Vietnam Customs Clearance Guide for Importers & Exporters | Guanwutong Freight

As trade between Vietnam and China expands rapidly, understanding the customs clearance procedures in Vietnam is crucial for smooth import and export operations. At Shenzhen Guanwutong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd., we provide complete freight and clearance solutions to help you navigate Vietnam’s regulatory environment with efficiency and confidence.

Introduction: Why Vietnamese Customs Matter

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies. With rising imports of machinery, electronics, raw materials, and consumer goods, its customs clearance system is evolving to ensure speed and transparency. However, importers and exporters still face challenges due to document complexity, shifting compliance standards, and regulatory reforms. Our team at Guanwutong bridges the gap between compliance and business agility.

Vietnam Customs Law and Institutional Framework

The core law governing customs procedures in Vietnam is Law No. 54/2014/QH13, which covers:

• Inspection of goods (quality, quantity, origin)
• Duty/tax obligations
• Regulatory permits (where applicable)

Key stakeholders include:

• General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC)
• Ministry of Industry and Trade
• Ministry of Health, Agriculture, and others for specific products

Vietnam operates the VNACCS/VCIS electronic customs system (Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System), which expedites declaration and customs risk assessments.

Required Documentation for Import/Export

To complete a customs declaration, importers/exporters must submit:

• Facture commerciale
• Liste de colisage
• Bill of Lading (Sea/Air/Express)
• Import/Export Contract
• Customs Declaration Form (via VNACCS)
• Certificate of Origin (if needed for tax exemptions)
• Licenses/Permits (for restricted goods)

For special cargo like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and electronics, additional certifications such as MSDS, Health Certificate, or Quarantine Certificate may be required.

Customs Clearance Workflow

Vietnam’s clearance process typically follows these steps:

For Imports:

1. Electronic Declaration via VNACCS
2. Document Assessment (system auto-classifies: Green, Yellow, or Red Lane)
   • Green Lane: No inspection; automatic clearance
   • Yellow Lane: Document check
   • Red Lane: Full inspection (document + physical)
3. Duty Payment
4. Customs Decision (Release or Detain)

For Exports:

1. Invoice + Export Contract submission
2. Classification by VNACCS
3. Inspection (if selected)
4. Exit clearance

Note: Clearance time varies by lane type: Green (<1 day), Yellow (~1–2 days), Red (3–5+ days).

Special Regimes: On-Spot Import/Export (OTS)

Vietnam allows On-Spot Exports where both seller and buyer are based in Vietnam but the goods are considered part of an international transaction.

Benefits include:

• 0% VAT for qualified exporters
• Simplified customs documents
• Avoidance of physical cross-border transport

Conditions:

• Must declare within 15 days
• Must submit two customs declarations
• Supporting documentation includes sales contract, invoice, and delivery record

At Guanwutong, we assist with accurate OTS execution to prevent VAT complications and ensure compliance with Circular 219/2013/TT-BTC.

Compliance Risks and Anti-Fraud Controls

Vietnamese Customs is tightening controls to prevent:

• Falsification of origin (e.g., Chinese goods misdeclared as Vietnamese)
• Undervaluation or misclassification
• Duty evasion

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect HS Codes
• Missing or incorrect documents
• Failure to declare within time limits

As your partner, Guanwutong ensures each declaration is reviewed for:

• HS Code accuracy
• Proper incoterm selection (e.g., FOB, CIF, DDP)
• Supporting documents matched with commercial practice

Guanwutong’s Custom Clearance Services in Vietnam

We offer:

• Full documentation handling (invoice, B/L, CO, license)
• VNACCS electronic submission & real-time tracking
• AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) privilege support
• On-spot export operations
• DDP/DAP customs and tax solutions
• In-country customs broker partnerships

With presence in key Vietnamese ports like Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and inland border crossings, our team delivers hands-on local support.

Tips to Expedite Customs Clearance

• Submit documents before cargo arrival to reduce lead times
• Verify that goods match declared HS codes and invoice data
• For new or complex cargo, pre-clear with customs
• Maintain clean transaction history for Green Lane eligibility
• Engage a local broker or 3PL early

Conclusion: Navigate Vietnamese Customs with Confidence

With growing trade flows between China and Vietnam, reliable and compliant clearance is essential. Shenzhen Guanwutong International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. is your one-stop logistics partner offering:

• Regulatory expertise
• Digital efficiency
• On-the-ground coordination

Let us help you minimize delays, reduce compliance risks, and optimize total landed costs. Contact us today for a consultation.