Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
Import Procedures for Meat
Practical guidance on policy, dossiers, labeling and customs clearance for the product.
QUICK SUMMARY
Import procedures for meat: reference HS codes, import duty, C/O, animal quarantine, food safety inspection, customs documents and pre-ETA risk checklist.
QUICK FACT
| Item | What to review | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Commodity | Edible meat of terrestrial animals, fresh, chilled or frozen. | This article is limited to meat and does not automatically cover fish, seafood, raw milk, eggs, edible offal or processed meat products. |
| Reference HS codes | 0201, 0202, 0203, 0204, 0207; 0206/1602 may arise for offal or processed meat. | Classification depends on animal species, fresh/chilled/frozen status, bone-in/boneless cuts and processing level. |
| Reference duties | MFN duty may range around 5%–30% depending on the precise code; ordinary duty is generally assessed based on the corresponding MFN rate; special preferential duty depends on valid C/O. | Do not use one duty rate for all meat. The tariff must be checked at declaration date. |
| VAT | Unprocessed or ordinarily preliminarily processed livestock products may be outside VAT at import stage; seasoned/processed meat may be treated differently. | Review the actual processing level, product description and VAT policy at import date. |
| Specialized control | Quarantine for terrestrial animal products, food safety inspection for imported food, and verification of eligible exporting countries/establishments. | Check manufacturer name, approval number, species, registered product scope and veterinary certificate before purchasing. |
| Website category IDs | VI 2764 / EN 2812 / ZH 2814 | Final product category under IMPORT-EXPORT PROCEDURES BY PRODUCT. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This article applies to edible meat of terrestrial animals imported for trading, distribution or use as food production material, including beef/buffalo meat, pork, sheep/goat meat and poultry meat in fresh, chilled or frozen form.Read more: Import Procedure Guide for Meat, Dairy and Animal-derived Products
It does not automatically apply to fish, seafood, raw milk, eggs, edible offal such as liver/heart/kidney/tongue, seasoned minced meat, sausages, canned meat, processed meat or mixed food containing meat. These may fall under different HS codes and specialized policies.
Samples, gifts, cold-chain transshipment, temporary import for re-export, transit goods, bonded warehouse goods, shipments for EPE/FDI/factory use and processed meat may require separate treatment. Review according to catalogue, specification, label, health certificate, exporting country, establishment and actual import purpose.
CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
Identify by species
Confirm whether the meat is bovine/buffalo, swine, sheep, goat, poultry or another species. Species affects HS heading, quarantine requirements, health certificate and eligible establishments.
Identify by condition
Distinguish fresh, chilled, frozen, vacuum-packed, IQF, block-frozen or seasoned/marinated products. A small processing change may alter the HS code.
Identify cold-chain data
Frozen meat requires temperature control, reefer container, temperature log, seal, shelf life, production date, lot number and storage condition on label/documents.
TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA
| Criterion | Documents to compare | Risk if described wrongly | Suggested description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal species | Health certificate, original label, packing list, specification | Wrong HS heading and quarantine condition | “Frozen boneless beef”, not merely “meat”. |
| Fresh/chilled/frozen status | Invoice, packing list, transport documents, reefer data | Misclassification between 0201 and 0202 or wrong temperature control | State fresh/chilled/frozen and storage temperature if applicable. |
| Cut form | Packing list, specification, product images | Wrong subheading and duty rate | Carcass/half-carcass/cuts with bone/boneless/trimming. |
| Processing or seasoning | COA, ingredient list, label, production process | Possible shift to processed meat, e.g. Chapter 16 | State seasoned/marinated/prepared if applicable and re-check HS. |
| Establishment/approval number | Label, health certificate, DAH list | Non-matching establishment may block clearance | Check manufacturer, establishment number and country of origin. |
| Lot, production date, expiry date | Label, packing list, COA/health certificate | Traceability issues and inspection risks | Show lot/batch, production and expiry data in documents or attachment. |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
The HS Code for meat is not determined by trade name alone. It depends on species, preservation status, cut form and processing level. To avoid confusion between fresh/chilled meat, frozen meat, offal and processed meat products, the importer should review the HS code and the duty – VAT – C/O impact in two separate layers.
REFERENCE HS CODE TABLE
| Reference HS code | Applicability | Risk if misclassified | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0201.30.00 | Boneless bovine/buffalo meat, fresh or chilled. | Confusion with frozen or processed goods. | Health certificate, invoice, packing list, label, temperature. |
| 0202.30.00 | Boneless bovine/buffalo meat, frozen. | Wrong code if bone-in, trimming or processed. | Specification, packing list, photos, health certificate. |
| 0203.29.00 | Other frozen swine meat. | Confusion with offal or processed pork products. | Species, cut, label, approval number, C/O. |
| 0204.43.00 | Boneless frozen sheep meat. | Confusion with goat or bone-in meat. | Health certificate, label, specification. |
| 0207.14.xx | Frozen poultry meat/offal by specific part. | Part/offal/minced/seasoned meat may be mixed up. | Specification, packing list, health certificate, label. |
| 1602.xx | Prepared or preserved meat, canned meat, sausages or processed meat products. | Declaring as raw meat may cause tax and food-safety errors. | Ingredient list, process flow, label, COA. |
REFERENCE DUTY – VAT – C/O TABLE
| Reference HS code | MFN import duty | Ordinary import duty | Reference VAT | Special preferential duty under C/O | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0201.30.00 | MFN reference 14%. | Ordinary reference 21%. | May be outside VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily preliminarily processed at import stage; review the file. | May be reduced under an FTA if C/O is valid. | Do not apply if the goods are frozen or processed. |
| 0202.30.00 | MFN reference 14%. | Ordinary reference 21%. | Review unprocessed/preliminarily processed status; seasoned/processed meat may differ. | Special preferential duty depends on C/O. | Check exporting country, origin and transport conditions. |
| 0203.29.00 | MFN reference 15%. | Ordinary reference 22.5%. | Review processing status. | Special preferential duty depends on C/O. | Confirm the meat part, cut and detailed code. |
| 0204.43.00 | MFN reference 5%. | Ordinary reference 7.5%. | Review actual file. | Special preferential duty depends on C/O. | Do not use for goat or bone-in meat. |
| 0207.14.xx | MFN varies by 8-digit code. | Ordinary duty must be determined by exact code and tariff schedule at declaration date. | Review unprocessed/processed status. | Depends on C/O and the applicable FTA. | Finalize the 8-digit code before duty calculation. |
| 1602.xx | Duty may be higher than raw meat headings; check exact code. | Determine by tariff schedule at declaration date. | Usually not treated as preliminarily processed meat; check current VAT policy. | Depends on C/O, origin criteria and description. | Use only for prepared/preserved meat. |
SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
| Scenario | Potential policy | Documents | Authority/portal | Timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh/chilled/frozen terrestrial meat | Quarantine and food safety inspection | Quarantine registration, veterinary health certificate, invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, label | Department of Animal Health / quarantine authority / National Single Window if applicable | Before ETA, preferably before loading | Missing quarantine registration or mismatched certificate may hold the shipment. |
| Foreign establishment | Check eligible exporting establishment list | Manufacturer, approval number, species, registered products | DAH website | Before contract/deposit | If the establishment is not listed, risk remains high even if commercial documents are complete. |
| Seasoned/processed meat | Possible processed food classification and different food-safety file | Ingredient list, COA, label, process flow | Food safety/quarantine authority depending on product | Before HS and filing decision | Do not handle as raw meat if processed into another product. |
| Samples/R&D | Separate file may apply but not automatically exempt | Import purpose, quantity, undertaking, supplier documents | Customs and specialized authority | Before dispatch | Do not ship cold samples before a clearance route is confirmed. |
| EPE/FDI/factory use | Customs regime plus specialized control where applicable | Contract, PO, transport documents, use purpose, factory documents | Customs and DAH | Before ETA | Customs regime does not replace specialized obligations. |
| Reefer cargo | Cold-chain control, temperature, seal, container condition | Reefer setting, temperature log, B/L, packing list | Carrier/forwarder/cold store/port | Before loading and arrival | Temperature deviation may trigger quality, quarantine and insurance issues. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Group | Document | Issuing body | Effective timing | Role | Key points | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Food Safety Law 55/2010/QH12 | National Assembly | Check current effect | Legal framework for imported food safety | Imported food safety control | Do not assume exemption without file review. |
| Law | Law on Animal Health 79/2015/QH13 | National Assembly | Check current effect | Quarantine framework | Import quarantine rules | Core basis for terrestrial meat. |
| Decree | Decree 35/2016/ND-CP; Decree 80/2022/ND-CP | Government | Decree 35 effective 01/07/2016; Decree 80 effective 13/10/2022 | Detailed implementation of Animal Health Law | Quarantine and import conditions | Check latest amendments. |
| Circular | Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT and amendments | MARD / relevant ministry by period | Circular 25 effective 15/08/2016 | Quarantine of terrestrial animal products | Quarantine registration and certificate process | Use updated/consolidated version. |
| Food safety decree | Decree 15/2018/ND-CP | Government | Effective 02/02/2018 | Food safety and imported food inspection framework | Imported food inspection | Decree 46/2026 is suspended under Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP. |
| Resolution | Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP | Government | Effective 06/04/2026 | Suspends Decree 46/2026 and Resolution 66.13/2026 | Article 1 on suspension | Check before applying 2026 food-safety documents. |
| Labeling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP; Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Check current effect | Goods labeling and Vietnamese supplemental labels | Mandatory label contents | Frozen meat label must show commodity, origin, shelf life, storage and responsible party. |
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP; Decree 199/2025/ND-CP | Government | Decree 26 effective 15/07/2023; Decree 199 effective 08/07/2025 | Preferential import tariff | Tariff schedules by HS code | Check exact HS at declaration date. |
| Specialized list | Eligible foreign establishments exporting meat to Viet Nam | Department of Animal Health | Updated periodically | Pre-purchase checkpoint | Country, establishment, approval number, species, products | Must match label, health certificate and commercial documents. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises may search by document number on the legal document portals, the Government portal, or the issuing authority’s website. Enterprises should additionally verify documents on official legal portals or the issuing authority’s website before application.
CUSTOMS DOCUMENT SET
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
- C/O for preferential duty.
- Specification, product images, original label, lot/batch list.
Quarantine / food safety documents
- Import quarantine registration.
- Veterinary Health Certificate / Health Certificate.
- Imported food safety inspection file if applicable.
- Eligible establishment list and approval number.
- Temperature/reefer log if needed.
Labeling and circulation file
- Original label and Vietnamese supplemental label.
- Production date, expiry date, lot number, storage condition.
- Manufacturer, origin, Vietnamese responsible party.
- Traceability file and COA where available.
OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
| File group | Required document | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO | Customs value and quantity | Shipper/Importer/Docs | Generic name, missing species/cut/frozen status | Approve draft documents before originals. |
| Transport | B/L/AWB, booking, pre-alert, reefer setting | ETA, D/O, cold-chain control | Forwarder/carrier | Wrong port, consignee or reefer information | Compare B/L with booking and commercial documents. |
| Quarantine | Registration, health certificate | Import quarantine | Importer/service provider/shipper | Certificate mismatch in plant, lot, species | Check certificate template before departure. |
| Food safety | Inspection file, COA/specification | Clearance/circulation | Importer/QA/Regulatory | Unclear unprocessed vs processed status | Compare label, ingredient and process status. |
| C/O | Preferential C/O | FTA duty | Shipper/Importer | Wrong form, HS, description or origin | Review draft C/O before original issuance. |
| Label | Original label, supplemental label, carton photos | Physical inspection/circulation | Shipper/Importer/QA | Missing shelf life, storage, origin, approval number | Compare label with health certificate and packing list. |
CLEARANCE DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exporting establishment | Is the plant/approval number eligible for export to Viet Nam? | DAH list, label, health certificate | Quarantine file may be rejected | Check before purchase. |
| HS code | Do species, condition, cut and processing support the code? | Specification, photos, packing list | Code rejection, additional duty, inspection | Prepare HS memo before declaration. |
| Health certificate | Does it match the shipment and Vietnamese requirements? | Draft/original health certificate | Quarantine cannot be completed | Approve template before departure. |
| Cold chain | Are temperature and reefer condition suitable? | Reefer log, booking, EIR, seal record | Quality, inspection and insurance risks | Track pre-alert, temperature log and delivery plan. |
| C/O | Is it eligible for FTA duty? | C/O, B/L, Invoice, Packing List | No preferential duty | Check form, HS, description and origin criteria. |
| Supplemental label | Is the Vietnamese label complete? | Original and supplemental labels, carton photos | Inspection/circulation risk | Prepare supplemental label before market release. |
E2E OPERATIONAL WORKFLOW
Step 1: Pre-ETA review
Confirm species, exporting country, establishment, approval number, HS, duty, C/O, product condition, quarantine, food safety, labeling and storage condition before loading.
Step 2: Lock documents and technical file
Finalize Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, health certificate, specification, original label, lot/batch list and reefer data. Avoid generic descriptions or inconsistencies.
Step 3: Quarantine / specialized filing
Prepare import quarantine registration and food safety file where applicable. Late filing after ETA may cause cold storage and reefer electricity costs.
Step 4: Customs declaration
Green Lane allows clearance subject to conditions; Yellow Lane checks documents; Red Lane checks documents and physical goods. Main questions include HS, value, commodity name, species, origin, C/O, health certificate, label and specialized policy.
Step 5: Clearance, delivery and post-clearance control
Move goods to cold storage, check seal/temperature/carton condition, apply supplemental label if required, keep shipment file and prepare explanations for post-clearance review.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
Consequence: quarantine file may be refused. Control: check DAH list before purchase.
Consequence: document amendment and cold storage. Control: approve certificate draft before departure.
Consequence: wrong HS and policy. Control: state species, cut and preservation status.
Consequence: loss of preferential duty. Control: compare C/O with Invoice/Packing List/B/L.
Consequence: traceability issues. Control: compare carton photos with documents pre-ETA.
Consequence: quality and cost risk. Control: monitor reefer setting, temperature log and delivery plan.
FAQ
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Does imported meat require a permit? | Do not answer generically. Review quarantine, food safety, eligible country/establishment list and shipment file. |
| Is animal quarantine required? | For terrestrial animal meat, quarantine is a key checkpoint under Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT and amendments. |
| Is food safety inspection required? | Meat is imported food, so review imported food safety inspection under Decree 15/2018 and current legal status. |
| Can C/O reduce duty? | Yes, if the form, origin criteria, HS, description, exporting country and transport conditions meet the applicable FTA. |
| Is frozen meat subject to VAT? | Unprocessed/preliminarily processed livestock products may be outside VAT at import stage; processed/seasoned meat needs separate review. |
| What if manufacturer name differs between label and certificate? | Do not declare before clarification. Request shipper explanation/amendment and compare with the DAH list. |
| Are meat samples treated like commercial goods? | Not automatically. Check import purpose, quantity, quarantine/food safety conditions and specialized guidance. |
IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX
This article maps HS, duty, documents and specialized policy for meat imports. Actual shipments still require review by species, exporting country, establishment, health certificate, label, documents, origin and import purpose.
Execution capability is supported by an agency network in more than 60 countries, WCA, WCA China Global, VLA, HNLA membership, and multimodal operations covering sea, air, road/rail, warehousing, customs clearance, C/O and import permits.
Pre-ETA review
HS, eligible establishments, quarantine, food safety, C/O, duties, label and cold-chain conditions.
Compliance file control
Compare Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, health certificate, C/O, label, lot/batch and shelf-life.
Logistics & customs
Coordinate agents, carriers, ETA, pre-alert, declaration, lane handling and delivery to cold storage.
For meat shipments with quarantine, food safety inspection, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until arrival to review the file. Small inconsistencies among Invoice, Packing List, health certificate, C/O and labels may lead to additional documents, clearance delay or unplanned storage costs.
TGIMEX supports E2E import planning: pre-ETA policy review, document checking, international transport coordination, customs declaration, clearance handling, domestic/cold-chain delivery and post-clearance file retention.
Application should be verified against legal documents, tariff, C/O and actual shipment file at declaration date. This English version is for operational reference and is not an official legal translation.
NEED TO REVIEW IMPORT PROCEDURES OR A SHIPPING PLAN?
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