Importing and exporting products could be a challenge for businesses in Vietnam. Vietnam Briefing outlines a broad step-by-step guide for import and export process in Vietnam. In addition we take a look at registration, license permit requirements, customs procedures, and duties applied.
Vietnam doesn't need a firm to get a separate import or export license to take part in import and export activities in the nation.
The commonest entity for investors looking to embark on import and export activities, and also embark on domestic distribution of items, is defined a trading company. It is really an inexpensive establishment option without any minimum capital contribution required.
However, just in case an importer would like to sell imported products to Vietnamese consumers, they have to get an additional trading license must be obtained to legalize the method. Creating a trading company takes approximately ninety days while obtaining a trading license usually takes one to three months.
n practice, firms that need to import to Vietnam without starting a local legal entity can utilize an importer of record to facilitate the method. This strategy allows foreign businesses that have enough time constraints, need to test industry, or only import once or twice to manage logistical, regulatory, and language barriers.
Certain goods require companies to acquire permits in the government. In addition, 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 at the quality, specifications, quantity, and number of items. Of these, certain imported items are be subject to inspection.
For instance, imported pharmaceuticals must undergo testing and can include documents detailing product use, dosage, and expiration dates (written in Vietnamese), which also needs to be included in or on the product packaging.
Customs documents required in Vietnam
Firms that import or export goods must submit a dossier of documents, including no less than the company’s business registration certificate and import/export business code registration certificate for the customs authorities. Depending on the imports or exports under consideration, authorities may request the next additional documents:
Documents needed 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 required 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 same day while import shipments typically take around one to three days to perform for full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL), respectively.
Optimizing your customs experience
Vietnam’s customs procedures are complex and susceptible to change with hardly any warning. For up-to-date information about clearance regulations, processing times, or trying to get the priority program, it can be advised to consult with government officials or perhaps a professional service firm that will move the business with any cumbersome procedures and legalities.
More info about vietnam customs go our resource