Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR CONVENTIONAL PROCESSED FOOD
Conventional processed food may be delayed by incorrect HS classification, missing product self-declaration, inconsistent food-safety inspection documents, incomplete Vietnamese supplementary labeling or non-compliant C/O. This E2E guide helps enterprises review HS code, duties, C/O, food-safety documents, labeling and pre-ETA risks before shipment arrival. For the product covered in this article, the importer should confirm the model, intended use, construction or composition, new/used condition, and technical documents before concluding the HS code, tax treatment, or specialist policy. The following sections organize the main controls from document receipt, catalogue and label review through dossier preparation, declaration, and coordination at the port of entry.
| Item | Review direction |
|---|---|
| Scope | Prepackaged conventional processed food for food use; excluding health supplements, food for special medical purposes, food additives and alcoholic beverages. |
| Main reference HS | 2106.90.99 for other edible preparations; review 1905.90.90 if bakery/snack/flour, starch or cereal-based. |
| Reference duties | 2106.90.99: ordinary duty 22.5%, MFN 15%, VAT 8% or 10%. 1905.90.90: ordinary duty 30%, MFN 20%, VAT 8% or 10%. |
| Food-safety policy | Review product self-declaration, state food-safety inspection for imported goods and Vietnamese labeling requirements. |
| Important note | Do not apply this article to products with health claims, infant/special medical purpose, additives, quarantine-controlled animal/plant goods or separate sectoral policies. |
QUICK FACT
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
Applicable goods
This article applies to conventional processed food that is processed, prepackaged and used as food without health-protection or medical claims.
Variants not automatically covered
Health supplements, infant food, food for special medical purposes, additives, raw ingredients, fresh products, quarantine-controlled animal/plant goods and alcoholic beverages must be reviewed separately.
Shipment status
Commercial goods, samples, gifts, display goods, project cargo or EPE/FDI imports may require different dossier preparation.
Dossier principle
Review catalogue, specification, ingredient list, label artwork, product code, shelf life, country of origin and actual import purpose.
CLASSIFICATION & PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
For conventional processed food, identification focuses on ingredients, processing form, use, packing and target consumers. A generic Invoice description may cause wrong HS code, wrong food-safety dossier and labeling errors.
| Criteria to check | Documents to review | Risk if wrong | Suggested declaration description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product name and processing form | Catalogue, label artwork, specification, ingredient list | Wrong HS or food-safety policy | State product name with form, main ingredients, packing and food use |
| Ingredients | Ingredient list, COA, specification | Misclassified as additive, supplement or controlled product | Describe main ingredients and allergen warning if shown on label |
| Claims/use | Original label, marketing materials | Health claims may trigger registration dossier | Use ordinary food description only |
| Packing and shelf life | Packing List, labels, carton marks | Wrong quantity or labeling issue | State package type, net weight, carton quantity and shelf life |
HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O
HS classification depends on ingredients and processing. Review 2106.90.99 for other edible preparations; review 1905.90.90 if the product is bakery/snack/flour, starch or cereal-based.
| Reference HS code | Application condition | Risk if misclassified | Documents to review |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2106.90.99 | Other edible preparations not specifically classified elsewhere | Wrong duty, C/O and food-safety route | Ingredient list, specification, label, COA |
| 1905.90.90 | Bakery/snack/flour, starch or cereal-based preparations | Wrong tax and product description | Composition, process, label and commercial description |
| Proposed/reference HS | Ordinary import duty | MFN duty | VAT | Special preferential duty under C/O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2106.90.99 | 22.5% reference | 15% reference | 8% or 10% depending on policy at declaration date | Review FTA rate, possibly 0% if C/O and origin rules are valid |
| 1905.90.90 | 30% reference | 20% reference | 8% or 10% depending on policy at declaration date | Review FTA rate, possibly 0% if C/O and origin rules are valid |
| C/O item to review | Common risk | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| C/O form | Wrong form for the exporting market or applicable FTA | Cross-check exporting country, FTA, HS code, origin criteria and C/O form before shipment arrival |
| Goods description | Description on C/O differs from Invoice, Packing List or product label | Lock a consistent product description before the exporter applies for C/O |
| Origin criterion | Origin criterion does not match the relevant FTA rule of origin | Review the FTA product-specific rule, production process and supporting origin documents |
| Transport route and third-party invoice | Missing transport evidence or incorrect third-party invoice declaration | Check B/L/AWB, transit documents, third-party invoice statement and supporting records |
APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES
| Goods scenario | Potential policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal if identifiable | Timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepackaged conventional processed food | Self-declaration and state food-safety inspection for imports | Self-declaration, test report, original/supplementary labels | Food-safety authority / NSW if applicable | Before ETA | Late preparation may cause storage cost |
| Products with health or special nutrition claims | May require product registration or separate policy | Claims, ingredients, label, user group | Competent food-safety authority | Before PO | Do not apply this article to health supplements |
| Goods with animal/plant ingredients | May trigger quarantine or other sectoral controls | Ingredient origin, health/quarantine certificates | Relevant quarantine/specialized authority | Before booking | Missing certificates may hold the shipment |
| Samples/gifts/display goods | Purpose and quantity must be proven | Invoice, sample purpose letter, label | Customs and food-safety authority if required | Before declaration | Samples are not automatically exempt |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Name/number | Issuing authority | Effective timing | Role in procedure | Clause/appendix to note, if any | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Law on Food Safety 55/2010/QH12 | National Assembly | Review current validity | Legal foundation for food-safety management of imported food | Requirements on food safety conditions, inspection, declaration and labeling | Further review is required when the amended Food Safety Law takes effect |
| Decree | Decree 15/2018/ND-CP | Government | Effective 02/02/2018 | Product self-declaration, product registration, state inspection for imported food and food labeling | Chapters/sections on self-declaration, import inspection and labeling | Still a key basis to review while Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP suspends Decree 46/2026/ND-CP |
| Resolution | Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP | Government | Effective 06/04/2026 | Suspends Decree 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP | Article 1 on suspension of validity | Monitor replacement regulations when the amended Food Safety Law and new implementing decree take effect |
| Decree | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Decree 43 effective 01/06/2017; Decree 111 effective 15/02/2022 | Goods labeling and Vietnamese supplementary labels for imported goods circulated in Viet Nam | Mandatory label contents, supplementary label, origin, quantity and responsible organization information | Cross-check original label and supplementary label before clearance and before circulation |
| Specialized decision/list | Decision 1325A/QD-BCT | Ministry of Industry and Trade | Review applicable timing | List of goods with HS codes subject to specialized inspection under MOIT responsibility | HS list for food/beverage groups if applicable | Apply only if the goods fall under MOIT management scope |
| Tariff schedule | Current import tariff and FTA schedules | Government/Ministry of Finance | At customs declaration date | Determine ordinary import duty, MFN, VAT and preferential C/O duty | HS code, duty rate and C/O conditions | Must be rechecked at declaration date |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should cross-check on official legal databases or issuing authority websites before application.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
- C/O for preferential duty.
- Catalogue/specification, product photos and original label.
Food-safety and labeling dossiers
- Product self-declaration or appropriate product declaration dossier.
- Food-safety test report.
- Imported food inspection dossier if applicable.
- Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label and label translation.
- Health/quarantine certificate if required by ingredients or policy.
| Dossier group | Required documents | Used for | Usually prepared by | Common errors | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial documents | Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, Contract/PO | Customs declaration, value and quantity | Importer, exporter, forwarder | Mismatch in product name, quantity or Incoterms | Cross-check each line item |
| Product dossier | Specification, ingredient list, COA, label artwork | HS, food safety and labeling | Manufacturer, importer, compliance team | Inconsistent ingredients or translations | Lock final version before declaration |
| Food-safety dossier | Self-declaration, test report, import inspection records | Clearance and circulation | Importer, laboratory, legal team | Wrong test indicators or expired report | Check against product group |
| C/O | FTA C/O, transport documents, third-party invoice if any | Preferential duty | Exporter, importer | Wrong description/form/origin criterion | Review draft C/O before issuance |
KEY DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS code | Is it 2106, 1905 or another specific group? | Ingredients, specification, label | Query, amendment, extra duty | Prepare HS rationale before ETA |
| Self-declaration/registration | Is it ordinary food or special-claim product? | Label, claims, test report | Dossier supplementation | Review claims before import |
| Imported food inspection | Which inspection method applies? | Food-safety records | Longer clearance time | Prepare before ETA |
| Vietnamese label | Are mandatory items complete? | Original and supplementary labels | Circulation risk or correction request | Approve label before printing |
| C/O | Is it valid for FTA duty? | C/O, Invoice, B/L | Loss of preferential duty | Check draft C/O early |
PRACTICAL E2E WORKFLOW
Pre-ETA review
Finalize HS code, food-safety policy, duty, C/O, labels and inspection route.
Lock documents
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, ingredient list, labels and C/O.
Prepare food-safety dossier
Complete self-declaration, test report and imported food inspection documents if applicable.
Customs declaration
Handle Green/Yellow/Red channel and explanations for HS, value, origin and food-safety policy.
Clearance and post-clearance
Deliver to warehouse, complete supplementary labels, archive shipment dossier and prepare explanations if required.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA control | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic product name | Wrong HS/policy | Describe product nature, ingredients and packing | Invoice, label, specification |
| Missing self-declaration | Delayed clearance/circulation | Complete self-declaration and test report early | Self-declaration, test report |
| Incomplete supplementary label | Circulation risk | Review Vietnamese label before arrival | Original label, supplementary label |
| Invalid C/O | Loss of duty preference | Check draft C/O before issuance | C/O, Invoice, B/L |
| Special ingredients | Additional quarantine or registration | Review ingredient list and claims | Ingredient list, COA, claims |
FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS
Does conventional processed food need an import permit?
Do not answer solely by product name. Usually, self-declaration, imported food inspection and labeling must be reviewed; special claims or ingredients may change the policy.
Is product self-declaration required?
Prepackaged conventional food usually requires review under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. Ingredients and claims must be checked.
Does C/O reduce duty?
Yes, if the C/O form, origin criterion, product description and HS code are valid for the applicable FTA.
When should Vietnamese supplementary label be prepared?
Before arrival, so the label is consistent with the original label, self-declaration and test report.
Are samples treated the same as commercial goods?
Not always. Purpose, quantity and food-safety requirements should still be reviewed.
What if Invoice name differs from the label?
Review and correct documents before customs declaration or prepare a reasonable explanation.
NEED TO REVIEW IMPORT PROCEDURES OR A SHIPPING PLAN?
Send us the product name, shipping route, current dossier, or implementation request in advance so we can suggest a suitable approach that is practical, focused, and aligned with your shipment.
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