Are you planning to sell foreign goods in Vietnam’s growing consumer market? Or perhaps you want to take advantage of the country’s many international trade agreements? In that case, efficiently navigating the country’s regulatory requirements will be your key for import to Vietnam.
Whilst a strategic trading location due to its proximity to ASEAN markets, Vietnam has many strict regulations in terms of importing foreign-manufactured goods. This article will serve as your guide to importing your goods to Vietnam and will help you navigate the process for different types of products.
Understanding key import regulations in Vietnam
What are the required certificates to import to Vietnam?
Before you can import goods into Vietnam, you must secure several licenses based on the intended purpose of the goods being imported. If you are importing strictly for B2B wholesale activities, then you will require less licensing than for B2C retail activities. Below is an overview of the essential certificates required to import to Vietnam:
| Type of license/certificate | Issuing authority | Purpose | Timeframe |
| Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) | Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) Or Industrial Park, Export-processing zone, Hi-Tech zone, and Economic zone Management Boards | Outline your intended investment project and conditions for foreign investments | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Business Registration Certificate (BRC) | DPI | Identify your business details and registration information | Up to 1 week |
| Business License for Retail Activities | Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT) | Only required for B2C to specify intended retail activities and products. | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Automatic Import License* | Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) | MOIT shall announce the list of goods subject to automatic import licensing for each period and organize licensing according to current regulations on licensing. | 5 to 10 business days (can be higher depending on the product) |
| Import License* | Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) Ministry of Health (MOH) Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Ministry of Transport (MOT) Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) | Importing goods into Vietnam may require a license from certain Ministries, depending on the type of goods and current legal regulations. | 20 to 30 business days (can be higher depending on the product) |
It is important to note that some items do not require an Automatic or Non-Automatic Import License. These are items that do not have special requirements and typically include ordinary products, consumer goods, and common goods. They do not have special requirements regarding safety, environmental protection, public health, or consumer rights.
Remember that these licenses and certificates are only applicable to the intended imports included in your application. If you want to import additional products after the application has been submitted, you will have to change your licenses.
Product registration for regulated goods
Food, Drug, and Health authorities regulate certain products and industries in Vietnam. If you plan to import a regulated product, then you will first need to register it with the relevant agency to ensure that it complies with local standards. The following categories require product registration:
- Food and Beverage
- Cosmetics
- Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Consumer Electronics
Emerhub can help you register your products with the corresponding regulatory body, as well as advise you on the right documentation to secure for your application. To dive a little deeper on this subject, take a look at our related guide to product registration in Vietnam.
Prohibited and restricted products
When preparing to import to Vietnam, it is important to remain up to date on which products are prohibited to foreigners or under strict restrictions. This is usually the case for industries that are controlled to protect public health and national security, preserve local culture, or safeguard the domestic economy.
Circular No. 34/2013/TT-BCT of the Ministry of Industry lists some of the most common products that foreign capital companies cannot export from or import into Vietnam:
- Cigars/Tobacco
- Petroleum oils
- Newspapers and journals/books
- Second-hand items (including electronics and automotive)
- Weaponry
Import taxes and customs duty in Vietnam
Products imported to Vietnam are subject to import tax and the Value-Added Tax (VAT), which ranges between 0%, 5%, or 10%. The specific tax rates vary depending on the type of product. For example, luxury consumer goods will generally be subject to higher tax rates than production machinery or raw materials.
However, Vietnam is a member of over 15 ASEAN Free Trade Areas, which means that intra-regional import taxes for the following products will see a lower tax rate of 0% to 5% within the designated zones:
- Livestock
- Meat and fish
- Fruit and vegetables
- Medical and pharmaceutical goods
- Agricultural machinery
How do you import to Vietnam?
Setting up a Vietnamese Trading Company
If you want to start importing goods into Vietnam, you must first register a company. Once your foreign-owned company is set up, then you can undertake additional steps to secure the necessary certificates to establish yourself as a trading company and import goods to Vietnam.
In general, there is no minimum capital requirement for setting up a trading company in Vietnam. However, the capital you inject must comply with your planned expenses. Emerhub can assist you in establishing a company in Vietnam for import purposes. We will take care of all the paperwork and communicate with the authorities on your behalf.
Designate an Importer of Record as an alternative to company registration
If you don’t want to set up a legal entity in Vietnam or wish to test the market by importing a few shipments, you can use an Importer of Record (IOR) instead. As your consignee throughout the import process, Emerhub will import your goods through our licensed logistics networks.
Are you interested in partnering with Emerhub’s Importer of Record service, or do you want to set up a trading company in Vietnam? Contact us via the form below to get in touch with one of our local experts who will assist you in getting the process started!
