IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR COLLAGEN DRINKS
Collagen drinks may be treated as ordinary beverages, food supplements or health supplements depending on label claims, ingredients, dosage, product declaration and presentation. Wrong HS classification, missing product declaration, inconsistent labels or C/O errors may delay clearance and create DEM/DET exposure. This guide provides an E2E review map covering HS code, duties, food safety policy, customs documents, clearance workflow and pre-ETA risk controls.
QUICK FACT
| Item | Review point | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Collagen drink / collagen beauty drink / collagen supplement drink | Not automatically applicable to vitamins, minerals, probiotics, gummies or capsule/powder supplements. |
| Indicative HS | 2106.90.72; 2202.99.90; 2106.90.99 | Final classification depends on actual label, formula, claims and use. |
| Indicative duties | For 2106.90.72: MFN often reviewed at 15%, ordinary rate 22.5%; VAT should be checked at 10% or 8% if eligible | Rates must be verified against the tariff schedule on declaration date. |
| Food safety | Product declaration/registration and food safety import inspection may apply | Do not conclude exemption before reviewing the actual dossier. |
| Category IDs | EN 2788 | Final product-level category under IMPORT-EXPORT PROCEDURES BY PRODUCT. |
| Category IDs for posting | VI 2752 / EN 2788 / ZH 2790 | Final-level category under import-export procedures by product, not TTC/policy category. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This guide applies only to imported collagen drinks in ready-to-drink bottles/cans/shot packs or similar drinkable formats containing collagen peptide/hydrolyzed collagen, vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, sweeteners, flavors or other supporting ingredients. It does not automatically apply to collagen tablets, powders, gummies, cosmetics or ordinary beverages without health/beauty supplement claims. Goods for samples, market testing, EPE/FDI factories or non-commercial use may require separate review.
PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & IDENTIFICATION
Product nature
Identify whether the product is a food supplement/health supplement or an ordinary non-alcoholic beverage.
Formula review
Check collagen peptide, vitamin C, elastin, hyaluronic acid, biotin, zinc, sweeteners, preservatives and additives.
Packaging
Check unit volume, carton packing, lot number, shelf life and storage condition.
TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA
| Criteria | Documents | Risk | Suggested customs description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade name and claim | Label, catalogue, product declaration | Wrong policy/HS if described too generally | Collagen drink, ready-to-drink, containing collagen peptide, new 100% |
| Ingredients and dosage | Specification, COA, test report | Mismatch may trigger explanation request | Describe formula and package without medical treatment claims |
| Use instruction | Label and user instruction | Ready-to-drink versus dosage-based use affects classification | State ready-to-drink or recommended serving clearly |
| Product positioning and claims | Original label, marketing label, product declaration dossier, test report | If beauty/anti-aging/skin-hair-nail support claims are inconsistent, the product may be questioned under food safety review. | Collagen drink / collagen supplement drink, brand, volume, flavor, lot and expiry date. |
| Import purpose and trade status | Sales contract, PO, sample invoice, import purpose statement if needed | Samples, commercial goods and promotional sets may trigger different document requirements. | Collagen drink for commercial distribution / sample for product registration review. |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
| Indicative HS | Application condition | Indicative tax review | Risk | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2106.90.72 | Food supplement/health supplement collagen drink | MFN often reviewed at 15%; ordinary 22.5%; VAT 10% or 8% if eligible; FTA rate if valid C/O | May be challenged if product is an ordinary beverage | Label, declaration, formula, COA, test report |
| 2202.99.90 | Ordinary ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage | Check tariff on declaration date | Wrong if health supplement claim exists | Label, claim, formula, declaration |
| 2106.90.99 | Other food preparation not elsewhere specified | Check actual tariff and VAT | Wrong if product clearly falls under food supplement | Specification and declaration dossier |
C/O must match the correct form, origin criteria, description, HS code and transport route to support preferential tariff treatment.
SPECIALIZED MANAGEMENT POLICY
SPECIALIZED MANAGEMENT POLICY MATRIX
| Situation | Possible policy | Documents | Authority/portal | Timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health supplement collagen drink | Product registration declaration and import food safety inspection may apply | Receipt of product declaration, test result, label, COA | Vietnam Food Administration/MOH or assigned authority; NSW if applicable | Before ETA | Do not wait until cargo arrival |
| Ordinary beverage | Self-declaration and food safety inspection may apply | Self-declaration, test result, label | Local food safety authority/NSW | Before ETA | Claims may change classification |
| Beauty/health claims | Review advertisement and health supplement policy | Artwork, marketing materials | VFA/MOH | Before sale | Avoid disease treatment claims |
| Samples/testing goods | Separate customs and food safety review | Purpose letter, invoice, sample quantity | Customs/specialized authority | Before shipment | Samples are not automatically exempt |
| Goods imported for EPE/FDI/factory | Customs regime, actual use purpose, internal consumption/distribution review | Invoice, contract, import purpose, warehouse/delivery plan | Customs authority / relevant management body depending on use | Before shipment and declaration opening | Do not assume the same treatment as trading goods. |
| Gift set, mixed pack or bundled items | Separate classification/value/policy review for each component if needed | Packing list, catalogue, label, component list | Customs / specialized authority if applicable | Before booking and commercial invoice finalization | Bundled cups/spoons/accessories may affect description and value allocation. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document | Issuing body | Effective date | Role | Key point | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Law on Food Safety 55/2010/QH12 | National Assembly | From 01/07/2011 | General food safety framework | Food safety, traceability, business conditions | Check by product category |
| Decree | Decree 15/2018/ND-CP | Government | From 02/02/2018 | Product declaration and import food safety inspection | Registration/self-declaration and imported food inspection | Decree 46/2026/ND-CP is suspended under Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP |
| Circular | Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT | Ministry of Health | Check current effect | Functional food management reference | Food supplement/health supplement rules | Review with newer documents |
| Labeling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | 2017 / 2022 | Product and supplementary labeling | Mandatory label content | Claims and warnings are key |
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP; Decree 199/2025/ND-CP | Government | Check declaration date | MFN and ordinary tariff basis | HS 2106.90.72 / 2202.99.90 / 2106.90.99 | Do not finalize without current tariff review |
| VAT | VAT Law 48/2024/QH15; Decree 181/2025/ND-CP; Decree 174/2025/ND-CP | National Assembly/Government | By applicable period | VAT determination | 10% or reduced 8% if eligible | Check exclusion list and date |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should additionally check official legal databases or the issuing authority website before application.
Decree 15/2018/ND-CP
Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP
Decree 43/2017/ND-CP
Decree 111/2021/ND-CP
Decree 199/2025/ND-CP
CUSTOMS DOCUMENT DOSSIER
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract / Purchase Order, if any.
- Certificate of Origin – C/O, if claiming preferential duty.
- Catalogue, specification, label, product images and SKU/lot list.
Specialized dossier
- Product declaration registration receipt or self-declaration, depending on classification.
- Testing result, COA, health/free sale certificate if required.
- Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, formula and claim documents.
- Food safety inspection registration dossier if applicable.
OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST
| Dossier group | Documents | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, PL, B/L/AWB | Declaration and valuation | Importer/shipper/forwarder | Generic product name | Match quantity, origin, lot and expiry |
| Food safety | Declaration, test report, COA, label | Specialized inspection | Importer/compliance | Label-declaration mismatch | Lock label before shipment |
| Origin | C/O and transport documents | Preferential duty | Shipper/importer | Wrong form or HS | Review draft C/O |
| Labeling dossier | Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, label artwork, importer information | Domestic circulation and post-clearance compliance | Importer / label owner / compliance team | Missing warning, importer name, usage instruction, storage condition or origin | Compare label with declaration, test report, invoice and packaging photo. |
| Food safety dossier | Product declaration registration receipt/self-declaration, test report, COA and formula | Specialized inspection and circulation condition | Importer / product owner / testing laboratory | Test indicators do not match declared product nature | Lock dossier and testing scope before ETA. |
CLEARANCE DECISION POINTS
| Decision point | Question | Evidence | Consequence | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product nature | Food supplement or ordinary beverage? | Label, claim, declaration | Wrong HS/policy | Classify before booking |
| HS code | Why 2106.90.72 or 2202.99.90? | Formula, declaration, label | Tax adjustment or delay | Prepare HS memo |
| Declaration | Is declaration aligned with label? | Receipt/self-declaration/test | ATTP delay | Lock dossier before ETA |
| C/O | Correct form and route? | C/O, B/L, invoice | No preference | Review draft before issuance |
| Labeling | Vietnamese label sufficient? | Original and supplementary label | Post-clearance risk | Approve label before delivery |
PRACTICAL E2E WORKFLOW
Step 1
Pre-ETA review of HS, policy, duty, C/O, label and food safety dossier.
Step 2
Lock commercial documents and technical dossiers: invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, specification, label, COA, test report.
Step 3
Register/complete specialized food safety procedures if applicable before cargo arrival.
Step 4
Open customs declaration and handle Green/Yellow/Red channel questions.
Step 5
Clear cargo, deliver to warehouse, label if required and retain post-clearance records.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
Review label, claim, formula and declaration before booking.
Check form, HS, description and transport route before original issuance.
Compare original label, supplementary label and declaration.
Check safety and quality indicators in the test report.
Confirm shelf life, lot and temperature requirement before shipment.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does collagen drink need a license? | If it is a health supplement, a product declaration registration receipt is generally required before circulation; import food safety inspection may also apply. |
| Which HS should be used? | Review 2106.90.72 for food supplement/health supplement nature; review 2202.99.90 if it is an ordinary ready-to-drink beverage. |
| Is Vietnamese supplementary label required? | Yes, if imported goods are circulated in Viet Nam and the original label does not meet Vietnamese labeling requirements. |
| Can C/O reduce duty? | Yes, if C/O is valid, matches the goods and satisfies the relevant FTA rules. |
| Are sample goods exempt? | Do not assume exemption. Review import purpose, quantity, label and applicable policy. |
| What if label differs from declaration? | Correct the dossier before customs clearance or before domestic circulation. |
RELATED ARTICLES
TGIMEX EXECUTION SOLUTION
This guide provides a structured map for HS code, duties, documentation and specialized management policies applicable to collagen drinks. In actual shipments, however, each declaration must still be reviewed against the product label, formula, claim, test report, product declaration dossier, origin documents, Incoterms and import purpose.
TGIMEX can support enterprises with an E2E (End-to-End) import execution model: pre-ETA policy review, document control, international freight coordination, customs declaration, clearance handling, domestic delivery and post-clearance file retention. The service capability is supported by an agency network in more than 60 countries, memberships in WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA, and operating capacity across sea, air, road/rail, warehousing, customs, C/O and import permits.
Pre-ETA review
HS code, food safety policy, product declaration status, C/O, import duty, VAT, label, catalogue/specification, test report and model/SKU list.
Compliance dossier control
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, COA, test report, product declaration, label artwork and Vietnamese supplementary label before declaration.
Logistics & customs execution
Coordinate overseas agents, carriers/airlines, ETA updates, pre-alert, customs declaration, Green/Yellow/Red channel handling, delivery and file archiving.
For shipments that may involve specialized inspection, product declaration, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to start reviewing the dossier. A small mismatch among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue/specification, C/O, test report or product label may lead to document supplementation, delayed clearance or unplanned storage costs.
Operational reference only. Final application must be checked against current law, tariff schedules, specialized regulations and the actual shipment dossier at the time of declaration.
Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
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