Importing Supplements and Cosmetics into Vietnam: Customs Clearance Guide

Importing health supplements and cosmetics into Vietnam is straightforward once the products are registered and the documents are in order. Most delays come from missing registrations, mismatched documents or labels. This guide explains what to prepare before shipping, how clearance works for each product group, and how duties and VAT apply. It reflects the rules in force in November 2026 and our experience as an importer of record; it is not legal advice.

Before the first shipment

• Health supplements: the product declaration must be registered and a registration receipt issued by the Vietnam Food Administration under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. The dossier includes a Certificate of Free Sale, a test report issued within the last 12 months, the GMP certificate of the factory and supporting evidence. See our guide to registering food supplements.
• Cosmetics: each product needs a notification receipt number from the Drug Administration of Vietnam, issued online through the system linked to the National Single Window. See our cosmetic notification guide.
• Importer of record: registration and import must be done by a company registered in Vietnam.

Food safety inspection for supplements

Under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, products that already hold a registration receipt for their product declaration are exempt from state food safety inspection at import, unless a food safety warning applies. In practice, registered health supplements are cleared on documents. Other food products that are not exempt go through one of three inspection methods:

Decree 46/2026/ND-CP, which would change these rules, has been suspended, so Decree 15/2018/ND-CP still applies.

Cosmetics at the border

Cosmetics are not subject to quality inspection at the border. The importer presents the valid notification number with the customs declaration. Control happens after the products are on the market, and the Drug Administration of Vietnam can revoke notification numbers for products that do not comply.

Customs documents

• customs declaration filed on the VNACCS system;
• commercial invoice and packing list;
• bill of lading or air waybill;
• sales contract;
• certificate of origin, if you want to use preferential duty;
• supplements: the registration receipt of the product declaration;
• cosmetics: the notification receipt number.

Product names, quantities and manufacturer details must match across the invoice, packing list, registration and labels. The original label must show the product name, origin and manufacturer; the Vietnamese sub-label is added before the goods go on sale (see our labelling guide).

HS codes, duties and VAT

• HS codes: supplements are often classified under heading 2106.90 (food preparations), but some vitamin products may fall under other headings. Cosmetics typically fall under 3304 (skin care and make-up), 3305 (hair care), 3307 (other toiletries) or 3401 (soap). Check classification for each product.
• Import duty: depends on the HS code and origin. With a valid certificate of origin, goods from the EU (EVFTA), ASEAN (ATIGA), Korea (VKFTA) or CPTPP and RCEP partners can benefit from reduced or zero duty.
• VAT: the standard rate is 10%. A temporary reduction to 8% applies to many goods until 31 December 2026; check whether it applies to your products and whether it is extended.

Common causes of delay

• Shipping before the registration receipt or notification number is issued.
• Product names on the invoice that differ from the registration.
• Missing or late certificate of origin, losing preferential duty.
• Labels that do not show origin or manufacturer details.

How Hoang Bao Minh Vietnam can help

We act as importer of record for supplement and cosmetic brands: we register the products, check documents before shipping, clear customs, apply Vietnamese sub-labels and deliver to warehouses and sales channels. Request a market assessment or read about our import and distribution services.

Frequently asked questions

Do registered supplements need food safety inspection at import?

No, in most cases. Products with a registration receipt for their product declaration are exempt under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, unless a food safety warning applies.

Can a foreign brand import directly into Vietnam?

No. Registration and import must be done by a company registered in Vietnam, which acts as importer of record.

How long does customs clearance take?

With complete documents and registered products, clearance usually takes a few working days. Delays mostly come from document mismatches.

Need an importer? See our importer of record service.

Last reviewed: November 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.