Vietnam’s cosmetic market has seen significant growth in recent years, due in part to the country’s growing middle class. Imported cosmetics grab the lion’s share of the market, giving foreign-owned distributors an edge over the competition. In this guide, we will explain the key things you need to know about cosmetic product registration in Vietnam.
Overview of Vietnam’s cosmetic industry
What is classified as cosmetic products
Per Vietnamese law, cosmetic products are defined as any substance or preparation meant to be used on external parts of the human body (skin, nails, hair, lips, teeth, etc.). Cosmetic products must be designed with the primary purpose of cleansing, maintaining, deodorizing, protecting, or changing appearance and health. The cosmetic industry consists of the following:
- Hair care products
- Makeup products
- Skincare/treatment products
- Face masks and lotions
- Soaps and fragrances
- Oral care products
- Nail care products
- Shaving products
- Sun protection products
When classifying the cosmetic product you want to register in Vietnam, it is important to remember that certain goods that have medicinal, pharmacological, or immunological properties are excluded from cosmetic classification and instead must be registered as a pharmaceutical or drug product, which requires more extensive regulatory compliance.
Who can register cosmetic products in Vietnam
Cosmetics product registration in Vietnam can be done by an organization or an individual who is the brand owner or appointed by the brand owner. However, either must have the function of a Vietnamese cosmetics business. Foreign investors therefore must first register a company in Vietnam before being allowed to register and distribute cosmetic products.
The most common legal entity for selling cosmetic products is a foreign-owned wholesale trading or retail company in Vietnam. There is no standard minimum capital requirement for registering foreign companies in Vietnam and current regulations allow up to 100% foreign ownership. However, the size of your investment must comply with your planned activities.
Emerhub can help you set up a cosmetic retail company in Vietnam as well as establish a trademark in Vietnam to protect your brand. Our local advisors can also help you determine the right amount of capital that you should invest as well as with the process of securing a retail sub-license, which can be handled simultaneously with product registration in Vietnam.
How to import foreign-manufactured cosmetics to Vietnam
If you intend to import cosmetic products to Vietnam, there are several additional factors that you will need to consider. Upon registering your company you will need to secure an import license from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. You will also need to navigate complex logistical channels to ensure that your goods are approved for customs clearance.
Alternatively, you can bypass the requirements for setting up a trading company in Vietnam by partnering with Emerhub’s Importer of Record (IOR) service. Our IOR already has a trading license and a logistic network setup, meaning that we will pick up your shipment, manage the entire customs clearance process for you, and deliver your goods at the location of your choice.
We can also provide you with storage options in Vietnam. This is an equally efficient way to test out the market before setting up a local company by nominating Emerhub as your product holder in Vietnam who acts as your company’s distribution network and can register your products directly through our local entity.
Cosmetic product registration process in Vietnam
Requirements for registering your products with local health authorities
Cosmetic product registration in Vietnam is a process called the Cosmetic Product Proclamation and is overseen by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). All cosmetic products imported to and sold in Vietnam must have a valid cosmetic product proclamation receipt number. Before starting the registration process, you must ensure that you have the following documents:
- Notification Dossier (for imported products):
- Notification form
- Power of Attorney from Manufacturer
- Certificate of Free Sale
- Business registration certificate
- Data for each registered product:
- Brand and product name
- List of variants or shades
- Product Type
- Intended use
- Manufacturer information
- Full list of ingredients (full 100% percentage, International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
Emerhub can help you prepare your application dossier, as well as manage the application for you. It is important that you remember that for foreign-manufactured products, all documents must be legalized at a Vietnamese embassy in the country of origin. Foreign-language documents may also need to be translated into Vietnamese to be admissible in registration.
How to register cosmetic products in Vietnam as a foreign-owned company
Emerhub can help you navigate cosmetic product registration in Vietnam to ensure that your application is complete and avoid potential delays or rejections. Keep in mind that each product must be registered separately and has a state fee of approximately USD 20.00. Our local FDA registration experts will help you with all the key steps:
- Set up a foreign-owned company in Vietnam
- Secure an import license and retail sub-license or nominate a third-party importer/distributor through Emerhub.
- Emerhub will help you prepare and review your application dossier.
- Our team will submit the product registration application along with payment of state fees, and assist with any potential audits.
- Upon approval, we will provide you with your Cosmetic Product Proclamation Number which allows you to start selling the registered product.
As soon as your cosmetics products are ready to be distributed in Vietnam, you also need to have a Product Information File (PIF) for every product which contains information on administrative data on the product, material and product quality, and safety and efficacy data. The PIF ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and protects you in the event of legal claims.
Ensuring compliance with Vietnam’s cosmetic labeling regulations
The labels of cosmetic products sold in Vietnam must be glued onto the end product as well as included with the packaging of the products. The labels must be written in English or Vietnamese and must provide composition and safety data. You must also be careful not to include misleading or ineligible claims, as these can result in fines and product recalls.
| Required labeling information | Incorrect labeling information | |
| Product | Claim | |
| Name of the product and its functionsUsage instructionsThe full formula of ingredientsCountry of originName of the distributorQuantificationBatch numberManufacturing or expiration dateWarnings and precautions | Hair care products | Eliminates dandruff permanently Restores hair cellsReverses or arrests hair loss |
| Depilatories | Stops slows or prevents hair growth | |
| Skin products | Prevents, reduces, or reverses the physiological changes and degeneration conditions brought about by agingRemoves scarsReduces centimeters | |
| Deodorants and antiperspirants | Completely prevents sweating/perspiration | |
| Perfumes, fragrances, colognes | Emotional attractionHormonal attraction | |
Emerhub can help you ensure compliance with FDA regulations for cosmetic product registration in Vietnam. Our team can also help you throughout your product lifecycle, including renewal or reinstatement. We can also help you convert your retail business to help you adapt to Vietnam’s growing E-commerce market.
Want to start selling your cosmetic products in Vietnam? Contact Emerhub via the link below for a free consultation with one of our experts!
