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. |
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
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.
Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
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.
Import Procedure Guide for Perfume
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR SHAVING CREAM
Import Procedure Guide for Body Spray
IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR COSMETIC MOUTHWASH
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR EAU DE PARFUM
Import procedures for toothpaste
Import procedures for hair dye
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR SALON TREATMENT
Import procedure guide for body fragrance mist
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR DEODORANT
Import procedures for shower gel
Import procedure for hair wax / hair styling wax
Import Procedure Guide for Soap
Import procedure for styling cream
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR HAIR TONIC COSMETIC