Vietnam does not need to have a separate import or export license to engage in import and export activities in the country.
The most common entity for investors who seek to carry out import and export activities as well as domestic distribution of goods is the establishment of a trading company. It is a low-cost startup that does not require a minimum investment.
In practice, companies that want to import into Vietnam without setting up a local legal entity can use an importer of record to facilitate the process. This strategy allows foreign businesses that have time constraints, want to test the market or only import a few times to overcome logistical, regulatory and language barriers.
Some goods require companies to obtain a license from the government. In addition, the export of petroleum is prohibited, while prohibited imported goods include cigars, tobacco, petroleum oils, newspapers and magazines, and airplanes.
Customs procedure:
All goods imported or exported in Vietnam are subject to Vietnam customs clearance standards, which effectively check the quality, specifications, quantity and volume of the goods. Meanwhile, some imported goods are subject to inspection.
For example, imported drugs must be tested and include documentation detailing the product's use, dosage, and expiration date (written in Vietnamese), which must also be included in or on the product packaging.
Customs documents required
Companies that import or export goods must submit a file of documents that includes at least the company's trade registration certificate and import/export trade code registration certificate to the customs. Depending on the intended import or export, the authorities may request the following additional documents:
The documents required for importing goods are:
bill of lading;
declaration form for imported goods;
import license (for restricted goods);
Certificate of Origin;
goods clearance order;
commercial invoice;
Customs import declaration form;
Inspection Report;
packing list;
delivery order (for goods imported through ports);
technical standard/health certificate; And
Terminal processing receipt
The documents required for exporting goods are:
Electronic export customs declaration (E-Form HQ/2015/XK);
bill of lading;
Contract;
Certificate of Origin;
commercial invoice;
customs export declaration form;
export license;
packing list; And
Technical standard/health certificate.
Export shipments can be completed the same day, while import shipments take about one to three days for full container loads (FCL) and less than container loads (LCL), respectively.
According to Vietnam Customs, companies that regularly export and import the exact same goods in a certain period, if the goods are listed under the same sales contract and are delivered within a certain time frame, can use a Use the single customs declaration form to perform the relevant customs procedures. Delivery time included in the purchase contract
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