.

Customs procedures

All goods imported or exported in Vietnam are be subject to the Vietnam customs clearance standards, which effectively look into the quality, specifications, quantity, and volume of the goods. Among these, certain imported merchandise is be subject to inspection.

For instance, imported pharmaceuticals must undergo testing you need to include documents detailing product use, dosage, and expiration dates (coded in Vietnamese), which also needs to be included in or around the appearance.

Customs documents required in Vietnam

Companies which import or export goods must submit a dossier of documents, such as a minimum of the company’s business registration certificate and import/export business code registration certificate on the customs authorities. With regards to the imports or exports showcased, authorities may request these additional documents:

Documents required for importing goods include:

Bill of lading;

Import goods declaration form;

Import permit (for restricted goods);

Certificate of origin;

Cargo release order;

Commercial invoice;

Customs import declaration form;

Inspection report;

Packing list;

Delivery Order (for goods imported through seaports);

Technical standard/health certificate; and

Terminal handling receipts.

The documents necessary for exporting goods include:

Electronic Export Customs Declaration (E-Form HQ/2015/XK);

Bill of lading;

Contract;

Certificate of origin;

Commercial invoice;

Customs export declaration form;

Export Permit;

Packing list; and

Technical standard/health certificate.

Export shipments can be completed on the day that while import shipments typically take around 1 to 3 days to complete for full container loads (FCL) and much less than container loads (LCL), respectively.

Optimizing your customs experience

Vietnam’s customs procedures are complex and subject to change with practically no warning. For up-to-date facts about clearance regulations, processing times, or trying to get the priority program, it’s advised to talk with government officials or a professional service firm that may advice the business with any cumbersome procedures and legalities.

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