Mục lục nội dung ẩn

1.3 CLASSIFICATION & PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

1.4 HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O

1.5 APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES

1.6 LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

1.7 VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL TEXTS

1.8 CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET

1.8.1 Commercial documents

1.8.2 Quarantine / food safety documents

1.8.3 Internal records to retain

1.9 DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

1.10 PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

1.11 PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

1.12 FAQ

1.13 IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX

IMPORT-EXPORT PROCEDURES BY PRODUCT · FRESH VEGETABLES

IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR VEGETABLES

Imported vegetables are a high-risk product group if the importer relies only on the commercial name without checking the correct HS code, product condition, plant quarantine requirements, food safety documents, goods labeling and C/O (Certificate of Origin). A small inconsistency among the Invoice, Packing List, Phytosanitary Certificate, product photos and customs declaration may lead to document review, physical inspection, storage cost, demurrage/detention or loss of preferential duty treatment.

This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) operational map for enterprises to review before ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), covering HS code, duties and taxes, C/O, plant quarantine, food safety inspection, document set, customs clearance decision points and risks that should be controlled before the cargo arrives at the seaport, airport or land border gate.

Translation note: This English version is provided for operational reference. It is not an official legal translation. The Vietnamese legal texts and effective regulations should be checked before application.

QUICK FACTS

Review item	Application guidance for vegetables	Key risk to control
Product scope	Vegetables for food use: leafy vegetables, root vegetables, vegetable-fruit type produce, fresh/chilled, frozen, dried or simply pre-processed vegetables, depending on the actual documents.	Do not automatically apply this guidance to fresh fruits, seeds for sowing, grains, herbs, medicinal materials or plant materials imported for propagation.
Specialized management	Review plant quarantine, state food safety inspection for goods imported for food/business purposes, and imported goods labeling requirements before circulation.	Missing a Phytosanitary Certificate or late quarantine registration may delay customs clearance.
Reference HS codes	Chapter 07: 0701, 0702, 0703, 0704, 0705, 0706, 0707, 0708, 0709, 0710 and 0712 depending on vegetable type and product condition.	Declaring only “vegetables” is too general and may lead to incorrect HS code and tax treatment.
Reference duties/taxes	Common MFN rates for Chapter 07 include 10%, 13%, 15%, 17%, 20%, 22% and 30% depending on the HS code. The ordinary import duty is commonly referenced at 150% × MFN where no specific ordinary rate is prescribed. Import VAT for unprocessed or ordinarily pre-processed crop products should generally be reviewed as not subject to VAT.	Do not use one single tax rate for all vegetables. Confirm the 8-digit HS code, product condition and C/O before lodging the declaration.
Minimum documents	Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, contract/PO if any, C/O for preferential duty, Phytosanitary Certificate, quarantine/food safety documents, label and product photos.	Product name, weight, origin, packaging, number of packages and description must be consistent across documents.

Legal note: The content below is an operational review framework for importing vegetables. Since requirements depend on the vegetable type, product condition, exporting country, import purpose and actual documents, enterprises should cross-check the legal texts on official legal portals or the issuing authority’s website before application.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This article applies to one product only: vegetables, within the broader group of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, grains, herbs and plant-based raw materials. The focus is on vegetables imported for food use or ordinary food raw material use.

Covered in this article

Leafy vegetables, root vegetables, vegetable-fruit type produce, fresh or chilled vegetables, frozen vegetables, dried vegetables or simply pre-processed vegetables, provided that the actual product documents support this classification.

Not automatically covered

Fresh fruit, seeds for sowing, edible nuts/seeds, grains, herbs/medicinal materials, deeply processed vegetables, canned products, seasoning mixtures or materials with special intended use.

Separate review required

Samples, R&D goods, warranty goods, treated goods, goods intended for propagation, imports for EPE/FDI factories, or goods subject to pest risk analysis.

Review the actual specification sheet, product description, photos, supplier documents and import purpose. For vegetables, the role of “catalogue/datasheet” is usually performed by the product specification, quality standard, storage requirement, post-harvest treatment description and supplier declaration.

CLASSIFICATION & PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Vegetables should be identified by scientific/commercial name, plant part, product condition, packaging, level of processing and intended use. General names such as “vegetables”, “mixed vegetables” or “fresh produce” are usually insufficient for HS classification, plant quarantine, food safety and labeling review.

Technical criterion to check	Documents to compare	Risk if incorrectly described	Suggested wording on documents/declaration
Specific vegetable type	Invoice, Packing List, specification, product photos, contract/PO	Incorrect HS group 0701–0712; customs may request classification explanation.	State clearly: Fresh carrot; Fresh potato; Frozen mixed vegetables.
Product condition	Photos, storage requirement, temperature data, specification, packing information	Confusion between fresh/chilled, frozen, dried or processed goods.	Use terms such as fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, sliced or cut only when supported by documents.
Processing level	COA, manufacturing/process description, ingredient list if any	Wrong classification between Chapter 07 and processed food groups.	Clarify whether the goods are only washed, cut, dried, frozen, or seasoned/processed.
Intended use	Contract, buyer’s statement, product specification	Confusion between food vegetables and propagation material/seeds.	Indicate food use or ordinary food raw material use when correct.
Packaging and label	Outer carton label, retail label, photos, supplier label draft	Label mismatch; difficulty reconciling quantity, origin and batch information.	Ensure product name, net weight, origin, lot/batch and storage condition are consistent.
Country/area of origin	C/O, Phytosanitary Certificate, Invoice, transport document	C/O rejection, quarantine issue or origin inconsistency.	Match origin consistently across C/O, quarantine certificate, Invoice and label.

Operational warning: Generic product names may cause incorrect HS code, wrong specialized management policy, wrong plant quarantine/food safety review, incorrect import tax and VAT treatment, or labeling non-compliance after customs clearance.

HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O

The HS code for vegetables is determined by the specific product type, product condition and processing level. Do not use one HS code for all vegetables, because Chapter 07 contains multiple headings with different duties and compliance requirements.

Reference HS code	Application condition	Risk if incorrectly applied	Documents to compare
0701.90.00	Fresh or chilled potatoes, not seed potatoes, where documents show food use.	Confusion with seed potatoes or processed goods; incorrect tax and quarantine policy.	Invoice, Phytosanitary Certificate, specification, label and import purpose.
0703.10.00 / 0703.20.00	Fresh or chilled onions and garlic, depending on the actual product type.	Grouping onion/garlic together without checking condition; confusion with dried/processed goods.	Specification, photos, packing and fresh/dried condition.
0704.xx.xx	Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and similar brassicas, fresh or chilled.	Wrong group if the goods are frozen or processed.	Specific product name, storage temperature and original label.
0705.xx.xx	Lettuce and chicory, fresh or chilled.	Confusion with other leafy vegetables under 0709.	Specification, photos and scientific/commercial name.
0706.xx.xx	Carrots, turnips, beetroot, celeriac and similar edible roots.	Confusion with propagation material or non-food raw material.	Import purpose, Phytosanitary Certificate and contract.
0709.xx.xx	Other vegetables, fresh or chilled, where no more specific heading applies.	Using the “other” group when a more specific HS group exists.	Specification, goods description, product photos and classification opinion if needed.
0710.xx.xx	Frozen vegetables, not processed beyond the scope of the heading.	Confusion with vegetables prepared or preserved by other methods.	Storage temperature, treatment process, packing and label.
0712.xx.xx	Dried vegetables, whether or not cut, sliced, broken or powdered, but not further prepared depending on the description.	Confusion with seasoning powder or processed food.	COA/specification, ingredients, intended use and packaging form.

Reference HS code	Product/condition	MFN duty under Decree 26/2023/ND-CP	Reference ordinary import duty	Import VAT	Special preferential duty under C/O	Review note
0701.90.10 / 0701.90.90	Fresh/chilled potatoes, not seed potatoes.	20%	30% if applying 150% × MFN and no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed or ordinarily pre-processed crop products at import stage.	Review the applicable FTA; may be lower than MFN only with valid C/O.	Do not apply to seed potatoes; seed goods require separate policy review.
0702.00.00	Fresh or chilled tomatoes.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review special preferential tariff by exporting country and C/O form.	Check Phytosanitary Certificate and fresh/chilled description.
0703.10.19	Other onions, fresh or chilled.	15%	22.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA according to actual origin.	Not applicable to bulbs for propagation.
0703.20.90	Other garlic, fresh or chilled.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA according to actual origin.	Dried garlic may fall under 0712; do not apply this code automatically.
0704.10.10 / 0704.10.20 / 0704.10.90	Cauliflower/broccoli, fresh or chilled.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA by C/O form.	Frozen goods must be reviewed under 0710.
0705.11.00 / 0705.19.00	Lettuce, fresh or chilled.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA by origin.	Other leafy vegetables may fall under 0709.
0706.10.10	Fresh/chilled carrots.	17%	25.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA by origin and C/O.	Product name must match Invoice, Packing List and Phytosanitary Certificate.
0706.10.20 / 0706.90.00	Turnips or similar edible roots, fresh/chilled.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA based on actual documents.	Not applicable to deeply processed goods.
0707.00.00	Cucumbers and gherkins, fresh/chilled.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA if preferential duty is claimed.	Provisionally preserved goods may fall under 0711.
0708.10.00 / 0708.20.xx / 0708.90.00	Leguminous vegetables, fresh/chilled, shelled or unshelled.	20%	30% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA by 8-digit HS code.	Dried shelled beans may fall under another heading; reclassify carefully.
0709.20.00 / 0709.30.00 / 0709.40.00	Asparagus, eggplants and celery, fresh/chilled.	15%	22.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review C/O under the relevant FTA.	Use specific headings before using an “other” code.
0709.60.10 / 0709.60.90	Fresh Capsicum/Pimenta peppers.	13%	19.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA by origin.	Dried/ground chilli may move to Chapter 09.
0709.99.90	Other fresh/chilled vegetables not more specifically described.	13%	19.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if unprocessed/ordinarily pre-processed.	Review FTA by HS and C/O.	Use only after excluding more specific headings in Chapter 07.
0710.10.00	Frozen potatoes.	10%	15% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if only frozen/preserved by cold and not transformed; verify documents.	Review FTA by C/O.	If seasoned or deeply processed, do not apply this group automatically.
0710.21.00 / 0710.22.00 / 0710.29.00	Frozen peas, beans and other leguminous vegetables.	17%	25.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if only frozen/ordinarily pre-processed; confirm processing level.	Review FTA by 8-digit HS code.	Documents must show frozen condition and no deep processing.
0710.80.00 / 0710.90.00	Other frozen vegetables or frozen vegetable mixtures.	17%	25.5% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if only frozen/ordinarily pre-processed; mixtures/processed goods need separate review.	Review FTA by ingredients, HS and origin.	Mixed vegetables are often questioned about composition and processing level.
0712.20.00	Dried onions, not further prepared.	30%	45% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if only dried and not transformed; verify the process.	Review FTA if C/O is available.	Seasoning powder or prepared mixtures should not be classified here automatically.
0712.90.10 / 0712.90.20 / 0712.90.90	Dried garlic, dried sweet corn, other dried vegetables or mixtures.	22%	33% if no specific ordinary rate applies.	Not subject to VAT if only dried/cut/sliced and not further prepared; seasoned or deeply processed goods may require 5%/10% review depending on the case.	Review FTA by C/O.	COA/specification is needed to prove the goods are not further prepared.

Important tax note: The MFN rates above are reference rates for common Chapter 07 HS groups. At customs declaration stage, the importer must confirm the 8-digit HS code, exporting country, C/O and effective tariff instruments. The ordinary import duty in the table is a reference using 150% × MFN where no separate ordinary rate applies. For VAT, distinguish “not subject to VAT” from a 0% VAT rate; deeply processed, seasoned or blended products may require different treatment.

C/O risks include: wrong FTA form, incorrect origin criterion, product description not matching the Invoice, HS code on the C/O not matching the declaration, retroactive issuance not properly shown, or missing through transport document in transit cases.

APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES

Goods situation	Policy that may apply	Documents to check	Competent authority/portal	Recommended timing	Risk note
Fresh/chilled vegetables for food	Plant quarantine and possible state food safety inspection.	Phytosanitary Certificate, Invoice, Packing List, product specification, label.	Plant protection/quarantine authority; National Single Window if applicable.	Before shipment and before ETA.	Missing quarantine documents may delay clearance or require treatment.
Frozen vegetables	Plant quarantine, food safety review and cold-chain document control.	Temperature requirement, frozen condition, packing, Phytosanitary Certificate, food safety documents.	Specialized authority depending on actual procedure.	Before booking and before ETA.	Wrong temperature or wrong product condition may affect HS and inspection.
Dried vegetables	Plant quarantine/food safety review depending on product and processing level.	COA, process description, specification, label, ingredient list if any.	Relevant specialized authority.	Before contract finalization.	May be confused with seasoning powder or processed food.
Goods imported for business circulation	Imported goods labeling and food safety compliance.	Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, product information, importer information.	Market surveillance/food safety authorities depending on actual inspection.	Before market circulation.	Label non-compliance may lead to administrative penalties after clearance.
Samples, testing goods, warranty/project cargo	Customs and specialized management may differ by purpose.	Sample confirmation, contract, import purpose, quantity explanation.	Customs and relevant specialized authority.	Before shipment.	Do not assume samples are exempt from quarantine or food safety review.
Goods for EPE/FDI factories	Customs purpose, processing/manufacturing plan and specialized policy review.	Import purpose, production plan, product specification, import/export documents.	Customs authority and specialized authority where applicable.	Before shipment planning.	Mismatch between import purpose and actual use may create post-clearance risk.
Goods possibly used for propagation	Seed/planting material policy, quarantine and pest risk analysis may arise.	Supplier declaration, product purpose, botanical description, official permit if required.	Agriculture/plant protection authority.	Before signing the contract.	Do not declare as food vegetables if the actual purpose is propagation.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Name/number	Issuing authority	Effective date/applicable time	Role in the procedure	Key article/appendix	Review note
Law	Law on Food Safety No. 55/2010/QH12	National Assembly	In force; check current amendments if any.	Foundation for food safety management of imported food.	Principles on food safety and imported food control.	Review depending on whether vegetables are imported for food/business use.
Law	Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine No. 41/2013/QH13	National Assembly	In force; check current amendments if any.	Foundation for plant quarantine for plant-origin goods.	Plant quarantine provisions for imported regulated articles.	Important for fresh/chilled/frozen/dried vegetables.
Decree	Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP	Government	Effective from 02/02/2018.	Guides the Food Safety Law, including imported food inspection.	Imported food inspection provisions and exemptions to be checked.	Apply according to actual product and import purpose.
Circular	Circular No. 14/2024/TT-BNNPTNT	Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development	Effective from 15/12/2024.	Lists articles subject to plant quarantine.	Appendix/list of regulated articles.	Use to determine plant quarantine requirement.
Decree	Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree No. 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	Decree 43 effective from 01/06/2017; Decree 111 effective from 15/02/2022.	Imported goods labeling and supplementary Vietnamese label.	Mandatory label contents and supplementary label requirements.	Relevant when goods are circulated in Vietnam.
Import-export tariff	Decree No. 26/2023/ND-CP	Government	Effective from 15/07/2023.	MFN import tariff and export tariff schedule.	Chapter 07 tariff lines.	Check the effective tariff at declaration time.
Ordinary tariff	Decision No. 15/2023/QD-TTg	Prime Minister	Check effective status at application time.	Ordinary import duty rates for goods without preferential treatment.	Ordinary duty schedule.	If no specific ordinary rate applies, the reference principle may be 150% of MFN.
VAT	Effective VAT law, resolutions and decrees at declaration time	National Assembly/Government	Check the effective instrument at import time.	Determines whether goods are not subject to VAT or subject to a specific VAT rate.	Provisions for unprocessed or ordinarily pre-processed crop products.	Do not confuse “not subject to VAT” with 0% VAT rate.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL TEXTS

Use the links below as official reference points. Enterprises should still verify the latest effective versions before applying to a shipment.

Government Legal Document Portal National Single Window Plant Protection Department

Enterprises should cross-check the legal texts on official legal portals or the issuing authority’s website before application.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List.
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
Sales Contract/Purchase Order, if any.
Certificate of Origin – C/O, if preferential duty is claimed.
Product specification, product photos, original label and storage requirement.

Quarantine / food safety documents

Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the exporting country, where required.
Plant quarantine registration/document set according to actual procedure.
Food safety inspection dossier if the goods fall within the applicable scope.
COA, quality standard, supplier declaration, processing/storage description if needed.
Vietnamese supplementary label dossier before circulation, where applicable.

Internal records to retain

HS classification rationale and tax review sheet.
C/O draft and C/O acceptance checklist.
Quarantine/food safety submission records.
Pre-alert, arrival notice and document handover log.
Post-clearance explanation file by shipment.

Document group	Required document	Used for which step	Usually prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial	Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB	Customs declaration, valuation, quantity control.	Exporter/importer/forwarder.	Product name, weight or package count not matching quarantine certificate.	Compare all line items and units before vessel/flight arrival.
Origin	C/O	Preferential duty claim.	Exporter/issuing authority.	Wrong form, wrong origin criterion, wrong HS or product description.	Check draft C/O against Invoice and transport document before issuance.
Plant quarantine	Phytosanitary Certificate, quarantine registration.	Specialized inspection before/alongside clearance.	Exporter/importer/appointed service provider.	Scientific name, quantity, origin or treatment information inconsistent.	Request the certificate before shipment and verify all details.
Food safety	Inspection registration, product specification, COA if needed.	Food safety compliance review.	Importer/supplier.	Unclear product condition or processing level.	Determine inspection scope before ETA.
Labeling	Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label draft.	Circulation in Vietnam.	Importer/supplier.	Missing origin, importer information, product name or storage condition.	Prepare label content before goods leave the customs area.
Technical/product evidence	Specification, photos, storage temperature, ingredient/process information.	HS classification and specialized policy explanation.	Supplier/importer.	Only generic description such as “vegetables”.	Collect detailed documents before booking.

Document consistency rule: Product name, quantity, weight, origin, product condition, storage parameters and packaging must be consistent among commercial documents, quarantine certificate, C/O, label, specialized documents and customs declaration.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point	Question to answer	Supporting evidence	Consequence if unclear	Recommended handling
HS code	Which Chapter 07 heading applies? Fresh, chilled, frozen or dried?	Specification, photos, Invoice, Packing List.	Wrong duty, wrong policy, classification query.	Confirm HS before shipment; prepare classification rationale.
Plant quarantine	Is the product subject to quarantine or pest risk analysis?	Phytosanitary Certificate, regulated articles list, exporting country documents.	Clearance delay, treatment, supplementary documents or refusal risk.	Review Circular 14/2024/TT-BNNPTNT before ordering.
Food safety	Is state food safety inspection required?	Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, product documents, import purpose.	Document supplementation after ETA and delay.	Determine the inspection channel before ETA.
C/O	Does C/O match form, origin criterion, description and HS?	C/O draft, Invoice, transport document, FTA rule of origin.	Preferential duty may be rejected.	Check draft C/O before issuing the original.
Label	Does original label/supplementary label meet circulation requirements?	Original label, supplementary label, specification.	Post-clearance circulation penalties.	Prepare supplementary label before market release.
Product condition	Is the cargo fresh, chilled, frozen, dried or processed?	Packing, temperature, COA and photos.	Wrong HS and wrong inspection policy.	State product condition clearly on documents.
Propagation purpose	Could the product be used as planting material?	Contract, import purpose, seed/planting documents.	Separate policy and pest risk analysis may arise.	Do not declare as food if the actual purpose is propagation.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step 1 · Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS code, plant quarantine, food safety policy, C/O, import duty/VAT, label and cold-chain requirements if any.

Step 2 · Lock documents

Finalize Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O draft, Phytosanitary Certificate, specification and product photos; verify product name, weight and origin.

Step 3 · Specialized registration

Register plant quarantine and food safety inspection where applicable. Do not wait until the cargo arrives to start document review.

Step 4 · Lodge customs declaration

Green channel: system-based release under conditions; Yellow channel: document check; Red channel: document and physical inspection.

Step 5 · Inspection and clearance

Coordinate quarantine and physical inspection if required; handle questions on HS, value, C/O, quarantine, food safety and product condition.

Step 6 · Delivery and post-clearance file

Deliver cargo to warehouse, check quality upon receipt, apply supplementary labels if circulated, retain shipment records and prepare post-clearance explanations.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Wrong C/O form or origin criterion
Check C/O draft against Invoice, transport document and rule of origin before issuance.

Product name inconsistency
Compare English name, local product name, product condition and vegetable type across all documents.

Missing Phytosanitary Certificate
Require the exporter to prepare the certificate before shipment.

Unclear food safety scope
Review Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and effective regulations before ETA.

Wrong HS due to generic naming
Do not declare only “vegetables” if a specific vegetable type can be identified.

Wrong storage temperature
For chilled/frozen cargo, check booking, reefer container, packing and transport documents.

Confusion between food and propagation goods
Confirm import purpose and technical documents before contract signing.

Missing supplementary label
Prepare Vietnamese supplementary label before domestic circulation.

FAQ

Question	Short answer
Do imported vegetables require an import license?	Do not make a blanket conclusion. For ordinary food vegetables, the key focus is usually plant quarantine, food safety and customs; planting materials or special goods may trigger additional requirements.
Is plant quarantine required?	Fresh vegetables, roots/tubers and many plant-origin products should be checked under the effective quarantine list, especially Circular 14/2024/TT-BNNPTNT.
Is food safety inspection required?	If imported as food or for food business, state food safety inspection should be reviewed under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and effective regulations.
Is a Vietnamese supplementary label required?	For circulation in Vietnam, imported goods must comply with labeling rules. Review Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP.
Can C/O reduce duty?	Yes, if the C/O form, origin criterion, direct transport, product description and HS code satisfy the relevant FTA.
Do vegetable samples follow the same procedure as commercial goods?	Not automatically. Samples still need review of quarantine, food safety, import purpose and customs requirements based on actual documents.
What if the Phytosanitary Certificate states the wrong product name?	Ask the exporter/issuing authority to amend or supplement documents before submission. If the cargo has arrived, clearance delay may occur.
Do frozen vegetables use the same HS code as fresh vegetables?	Not necessarily. Fresh/chilled, frozen, dried and processed vegetables may fall under different HS headings.

IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX

This article has provided a map of HS code, duties/taxes, C/O, plant quarantine, food safety and customs documents for imported vegetables. In an actual shipment, enterprises still need to review the specification, documents, origin, product condition, import purpose and transport route.

TGIMEX has an agent network in more than 60 countries and is a member of WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA. Its operational scope covers sea freight, air freight, road/rail transport, customs clearance, C/O, permits, warehousing and domestic delivery. For agricultural and food products, the decisive factor is document control before ETA to prevent storage cost, demurrage/detention and delivery delay.

Pre-ETA review

HS code, plant quarantine, food safety, C/O, duties/taxes, labeling and cold-chain documents if any.

Compliance document control

Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, Phytosanitary Certificate, specification and label.

International logistics

Coordinate with agents, carriers and airlines; monitor ETA, pre-alert and transport documents.

Customs declaration

Prepare declaration documents, handle Green/Yellow/Red channels and support explanations on HS, customs value, origin and specialized policies.

Domestic delivery

Arrange trucking to warehouse, coordinate refrigerated vehicles if needed, control delivery timing and handover records.

Post-clearance support

Retain shipment files, review supplementary labels, quarantine/food safety records and post-clearance explanation file.

For shipments that may involve plant quarantine, food safety inspection, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until the cargo arrives to start document review. Even a small discrepancy among the Invoice, Packing List, Phytosanitary Certificate, C/O or product label may result in supplementary document requests, delayed clearance or unplanned storage costs.

Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Grains, Herbs and Plant-based Ingredients

Import Procedure Guide for Vegetables