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IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR FORKS AND TABLE KNIVES
Forks and table knives may look like a simple commodity, but import clearance can be delayed when the product is described too broadly as “cutlery”, when table knives are confused with kitchen or utility knives, when the food-contact material is not identified, or when the self-declaration dossier and migration test report are not available before ETA. 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.
If the dossier is not controlled early, customs may request HS classification explanations, food-contact safety documents, product self-declaration, Vietnamese labeling, C/O clarification or physical inspection. These issues can generate storage charges, DEM/DET and delayed delivery to retailers, hotels, restaurants or F&B projects.
This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) roadmap for importers to review HS code, import duty, VAT, C/O, food safety policy, customs documents and pre-ETA risks before the shipment arrives.
QUICK FACT
| Quick review item | Application to forks and table knives | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Table knives and forks in direct contact with food | Not automatically applicable to kitchen knives, utility knives, multi-purpose knives or specialized knives. |
| Policy group | Food-contact utensils/materials | The key dossier is product self-declaration, material-based testing and import labeling. |
| Reference HS codes | 8211.91.00 / 8215.20.00 / 8215.99.00; other materials may fall under 3924.10.90 or 4419.19.00 | Review material, function, set/single-piece packaging and actual product photos. |
| Key dossier | Self-declaration, test report, catalogue/photos, material declaration, original/Vietnamese labels and C/O if preferential duty is claimed | Lock the dossier before ETA to avoid post-arrival document supplements. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This guide applies to forks and table knives for eating purposes, including stainless-steel table knives, dining forks, retail cutlery sets and table cutlery supplied to restaurants, hotels, catering businesses and F&B operators.
- Stainless-steel table knives and dining forks.
- Base-metal cutlery sets packed for retail or catering use.
- Disposable or reusable plastic forks/table knives.
- Bamboo/wooden forks or table knives for food service.
- Kitchen knives, chef knives, chopping knives and utility knives.
- Folding, hunting, diving or multi-purpose knives.
- Sets bundled with containers, cups, trays, straws, films or electric appliances.
- Used goods, samples, promotional goods or project cargo with special import purposes.
Review by catalogue, material declaration, SKU/model, product photos, labels and actual import purpose. Do not apply one policy conclusion to all cutlery variants.
CLASSIFICATION & PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Product identification should separate four layers: function, food-contact material, packing mode and intended use. The same commercial name “cutlery” may lead to different HS codes and different food-contact safety requirements.
| Criteria to check | Documents to cross-check | Risk if misdescribed | Suggested description on documents/declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main function | Catalogue, product photo, PO, manufacturer description | Confusion with kitchen knives or specialized knives; HS/policy explanation may be requested | “Stainless-steel table knife for direct food contact, new 100%” or “stainless-steel dining fork…” |
| Food-contact material | Test report, material declaration, COA, original label | Wrong QCVN applied; missing migration/heavy metal indicators | State stainless steel grade, PP/PS/CPLA plastic, bamboo/wood or coating if any |
| Packed as a set or individual items | Packing List, SKU, barcode, carton marking | Wrong split between 8215.20 sets and 8215.99 individual forks/similar articles | “Cutlery set including 1 knife + 1 fork” or “forks, not in set” |
| Coating, plating or printing | Catalogue, migration test report, coating/MSDS if available | Inadequate safety testing or unsupported food-contact claim | Describe coating, color and food-contact surface |
| Condition and purpose | Invoice, contract, photos, end-use explanation | Used/sample/project goods may trigger different documentation | Declare new goods, samples or project cargo accurately |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
HS classification must be based on material, function, construction and packing. Metal table knives may fall under heading 8211, while forks and assorted cutlery sets may fall under heading 8215. Plastic or bamboo/wooden cutlery may move to Chapter 39 or Chapter 44.
| Reference HS code | Application conditions | Risk of wrong classification | Documents to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8211.91.00 | Table knives with fixed blades; not kitchen/utility/specialized knives | Wrong policy/duty if classified as kitchen or utility knives | Catalogue, product photo, blade size, end-use description |
| 8215.20.00 | Other assorted sets in the spoon/fork/tableware group | Wrong unit and duty if a set is declared as individual pieces | Packing List, SKU set, retail packing photo |
| 8215.99.00 | Other forks or similar kitchen/tableware articles of base metal | Confusion with 8211 table knives or 8215.20 sets | Catalogue, material and function description |
| 3924.10.90 | Plastic tableware/kitchenware, other than melamine 3924.10.10 | Wrong chapter if treated as metal cutlery | Material declaration, test report, labels |
| 4419.19.00 | Bamboo tableware/kitchenware, other than chopping boards/chopsticks | Possible missing plant/fumigation review if applicable | Material, surface treatment, fumigation/plant documents if any |
| Scenario | Reference ordinary duty | Reference MFN duty | Reference VAT | FTA/C/O review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal table knife 8211.91.00 | 7.5% if 150% MFN principle applies and no specific ordinary rate is provided | 5% | 10%; do not apply 8% by default. For metal cutlery, check the VAT reduction exclusion appendices, especially metal product categories and the actual HS code | Review ATIGA, ACFTA, AKFTA/VKFTA, AJCEP/VJEPA/CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, RCEP by HS and origin |
| Metal forks/cutlery sets 8215.20.00 / 8215.99.00 | 37.5% if 150% MFN principle applies | 25% | 10%; only review 8% if the goods are outside the exclusion appendices and the reduction policy remains effective at declaration time | Certain FTAs may reduce the rate significantly, including to 0%, subject to valid C/O and direct transport |
| Plastic cutlery 3924.10.90 | 33% if 150% MFN principle applies | 22% | 10%; only review 8% if the goods are outside the exclusion appendices and the reduction policy remains effective | Review FTA schedule by HS, origin and year |
| Bamboo/wooden cutlery 4419.19.00 | 37.5% if 150% MFN principle applies | 25% | 10%; only review 8% if the goods are outside the exclusion appendices and the reduction policy remains effective | Preferential rate requires valid origin criteria and C/O |
APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES
| Goods scenario | Potential policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal if identifiable | Recommended timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal food-contact cutlery | Product self-declaration under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP; QCVN 12-3:2011/BYT review | Self-declaration, test report, catalogue, label, material declaration | Local food safety authority / assigned provincial authority; customs at import stage | Before ETA and before the first commercial import | Wrong or missing test report may delay clearance or market circulation |
| Plastic cutlery | Self-declaration; QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT review for synthetic resin food-contact articles | Migration test report, plastic type, catalogue, label | Food safety authority and customs | Before import | Melamine, PP/PS or compostable materials require proper indicators |
| Bamboo/wooden cutlery | Self-declaration; review plant quarantine/fumigation if applicable | Material documents, surface treatment, phytosanitary/fumigation if any | Plant quarantine authority if triggered; customs | Before shipment | Do not assume exemption when plant-based material is unclear |
| Goods for retail sale | Vietnamese labeling under Decree 43/2017 and Decree 111/2021 | Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, warning/use instruction | Customs, market surveillance, food safety authorities | Before clearance and before market circulation | Label discrepancies may trigger correction or penalty |
| Samples, testing goods or project goods | Different handling may apply depending on quantity and sale intention | Purpose letter, project contract, catalogue, commitment if any | Customs; specialized authority if required | Before declaration | If later sold in Vietnam, circulation dossier must be completed |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document name/number | Issuing authority | Effective/application timing | Role in procedure | Key articles/appendices if any | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Law on Food Safety No. 55/2010/QH12 | National Assembly | Effective from 01/07/2011 | Legal foundation for food safety management | General food safety principles and product circulation obligations | Check amendments at application time |
| Decree | Decree 15/2018/ND-CP | Government | Effective from 02/02/2018 | Self-declaration, import food safety inspection and labeling | Article 4 on self-declaration; import inspection chapter | Currently used as the main framework while Decree 46/2026 is suspended |
| Resolution | Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP | Government | Effective from 06/04/2026 | Suspends Decree 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP | Article 1 on suspension | Monitor amended Food Safety Law and new implementing decree |
| Circular/QCVN | Circular 34/2011/TT-BYT; QCVN 12-1, 12-2, 12-3 | Ministry of Health | Effective from 01/03/2012 | Food-contact safety requirements for plastic, rubber and metal articles | QCVN 12-3 is central for metal cutlery | Apply by actual material |
| Labeling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Decree 111 amends Decree 43 | Imported goods labeling and Vietnamese supplementary label | Product name, origin, responsible party, warnings if any | Label must match dossier and goods |
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP and Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg | Government / Prime Minister | Effective from 15/07/2023 | MFN tariff and ordinary import duty principles | Chapter 39, 44 and 82 depending on product | Check amendments at declaration time |
| VAT | Decree 174/2025/ND-CP | Government | 01/07/2025–31/12/2026 | VAT reduction policy | Exclusion appendices | Do not apply 8% without checking the exclusion appendices; metal cutlery must be checked carefully against metal product categories and the actual HS code |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should verify documents by number on the Government legal document portal, official portals of issuing authorities or other official databases before application.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOSSIER
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract or Purchase Order, if any.
- C/O if preferential duty is claimed.
- Catalogue, product photos and SKU/model list.
- Product self-declaration.
- Food-contact test report by material.
- Material declaration/COA if available.
- Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label.
- Plant/fumigation documents for bamboo/wood if triggered.
| Dossier group | Required documents | Used for which step | Usually prepared by | Common errors | How to check before ETA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, contract/PO | Customs declaration, value, quantity and Incoterms | Importer, shipper, forwarder | Unclear material and quantity by set/piece | Cross-check every SKU against catalogue |
| Technical | Catalogue, product photos, material declaration | HS and QCVN review | Manufacturer, buyer, compliance team | Only “cutlery” is stated with no material | Request photos, material and intended use |
| Food safety | Self-declaration, test report, product standard if any | Specialized inspection/market circulation | Importer and testing lab | Testing wrong material or missing indicators | Check sample name, material and lab scope |
| C/O | Applicable C/O form by origin | Preferential duty claim | Exporter/shipper | Wrong HS or goods description | Review C/O draft before issuance |
| Labeling | Original label, Vietnamese label, barcode, warnings | Clearance and market circulation | Importer/distributor | Missing origin, responsible party or material warning | Approve label before shipment |
DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question to answer | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS code | Is it table knife 8211, cutlery set 8215, plastic 3924 or wooden 4419? | Catalogue, photos, material, packing list | Reclassification request or tax adjustment | Confirm HS by SKU before ETA |
| Self-declaration | Will the goods be circulated in Vietnam? | Self-declaration and test report | Insufficient food safety dossier | Prepare dossier before commercial import |
| Material/QCVN | Metal, plastic, bamboo/wood or coated material? | Material declaration, test report | Wrong safety indicators | Group by food-contact surface |
| Labeling | Is the Vietnamese label complete and consistent? | Artwork, original label photo | Correction/penalty risk | Approve label before arrival |
| C/O | Correct form, HS, origin criterion and route? | C/O, B/L, invoice, packing list | Preferential duty rejected | Pre-check C/O draft |
| Special knife features | Is it truly table cutlery? | Detailed photos, size, technical description | Additional policy review | Separate special items from the shipment |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Confirm HS, food safety policy, self-declaration, test report, QCVN, label, VAT and C/O before arrival.
Finalize Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, photos, SKU list, material and packing mode.
For commercial circulation, prepare the self-declaration, proper test report and Vietnamese label.
Green channel allows conditional clearance; Yellow checks documents; Red checks documents and physical goods. HS, value, material, C/O, self-declaration and labels are key questions.
Receive cargo, check labels, retain declaration/test/C/O files and prepare explanations for post-clearance review.
Before sale, ensure actual goods match the self-declaration, label and test report.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA control | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic description “cutlery” | Wrong HS/QCVN/policy questions | State material, set/individual item and food-contact purpose | Invoice, Packing List, catalogue |
| Missing self-declaration/test report | Insufficient dossier for clearance/circulation | Prepare before commercial import | Self-declaration, test report |
| Test report does not match material | Retesting and delay | Separate samples by metal/plastic/bamboo/coating | Test report, material declaration |
| C/O mismatch | Preferential duty denied | Review C/O draft | C/O, invoice, B/L |
| Incomplete Vietnamese label | Correction/penalty risk | Approve label before arrival | Artwork and original label |
| Item is not table cutlery | Additional policy review | Review photos, size and function | Catalogue and technical description |
FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS
Do not conclude absolutely. For ordinary food-contact table cutlery, the key dossier is usually self-declaration, test report and labeling; special knives must be reviewed separately.
If the product is a food-contact utensil/material placed on the Vietnamese market, self-declaration under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP should be reviewed.
QCVN 12-3:2011/BYT is the key regulation for metal food-contact utensils. Plastic, rubber, glass/ceramic or coated items require separate review.
Yes, subject to the relevant FTA schedule, valid C/O, HS code, origin criterion and direct transport rules.
No. HS code, QCVN, test indicators and material documents can differ.
It depends on quantity, purpose and whether the goods will be sold in Vietnam. Declare the purpose accurately.
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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