Import procedure guide for body fragrance mist

Cosmetics – perfume / body mist

IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR BODY FRAGRANCE MIST

For body fragrance mist, the key risk is not only HS classification. The importer must verify whether the product is a perfume/toilet water, an alcohol-based body spray, or a product with deodorising/skin-care claims.

If the use claim, cosmetic notification, label, ingredient list, C/O or MSDS/SDS is inconsistent, customs clearance may be delayed, the shipment may be selected for document inspection, or DEM/DET and storage costs may arise.

This guide gives an E2E map for pre-ETA review: HS 3303.00.00, duty, VAT, C/O, cosmetic notification, labelling, transport documents and critical risk controls.

QUICK FACT

Item Review point Operational note
Product Body fragrance mist for body fragrance use, commonly in spray form with water, fragrance, alcohol/solvent and cosmetic additives. Do not automatically apply this guide to room spray, deodorant, antiperspirant, technical aerosol or therapeutic products.
Indicative HS 3303.00.00 – Perfumes and toilet waters. Classification must be based on actual function, presentation, label, ingredients and cosmetic notification.
Import duty Indicative MFN 18%; normal duty 27% if the 150% MFN principle applies. Verify the tariff schedule and C/O at the time of declaration.
VAT Budget at 10%; review 8% only if the goods qualify for the VAT reduction and are not excluded. Do not apply 8% without checking the applicable appendix and invoice conditions.
Main policy Imported cosmetics must have a cosmetic product notification receipt number before being placed on the market. Review Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT.
Transport DG documents may be required if the product contains high alcohol content or is in aerosol/pressurised packaging. Check MSDS/SDS, flash point, packaging and carrier acceptance before booking.
Legal note The figures are operational references and do not replace official classification. The importer should review the catalogue, ingredient list, original label, cosmetic notification, MSDS/SDS, C/O and tariff schedule at the declaration date.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This article applies only to body fragrance mist used directly on the body for a light fragrance effect, within the product group of perfume, eau de parfum, body spray and fragrance mist.

It does not automatically apply to deodorants, antiperspirants, room fragrance, air fresheners, disinfectants, topical medicines or products with therapeutic claims. Where the label or marketing claims include deodorising, antibacterial, sweat-control or treatment functions, the dossier must be reviewed separately.

Samples, testers, gift sets, promotional goods, EPE/FDI imports or products with electronic accessories may trigger additional controls. The actual catalogue, datasheet, model and import purpose must be reviewed.

CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

Primary use

Fragrancing the body. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.

Product form

Fine mist spray, pump spray bottle or aerosol. Aerosol/pressurised cans require additional transport review.

Ingredients to check

Water, alcohol/ethanol, fragrance/parfum, solubiliser, preservative and skin-conditioning ingredients declared in the cosmetic file.

Identification documents

Catalogue, artwork/label, INCI list, CFS/LOA, notification receipt, MSDS/SDS, photos, volume and packaging specification.

Criteria Documents to check Risk if described incorrectly Suggested invoice/declaration description
Body fragrance function Catalogue, label, claims, notification May be misclassified as deodorant/antiperspirant or room spray. Body fragrance mist, cosmetic product, spray form, brand/SKU, volume.
Pump or aerosol packaging Photos, packing list, MSDS/SDS DG documents may be missing or booking may be rejected. Body fragrance mist in pump bottle / aerosol can, non-medicinal cosmetic.
Alcohol content and flash point MSDS/SDS, COA, ingredient data Wrong transport mode, additional costs and delays. Indicate alcohol-based where applicable, without therapeutic claims.
Claims and label wording Artwork, Vietnamese label, notification Claims may exceed cosmetic boundaries. For body fragrance use; avoid treatment/disinfecting claims unless legally supported.
Volume, quantity and lot Invoice, packing list, label, batch list Mismatch affects value, labelling and notification dossier. Separate lines by volume, SKU, scent or origin when different.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O

For body fragrance mist used on humans, the main reference HS is 3303.00.00. If the actual product is deodorant, antiperspirant, room fragrance or technical aerosol, this HS must not be used automatically.

Indicative HS When applicable Risk of wrong HS Documents to verify
3303.00.00 Perfumes, toilet waters, body spray and body fragrance mist for human use. Wrong HS if the product is deodorant, antiperspirant or room spray. Label, notification, claims, MSDS/SDS, catalogue and photos.
3307.20.00 Review only if the product is a deodorant or antiperspirant. Wrong policy and duty if declared as 3303. Deodorising/sweat-control claims and active ingredients.
3307.49 / 3307.90 Review only if the product is a room fragrance/air freshener. Body mist may be confused with room spray. Use instruction, label and MSDS/SDS.
Packaging/sprayer parts Classify by material if imported separately. Cosmetic HS is not appropriate for empty packaging parts. Invoice, packing list, material and BOM.

DETAILED DUTY TABLE TO REVIEW BEFORE DECLARATION

Classification case Indicative HS MFN / preferential duty Normal duty VAT C/O / dossier check
Body fragrance mist for the body 3303.00.00 18% 27% if 150% MFN principle applies 10%; review 8% if eligible Check Form D/E/AK/VK/VJ/AJ/EUR.1/UKVFTA/CPTPP/RCEP depending on origin.
Actual deodorant/antiperspirant Review 3307.20.00 As per actual HS As per actual HS 10% or 8% if eligible Do not apply HS 3303 duty if claims show deodorant/sweat-control use.
Room fragrance / air freshener Review 3307.49 or 3307.90 As per actual HS As per actual HS As per actual policy Separate from body fragrance mist because use purpose differs.
Empty bottle/sprayer parts Classify by material As per material HS As per material HS As per material HS Not treated as finished cosmetic goods.

C/O AND FTA CHECKPOINTS

Origin route C/O or origin document Preferential duty to review Conditions Risk
ASEAN Form D – ATIGA May be 0% if origin rules are met. Check WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH and direct transport. Wrong form or description may deny preference.
China Form E – ACFTA or RCEP proof Review ACFTA/RCEP schedule. Check HS, origin criterion and issue date. Mismatch between “spray” description and invoice may be challenged.
Korea Form AK / VK or RCEP Review AKFTA/VKFTA/RCEP. Check third-party invoice and direct consignment. Wrong FTA route may lose preference.
Japan VJ/AJ, CPTPP or RCEP Review each FTA route. Check issue date, origin criterion and goods description. Wrong agreement selection may lead to duty adjustment.
EU/UK EUR.1 or origin statement under EVFTA/UKVFTA Review EVFTA/UKVFTA schedule. Check exporter status and direct transport. Invalid origin statement may be rejected.
Australia/New Zealand AANZFTA, CPTPP or RCEP Review applicable FTA. Check member country and transport documents. Valid C/O but non-compliant transport may fail.
India/Hong Kong AIFTA/AHKFTA Review separately. Check form, HS and issue date. Wrong form/effective period may cause reassessment.

SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT POLICY

Goods situation Possible policy Documents to check Authority / portal if identifiable When to handle Risk note
Finished body fragrance mist for sale Cosmetic product notification. Notification receipt, CFS/LOA, ingredient list, label and PIF. Cosmetic authority/Health Department under applicable process. Before import/market placement. Missing receipt number affects market circulation and post-clearance review.
Alcohol-based or aerosol product Transport DG review if applicable. MSDS/SDS, flash point, packaging and UN information if any. Carrier/forwarder/port or airport process. Before booking. Booking may be refused or delayed.
Tester/sample/promotional goods Cosmetic rules may still apply if placed on the market. Import purpose, label and notification. Customs and cosmetic authority. Before import. Samples are not automatically exempt.
Products with disinfecting/treatment claims May exceed cosmetic scope. Claims, label, active ingredients and technical files. Relevant competent authority. Before HS and notification are finalised. Claim risk may shift the product to another regulatory group.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Group Document Issuing authority Effective date / application Role Key point Review note
Circular Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT on cosmetic management Ministry of Health Effective from 01/04/2011 Cosmetic notification, labelling and PIF Notification and labelling requirements Check amended version.
Amending circular Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT Ministry of Health Effective 18/08/2025 Updates cosmetic management rules Amendments to Circular 06/2011 Apply to dossiers after effective date.
Tariff Decree 26/2023/ND-CP Government Effective 15/07/2023 MFN import tariff Chapter 33, heading 3303 Check amendments at declaration date.
Normal duty Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg Prime Minister Effective 15/07/2023 Normal duty basis 150% MFN principle if applicable Use only when conditions apply.
VAT Resolution 204/2025/QH15 and Decree 174/2025/ND-CP National Assembly / Government 01/07/2025 to 31/12/2026 VAT reduction review Excluded goods appendix Budget at 10% if eligibility is uncertain.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Enterprises should additionally check the legal document portal or the issuing authority’s website before application.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOSSIER

Commercial documents

  • Commercial Invoice.
  • Packing List.
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
  • Contract/PO if any.
  • C/O if claiming preferential duty.

Cosmetic and technical documents

  • Cosmetic notification receipt.
  • CFS/LOA if applicable.
  • Catalogue, artwork and original label.
  • INCI list, MSDS/SDS and COA if any.
  • Product photos, volume and SKU list.

OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST

Dossier group Required documents Used for Prepared by Common errors Pre-ETA check
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO, transport document Declaration and valuation Importer/Supplier/Forwarder Name or volume inconsistent with label/notification Check SKU, volume, quantity, unit price and Incoterms.
Cosmetic Notification, CFS/LOA, label, ingredients, PIF Policy and post-market review RA/Compliance/Importer One name in notification and another on invoice Match product name, brand, form, use claim and responsible party.
HS and duty Catalogue, label, MSDS/SDS Classification and duty calculation Customs/Compliance Confusion between 3303 and 3307 Check “for body use” and label claims.
C/O C/O, invoice and transport documents Preferential duty Exporter/Supplier/Importer Wrong form/HS/description Check origin criterion, date and direct transport.
DG if any MSDS/SDS, DG declaration, packing instruction Booking and carrier acceptance Supplier/Forwarder/DG specialist Alcohol/aerosol not declared Check flash point, UN information and packaging.

CLEARANCE DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point Question Evidence Consequence if unclear Recommended action
HS code Is it body fragrance mist or deodorant/room spray? Label, catalogue, MSDS/SDS Reclassification or additional documents Finalize use description before invoice issuance.
Cosmetic notification Does the receipt match the goods? Notification and label Market/post-clearance issues Complete notification before shipment arrival.
Claims Any disinfecting/treatment/sweat-control claims? Artwork and marketing claims May exceed cosmetic scope Revise claims before import.
Transport DG Alcohol or aerosol? MSDS/SDS and packaging data Booking refusal/delay Submit MSDS/SDS before booking.
C/O Does C/O match HS and description? C/O, invoice, PL, B/L Loss of preferential duty Check C/O before ETA and declaration.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step 1 – Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS, cosmetic policy, notification status, VAT, C/O, labelling, MSDS/SDS and DG possibility.

Step 2 – Lock documents

Lock invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, catalogue, label, notification, CFS/LOA, MSDS/SDS and SKU list.

Step 3 – Handle specialised requirements

Complete cosmetic notification and prepare DG transport documents if alcohol/aerosol applies.

Step 4 – Customs declaration

Prepare explanations for HS, value, C/O, product name, use claim and notification.

Step 5 – Release and post-clearance file

Deliver goods, check Vietnamese label, keep notification/PIF/MSDS/C/O records per shipment.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

C/O form/HS/description error: check before ETA.
Invoice says body spray but label says deodorant: review claims before declaration.
Missing cosmetic notification: complete before market placement.
Alcohol/aerosol not declared: submit MSDS/SDS before booking.
Vietnamese label mismatches notification: check ingredients, volume and dates.
Multiple SKUs combined in one line: separate if scent/volume/origin differs.

FAQ

Question Answer
Does body fragrance mist need an import licence? It is not usually described as a separate import licence. The key requirement is cosmetic product notification and compliant labelling/claims.
What is the main HS code? Usually 3303.00.00 if it is perfume/toilet water for body use.
Is MSDS/SDS required? It is strongly recommended, especially for alcohol-based or aerosol goods.
Can C/O reduce duty? Yes, if the correct C/O/proof of origin is valid and matches the shipment.
Do testers/promotional goods need notification? If placed on the market or given to consumers, cosmetic rules should be reviewed as for commercial goods.
What if the label says deodorising? Review carefully because it may shift the product to deodorant/antiperspirant or another regulatory treatment.

RELATED ARTICLES

IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FROM TGIMEX

This guide provides an operational map; however, each shipment should still be reviewed against ingredients, labels, notification, MSDS/SDS, C/O, transport route and import purpose.

Pre-ETA review

HS, cosmetic notification, C/O, duty, VAT, label, MSDS/SDS and DG risk.

Compliance dossier control

Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, notification, C/O, label, ingredient list and technical files.

International logistics

Agent/carrier coordination, ETA tracking, pre-alert and alcohol/aerosol transport requirements.

Customs and post-clearance

Declaration, channel handling, local delivery and shipment file retention.

For shipments with cosmetic notification, C/O or alcohol/aerosol transport issues, businesses should not wait until cargo arrival to start dossier review.

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