Quick Understanding of Import Procedures in Vietnam

Import Procedure

To import to Vietnam, you need to obtain an investment license and a business registration certificate from the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI). Additionally, there is no separate import license in Vietnam. The reason is the investment license already allows you to import or export products. However, companies that wish to expand their current business operations to engage in import activities must follow the procedures for adjusting their Investment Certificates. Moreover, certain goods require the company to obtain import permits from the government. Companies that import goods must submit a dossier of documents to the customs authorities. The dossier must include at least the company’s business registration certificate and the import business code registration certificate.

Seven ministries and agencies are responsible for overseeing a system of minimum quality/performance standards for animal and plant protection, health safety, local network compatibility (in the case of telecommunications), money security, and cultural sensitivity. Goods that meet the minimum standards can be imported upon demand and in unlimited quantity and value.

Import Documents

Import documents required for cross-border trading into Singapore, including but not limited to: 

• - CIPL – Commercial invoice or Packing List
• - International Shipping Documents – Bill of lading or air waybill 
• - Certificate of origin (if requested)
• - Release Order
• - Import clearance/permit
• - Inspection Report

Customs Classification

The classification of import and export goods must be based on:

• - Vietnam ’s Classification List of Import and Export Goods; 
• - Preferential Import Tariff Nomenclature; Export Tariff Nomenclature;
• - Six (6) general rules of HS Convention;
• - Obligatory explanatory notes of HS Convention;
• - Making references to supplementary explanatory notes of ASEAN Harmonised Tariff
• - Nomenclature and detailed explanatory notes of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

Nominating a Freight Forwarder/Agency to deal with import customs clearance in Vietnam is highly recommended.
 
For more information on import procedure in Vietnam, please visit the website of the Vietnam Customs for more information. You should also check out our latest article on export and import procedure in Vietnam!