Seasoning products are often treated as simple food items, but a mismatch between the invoice, original label, ingredient list and test report may lead to additional food-safety documents, HS code review or supplementary labeling requirements. If the dossier is reviewed only at ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), the shipment may incur storage, DEM/DET charges, distribution delays and late product self-declaration. This guide provides an E2E (End-to-End) compliance map covering HS code, import duties, C/O, product self-declaration, state food-safety inspection, labeling and pre-arrival document control.

QUICK FACT

Item	Suggested approach for conventional processed seasoning	Operational note
Commodity description	Mixed seasoning, seasoning powder, seasoning cube/tablet or seasoning mix for food use, packed for retail or for food processing.	Avoid vague descriptions such as “food powder” or “ingredient” when the composition and use clearly show a seasoning product.
Suggested HS code	2103.90.29 – Mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, other.	Applicable when the product is a mixed seasoning or seasoning preparation. Other HS codes may apply to sauces, single spices or additives.
Suggested taxes	Ordinary import duty 45%; MFN duty 30%; VAT 8% if eligible for the VAT reduction policy until 31 December 2026; re-check 10% if the policy expires or the goods are excluded; FTA duty may be 0% with valid origin proof.	Rates must be checked against the tariff schedule and VAT rules on the customs declaration date.
Main compliance requirements	Product self-declaration; state/specialized food-safety inspection for imported food where triggered by HS code, ingredients and use purpose; Vietnamese supplementary labeling.	Review under Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, the current specialized inspection lists and the actual SKU dossier.
Key risks	Wrong HS classification between mixed seasoning, sauce, food additive and raw plant spice; missing self-declaration; inadequate testing scope; incomplete supplementary label.	Review based on specification, ingredient list, label artwork, COA and import purpose.

Legal note: This article applies to conventional processed seasoning products. It should not be automatically applied to standalone food additives, food flavorings, unprocessed agricultural spices, dipping sauces, products with unclear meat/seafood content, health supplements or infant/young-child products. Review the actual specification, original label, composition, SKU and import purpose.

Illustration for Import procedure guide for conventional processed seasoning products — Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Applicable products

Mixed seasoning, seasoning powder, mixed soup seasoning, seasoning cubes/tablets and seasoning mix used for noodles, snacks or processed foods.
Retail packs or bulk packs used as ordinary food-processing ingredients.
New goods with shelf life, original label, ingredient declaration, use instructions and manufacturer information.

Not automatically covered

Single spices such as pepper, cinnamon, dried chili, turmeric or cumin that are not mixed may fall under Chapter 09 and may trigger plant quarantine.
Sauces and dipping condiments such as chili sauce, fish sauce or soy sauce may fall under other subheadings of 2103.
Standalone food additives or flavorings must be reviewed under food-additive rules and intended use.

PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & IDENTIFICATION

The decisive point is not the commercial name but the product nature: whether it is a mixed seasoning for food use, or a single raw spice, sauce, additive or another edible preparation.

Checkpoint	Documents to review	Risk if described incorrectly	Suggested customs description
Product form	Original label, specification, product images	Confusion between seasoning powder, cube/tablet, sauce or food additive.	Mixed seasoning in powder/cube form, for food use, composition…, packing…, brand new.
Composition	Ingredient list, COA, MSDS if any, declaration formula	Additives or flavor enhancers may not be covered by the test report.	Describe as “seasoning mix” and list key ingredients where appropriate.
Intended use	Catalogue, use instructions, product label	May be questioned as an industrial ingredient/additive/not ready for food circulation.	For seasoning/cooking/food processing; not for pharmaceutical or animal-feed use.
Goods condition	Invoice, Packing List, label, shelf life	Near-expiry or unclear expiry information may trigger explanation.	Show batch/lot, manufacturing date and expiry date when available.
Label language	Original label artwork and Vietnamese supplementary label	Missing ingredients, quantity, storage conditions, allergen warnings or responsible party.	Prepare supplementary label before ETA and align it with the self-declaration.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O

For ordinary mixed seasoning or mixed soup seasoning, the main HS review usually falls under heading 2103. The suggested code for “other” mixed seasonings is 2103.90.29. If the product is actually a sauce, shrimp paste, single unmixed spice, soup preparation or food additive, another HS code may apply.

Suggested HS code	Condition of application	Risk of wrong classification	Documents to review
2103.90.29	Mixed condiments and mixed seasonings, other; powder/cube/mixed seasoning for food use.	Wrong duty, wrong food-safety procedure and customs challenge on product nature.	Ingredient list, specification, original label, COA, self-declaration and product images.
2103.90.11 / 2103.90.13 / 2103.90.19	Review only if the product is chili sauce, other sauce or sauce preparation.	Misclassifying powder seasoning as sauce or vice versa.	Product form, viscosity, use instructions and ingredients.
Chapter 09	Review if the product is a single plant spice/herb/seed/fruit that is not mixed or only minimally processed.	Potential plant-quarantine implications and completely different HS code.	Botanical name, processing level, phytosanitary certificate and label.
2106 / other headings	Review if the product is another edible preparation not characterized as a mixed seasoning.	Wrong product nature and wrong self-declaration/testing scope.	Catalogue, main function, ingredients and use method.

SUGGESTED TAX TABLE

Tax item	Suggested rate	Condition	Documents to review	Risk note
Ordinary import duty	45%	Applied where MFN or special preferential treatment is not available.	Declaration, origin, tariff schedule on declaration date.	Recheck if the tariff changes.
MFN import duty	30%	Applicable to goods from countries/territories eligible for MFN treatment.	Invoice, origin evidence, transport documents.	MFN rate for 2103.90.29 must be confirmed at declaration date.
VAT	8%	Applicable if the product is eligible for the VAT reduction policy until 31 December 2026.	HS code, goods description, VAT tariff and Decree No. 174/2025/ND-CP.	If the VAT reduction expires or the goods are excluded, the rate may need to be reviewed at 10%.
Special preferential FTA duty	May be 0%	Only if origin criteria are met and valid C/O/origin proof is available.	C/O Form E, D, AK, AJ, VJ, CPTPP, RCEP etc.	Wrong form, origin criterion, goods description or HS code may lead to denial of preference.

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Goods scenario	Potential policy	Documents to check	Authority/portal if identifiable	Recommended timing	Risk note
Conventional processed packaged seasoning	Product self-declaration and state/specialized food-safety inspection for imported food where triggered by HS code, ingredients and use purpose.	Self-declaration, test report, label, Invoice, Packing List and ingredient description.	Local receiving authority; designated state inspection body/NSW or assigned specialized authority where applicable.	Before ETA, ideally before shipment departs.	Product name in declaration must match label and commercial documents; check specialized-inspection alerts by HS code in the customs system.
Seasoning containing additives, flavor enhancers or preservatives	Review food-additive list, usage level and testing scope.	Ingredient list, COA, test report, additive regulations.	Vietnam Food Administration/Ministry of Health or relevant authority depending on case.	Before PO and label approval.	Standalone additive imports are not treated as ordinary seasoning.
Minimally processed plant-origin spices	Potential plant quarantine or agricultural control.	Phytosanitary certificate, raw material description, processing method.	Plant quarantine authority if applicable.	Before booking.	Distinguish mixed seasoning from agricultural spice raw materials.
Seasoning with meat/seafood/animal extracts	Potentially stricter food-safety or certificate requirements.	Health certificate, ingredient list, processing level, export-country certificate.	Responsible food import inspection authority under Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP.	Before ETA.	Do not conclude no quarantine/certificate requirement until composition and processing level are clear.
Samples, R&D goods or non-commercial goods	May be reviewed by purpose, quantity and use, while food-safety control may still apply.	PO, import purpose, quantity, label, internal-use commitment if any.	Customs and specialized authority.	Before customs declaration.	“Sample” status does not automatically remove food-safety obligations.
Goods for EPE/FDI/manufacturing plant	Policy depends on use: internal production, export processing or domestic circulation.	Contract, BOM, usage plan and warehouse records.	Customs office managing the EPE/FDI entity; food authority if released domestically.	Before choosing customs regime.	Wrong import purpose may affect declaration, food-safety inspection and post-clearance control.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Effective period	Role in import procedure	Key articles/annexes	Review note
Law	Law on Food Safety No. 55/2010/QH12	National Assembly	Effective from 01 July 2011	Framework for food-safety obligations and traceability.	Rights and obligations of food traders.	Review according to food type and importer role.
Decree	Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP	Government	Effective from 02 February 2018	Product self-declaration, state food-safety inspection and labeling of food.	Articles 4–5; Articles 13, 18, 19.	Core document for conventional processed seasoning.
Decree	Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP	Government	Issued on 15 May 2018	Foreign trade management framework.	Annexes on restricted/conditional goods where relevant.	Do not treat ordinary customs clearance as sufficient without food-safety review.
Decree	Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree No. 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	01 June 2017; amendment effective 15 February 2022	Product labeling and Vietnamese supplementary labeling.	Import labeling and mandatory label contents.	Review original label, supplementary label, origin, shelf life and responsible party.
Decree	Decree No. 174/2025/ND-CP	Government	01 July 2025 to 31 December 2026	VAT reduction policy from 10% to 8% for eligible goods/services.	Article 1 on scope and rate reduction.	Recheck if declaring after 31 December 2026 or if VAT policy changes.
Circular	Circular No. 01/2024/TT-BNNPTNT	Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development	Effective from 20 March 2024	HS-code list for goods under agricultural management and goods subject to specialized inspection in the agriculture sector.	Appendix on imported goods subject to specialized inspection before customs clearance.	Review where the SKU has plant/animal-origin ingredients or where the customs system triggers specialized inspection by HS code and ingredients.
Circular	Circular No. 24/2019/TT-BYT	Ministry of Health	Effective from 16 October 2019	Management and use of food additives.	Permitted additive lists and conditions of use.	Relevant when the seasoning contains additives, flavor enhancers or preservatives.
QCVN/TCVN	QCVN 8-2:2011/BYT and other food-safety standards	Ministry of Health/competent authorities	As per each standard	Contaminant limits, heavy metals and applicable safety criteria.	Testing scope must match the product nature.	Do not use a generic testing package without checking ingredients.
Tariff	Import tariff, VAT and FTA tariff at declaration date	Ministry of Finance/Government	By period	Determine import duty, VAT and preferential treatment.	HS 2103.90.29 and related codes.	Do not finalize tax without checking the declaration date.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Enterprises may search official documents by number on the government legal document portal or the website of the issuing authority. Enterprises should cross-check the effective legal text before application.

Decree 15/2018/ND-CP Decree 43/2017/ND-CP Decree 111/2021/ND-CP Decree 174/2025/ND-CP Circular 01/2024/TT-BNNPTNT

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
C/O if preferential duty is claimed.
Catalogue/specification, original label, product images and ingredient list.

Specialized food-safety documents

Product self-declaration.
Food-safety test report within the required validity.
Imported food inspection registration if applicable.
Notice of imported food meeting requirements.
Vietnamese supplementary label and composition dossier.
Additional quarantine/health certificate if actual composition triggers such requirement.

OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Document group	Required documents	Used for	Usually prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial documents	Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, contract/PO	Declaration, value and quantity check	Importer, shipper, forwarder	Vague product name or missing specification	Compare product name with label, specification and self-declaration.
HS and tax file	HS analysis, images, composition and use	Customs declaration and explanation	Docs/Ops and customs advisor	Applying 2103.90.29 to goods that are not mixed seasoning	Freeze the product description before pre-alert.
Food-safety file	Self-declaration, test report, import inspection file	Product declaration and imported food inspection	Importer/QA/Compliance	Testing scope not matching product type	Check test parameters against ingredients and relevant standards.
Labeling file	Original label, supplementary label, artwork, shelf life, lot	Market circulation and physical inspection	Importer/Marketing/QA	Missing ingredients, allergen warning or storage instruction	Approve supplementary label before ETA.
C/O	Original/electronic C/O, transport documents, invoice, packing list	Special preferential duty claim	Shipper and importer	Wrong form, HS, description or third-party invoice declaration	Check C/O draft before ETD/ETA.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point	Question to answer	Supporting evidence	Consequence if unclear	Recommended handling
Product nature	Is it mixed seasoning, sauce, additive or single spice?	Ingredient list, specification, label, images	Wrong HS and wrong specialized policy	Classify by composition and use before finalizing documents.
Self-declaration	Is there a self-declaration matching the SKU/name?	Self-declaration and test report	Insufficient food-safety/import inspection dossier	Prepare declaration before ETA.
Testing scope	Are test parameters appropriate for this seasoning?	Test report and applicable standards	Retesting or delayed clearance	Define testing scope from ingredients and product type.
Supplementary label	Does the Vietnamese label contain all mandatory information?	Original label and supplementary label artwork	Corrective labeling before circulation	Compliance review before arrival.
C/O	Are the form, origin criteria, goods description and HS code correct?	Draft/final C/O, invoice and transport document	FTA preference may be rejected	Review the C/O draft before issuance.
Import purpose	Is the product for sale, internal production or export processing?	Contract, PO and usage plan	Wrong customs regime and wrong compliance route	Confirm import purpose before declaration.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Pre-ETA review: confirm product nature, HS code, duty, VAT, C/O, self-declaration, food-safety inspection, supplementary label and possible quarantine triggers.

Lock documents and technical files: align product name, SKU, ingredients, quantity, lot/batch and shelf life across invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, label, specification and self-declaration.

Prepare food-safety file: complete self-declaration, testing report and import inspection registration where applicable; identify the handling portal/authority.

Submit customs declaration: declare correct HS, customs value, origin and description; prepare explanation for document/physical inspection.

Clearance and post-clearance control: submit inspection notice if applicable, arrange delivery, complete supplementary labeling, archive shipment records and prepare for post-clearance review.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Risk	Consequence	Pre-ETA prevention	Documents to check
Incorrect C/O form, origin criterion or description	FTA duty rejected and duty cost increased	Review C/O draft before issuance	C/O, invoice, packing list, B/L
Product name mismatch across documents, label and self-declaration	Additional food-safety explanation or amendment	Freeze naming convention per SKU	Self-declaration, label, invoice, specification
Missing or inadequate test report	Insufficient self-declaration/import inspection file	Define product-specific test parameters	Test report, standards, ingredient list
Wrong HS between mixed seasoning, sauce, additive and single spice	Wrong duty and policy route	Review product nature before booking	Specification, images, original label
Incomplete supplementary label	Label correction and circulation delay	Approve label artwork before ETA	Original label, supplementary label, label regulations
Unclear plant/animal-origin ingredients	Unexpected quarantine/certificate requirement	Request detailed ingredient statement from supplier	Ingredient list and certificates if applicable

FAQ

Does imported seasoning require an import license?

Conventional processed seasoning is not normally treated as a product requiring a separate import license, but food self-declaration, imported food inspection and labeling must be reviewed. Do not conclude “no license” before checking the actual composition and purpose.

Is product self-declaration required?

Yes, if it is ordinary processed food circulated in Vietnam and not subject to product declaration registration. The dossier must match the label, composition and test report.

Is food-safety inspection required at import?

It may be required. Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP provides reduced, normal and strict inspection methods. The applicable method depends on shipment history, warnings and product dossier.

Does HS 2103.90.29 cover all seasonings?

No. It is suitable for mixed seasoning/mixed soup seasoning, other. Single spices, sauces, shrimp paste, food additives or soup preparations may fall under other codes.

Is VAT 8% or 10%?

During the VAT reduction period ending 31 December 2026, HS 2103.90.29 is being referenced at 8% if eligible. Check the VAT policy on the declaration date.

Do seasoning samples require food-safety documents?

It depends on purpose, quantity and use. If the sample is tasted, tested by consumers or circulated, food-safety compliance still needs review.

Note: This content is for operational guidance and does not replace official legal advice. Enterprises should verify current regulations, tariff rates and actual documents at the time of import.

TGIMEX IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

This guide outlines HS code, duty, C/O, self-declaration, food-safety inspection and labeling requirements for imported seasoning. For an actual shipment, the dossier should be reviewed against ingredient list, specification, original label, test report, transport documents, origin and import purpose.

Pre-ETA review

HS code, duty, C/O, VAT and food-safety policy.
Self-declaration, test report, supplementary label and testing scope.
Consistency between commercial documents, label and declaration file.

Operational execution

Coordinate with overseas agents, carriers/airlines, ETA and pre-alert.
Prepare customs declaration and handle Green/Yellow/Red channels.
Archive shipment records and support post-clearance explanation.

For food shipments that may trigger specialized inspection, C/O or labeling requirements, companies should not wait until arrival to review the dossier. Small discrepancies in invoice, packing list, ingredient list, test report, C/O or label may lead to document supplementation, delayed clearance and unplanned storage costs.

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