What is An Importer of Record (IOR) in Vietnam?
An Importer of Record (IOR) is a licensed entity responsible for ensuring imported goods comply with local laws and customs regulations.
The IOR is officially recorded on entry documents and assumes liability for the imported goods, ensuring that they meet product registration, labeling, certification, and regulatory requirements specific to Vietnam.
Typically, an IOR can be the owner, purchaser, a licensed customs broker or a freight forwarder authorized through a power of attorney to act on behalf of the foreign exporter or importer. The IOR must be legally registered in Vietnam with a valid ERC, tax code, and customs e-declaration account.
Benefits of Emerhub’s IOR Service
With Emerhub as your Importer of Record in Vietnam, you gain a fast, compliant, and hassle-free way to bring goods into the country.
Immediate Importation
Start shipping your products into Vietnam without delays, as our Importer of Record service allows for immediate importation into the country.
No Local Entity Required
Avoid the time and cost of setting up a company in Vietnam. Emerhub acts as your licensed Importer of Record, which allows you to operate legally without a local presence.
End-to-End Management
From documentation and customs clearance to local delivery, we manage the entire import process so you can focus on growing your business.
Flexibility and Scalability
Whether you are interested in testing the market with small shipments or scaling up for regular imports, our IOR service adapts to your needs.
Compliance and Risk Mitigation
We ensure full compliance with Vietnam’s import laws, minimizing the risk of delays, fines or rejected shipments.
Trackable and Transparent
We bring full transparency throughout the process with clear documentation, real-time updates, and transparent cost breakdowns.
Key Requirements for Importing with an IOR in Vietnam
Documentary Requirements
- Commercial Invoice: Lists product details, quantities, unit prices, total value, and International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) for customs valuation and tax computation.
- Packing List: Details package contents, weight, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: Proof of shipment, required for cargo release from sea or air carriers.
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable): Must be issued by an authorized agency, required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements.
- Product Registration or Import Permits (if applicable): Required for regulated products such as food, cosmetics, electronics, or medical devices.
- HS Codes and Product Descriptions: Accurate Harmonized System (HS) Codes for tax classification and customs processing.
- Vietnamese Label Translations: Applicable for certain product categories like health supplements, food, and beverages.
- IOR Service Agreement: Formal contract between your company and IOR service provider authorizing them to act on your behalf.
- Power of Attorney (if required)
How Emerhub’s Importer of Record Process Works
1
Submit Your Documents for Review
Confirm with your overseas supplier that Emerhub Vietnam will now act as your Importer of Record. Then, submit your shipping documents and details for our team to review.
2
Product Verification and Shipping
Our consultants will advise you on selecting the proper shipment size and form for your goods, based on product type and volume. We’ll pick up and verify the imported goods, then handle the outbound customs clearance and shipping to Vietnam.
3
Customs Clearance and Local Goods Delivery
We will prepare all the necessary declarations and manage the customs clearance process for you at the Vietnamese port of entry. Our local logistics team will then deliver the shipment to your preferred address.
Have questions or need more information?
Why Choose Emerhub as Your IOR?
With Emerhub, you gain a partner to support you every stage of the import process, from documentation to customs clearance.
Trusted Local Expertise
With 14 years of experience navigating Vietnam’s import laws, we help you avoid penalties, delays, and trouble with the authorities.
Integrated Market Entry Support
Beyond imports, we can help you build a local supply chain, launch e-commerce operations, or set up your distribution network.
Trusted Professional Network
We coordinate with experienced import agents, authorities, and logistics partners to ensure your products enter Vietnam legally and smoothly.
FAQs on Importer of Record in Vietnam
You can import most commercial goods, including electronics, cosmetics, machinery, and product samples for your business. However, restricted or regulated items may require additional permits. Our team will advise you on the process before shipment.
Using an IOR service is essential when you (the importer) do not have a legal presence. or import license in the destination country. It is commonly used by foreign companies shipping to new markets without setting up a local entity.
A freight forwarder arranges transportation and logistics, while an IOR handles regulatory compliance, documentation, and customs clearance. Both may work together, but only the IOR is legally accountable for the import.
No, Emerhub will act as your consignee and handle all the necessary licenses and customs documentation, so you can import your goods without setting up a local company.
Yes, Emerhub supports both one-time and ongoing shipments. Many clients use our services for regular imports to support operations or test the market before committing to a local setup.
Importing without a licensed IOR can result in customs delays, fines, confiscation of goods, or rejection at the border. It also limits your ability to legally sell products in Vietnam.
The Latest in Vietnam’s Import Regulations
-
Guide to Secure an Import License in Vietnam
Learn how to import goods into Vietnam with an import license. This comprehensive guide…
-
Complete Guide to Cosmetic Product Registration in Vietnam
Overview of cosmetic product registration in Vietnam and key factors to consider for importing…
Schedule a call with an Emerhub consultant in Vietnam
Need a local importer in Vietnam? We’ll act as your IOR and handle every step of the import process.
Email Us
vietnam@emerhub.com
Call Us
+84 911 413 595
Visit Us
1bis Phạm Ngọc Thạch, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam