IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR BODY SPRAY
Problem: Body spray can be confused with perfume, fragrance mist, deodorant, room spray or raw fragrance oil. If the description is generic, the importer may use the wrong HS Code, miss cosmetic notification, mis-handle labeling or overlook dangerous goods risks. Agitate: discrepancies among invoice, packing list, catalogue, label and C/O may delay customs clearance, remove preferential duty entitlement and create unplanned DEM/DET costs. Solution: this guide provides an E2E (End-to-End) compliance map for HS, duty, C/O, specialized policy, customs documents and pre-ETA risk control.
QUICK FACT
| Item | Review point | Operational value |
|---|---|---|
| Product nature | Body spray is a cosmetic fragrance product for use on the body. | Confirm that it is a cosmetic finished product, not raw fragrance oil, room spray or deodorant. |
| Reference HS | 3303.00.00 – perfumes and toilet waters. | Applicable where the principal function is body fragrance and the product is packed for retail sale. |
| Import taxes | MFN 18%; ordinary reference 27%; VAT 10%. | Check tariff and C/O status at the customs declaration date. |
| Cosmetic policy | Cosmetic product notification should be available before importation/market circulation. | The notification, authorization letter, CFS and label must match the product identity. |
| Labeling | Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label should be reviewed. | Name, ingredients, function, warnings, origin and responsible party must be consistent. |
| Transport risk | Alcohol-rich or aerosol products may require DG review. | Carrier may require MSDS/SDS, UN classification and packing instructions. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This guide applies to imported body spray sold or distributed as a cosmetic personal-care product in Vietnam. Products in the same commercial family such as perfume, eau de parfum and fragrance mist must not be automatically treated the same because alcohol ratio, claims, packaging form and regulatory purpose may differ.
- Samples, testers, promotional goods, combos and EPE/FDI use cases require a separate review.
- Deodorizing, antibacterial, sweat-control or therapeutic claims may move the product closer to other regulatory boundaries.
- Alcohol, propellant, pressurized cans or special accessories may trigger transport and technical-document requirements.
- Review catalogue, datasheet, SKU, original label, MSDS/SDS and actual import purpose.
CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
Light body fragrance; not a medicine, not a therapeutic product and not a raw fragrance material.
Liquid spray containing fragrance, solvent, water/alcohol and cosmetic additives, packed in spray bottles.
Catalogue, original label, INCI list, CFS, authorization letter, MSDS/SDS, product images and cosmetic notification.
TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA
| Criterion | Document to compare | Risk if misdescribed | Suggested customs/commercial description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade name and form | Catalogue, label, product image | Generic “spray” may be challenged as room spray, chemical or DG cargo. | Body spray cosmetic fragrance for body use, brand…, volume…, new 100%. |
| Function/claims | Label, marketing material, notification file | Antibacterial, therapeutic or sweat-control claims may change the regulatory review. | Use cosmetic function only: body fragrance/fragrance mist. |
| Ingredients and alcohol content | Formula, INCI list, MSDS/SDS | High alcohol content may create dangerous-goods transport requirements. | Review flash point and DG status before air/sea booking. |
| Packaging form | Bottle photo, volume, carton specification | Aerosol or pressurized containers may alter transport and storage handling. | State non-pressurized spray or aerosol if applicable. |
| Origin and C/O | C/O, invoice, packing list, transport docs | Incorrect origin may lead to denial of preferential duty. | Match origin, C/O form, origin criterion and product description before ETA. |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
HS CLASSIFICATION LAYERING
| Layer | Code | Meaning | Use for body spray |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 33 | Essential oils; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations. | Cosmetic/fragrance preparation for external body use. |
| Heading | 3303 | Perfumes and toilet waters. | Main function is body fragrance. |
| Subheading | 3303.00 | Perfumes and toilet waters. | May include fragrance mist/body spray of the same nature. |
| Vietnam line | 3303.00.00 / 33030000 | Perfumes and toilet waters. | Reference when label, notification and composition confirm body fragrance use. |
COMMON HS EXCLUSIONS
| Possible group | When to consider | Risk if wrong | Documents to lock |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3307.20 deodorants/antiperspirants | Main claim is deodorizing or sweat control. | Wrong function, HS, duty/FTA and notification scope. | Label, claims, INCI, notification, catalogue. |
| 3307.49 room fragrance | Room spray, fabric spray or air freshener, not for body use. | Wrong cosmetic scope and labeling policy. | Directions, warnings, MSDS/SDS. |
| 3302 fragrance mixtures/raw materials | Fragrance compound or raw fragrance material for production. | Confuses finished goods with raw materials. | COA, MSDS/SDS, contract, import purpose. |
| 3304 skin care/make-up | Skin care is the principal function and fragrance is secondary. | HS may conflict with label/notification claims. | Principal function, label, ingredients, notification. |
DETAILED TAX TABLE – BODY SPRAY HS 3303.00.00
| Tax/policy | Reference rate | Condition | Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN import duty | 18% | Goods qualify for MFN and no special FTA preference is claimed. | Check HS 33030000, exporting country and tariff at declaration date. |
| Ordinary import duty | 27% | When MFN/FTA is not applicable or ordinary duty must be used. | Do not apply automatically where MFN origin is available. |
| Import VAT | 10% | Ordinary imported cosmetic body spray. | Verify VAT policy at declaration date. |
| Excise tax | Not typically identified for ordinary cosmetic body spray | Do not treat as alcoholic beverage if external-use cosmetic. | Reassess if the file shows non-cosmetic alcohol/chemical solution. |
| Environmental protection tax | Not typically identified | Not presumed for retail-packed cosmetics. | Review if propellant/aerosol/packaging is special. |
SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL C/O/FTA TABLE – HS 3303.00.00
| Origin/route | Agreement/Form | Reference special rate | Main condition | Documents | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASEAN | ATIGA – Form D | 0% | ASEAN origin and direct transport. | Form D, invoice, packing list, B/L, HS 3303.00.00. | Wrong form or origin criterion denies preference. |
| China | ACFTA – Form E | 0% | Chinese origin under ACFTA. | Form E, third-party invoice if any, B/L, stamp/signature. | Form E is often checked carefully. |
| RCEP | RCEP origin proof | 9% for ASEAN/China/Korea/Australia/NZ; Japan about 9.8% | Use only if RCEP is documentarily or commercially suitable. | RCEP proof, origin criterion, route. | May be more expensive than ACFTA/ATIGA/VJEPA. |
| Korea | AKFTA Form AK / VKFTA Form VK | 5% | Korean origin and valid C/O. | Form AK/VK, invoice, packing list, B/L. | No valid C/O: MFN 18%. |
| Japan | VJEPA Form VJ / AJCEP Form AJ / CPTPP | 0% if qualified | Japanese origin and valid origin proof. | Form VJ/AJ or CPTPP proof, direct transport. | Unclear origin may trigger verification. |
| EU | EVFTA – EUR.1/origin statement | 2.2% reference for 2026 | EU origin and valid EVFTA proof. | EUR.1/origin statement, REX if any, invoice, B/L. | Invalid self-certification denies preference. |
| UK | UKVFTA | 2.2% reference for 2026 | UK origin and valid UKVFTA proof. | Origin proof, invoice, B/L. | Wrong EVFTA/UKVFTA mechanism may revert to MFN. |
| Australia/New Zealand | AANZFTA/CPTPP/RCEP | 0% under AANZFTA/CPTPP; RCEP about 9% | Select the best supported agreement. | Form AANZ or relevant origin proof. | Wrong choice increases duty. |
| India | AIFTA – Form AI | 5% | Indian origin under AIFTA. | Form AI, invoice, B/L. | Without valid Form AI, MFN may apply. |
| Chile | VCFTA – Form VC | 5% | Chilean origin under VCFTA. | Form VC, invoice, B/L. | Check direct transport carefully. |
| Hong Kong | AHKFTA – Form AHK | 18% reference; may not improve over MFN | Use only after checking the official schedule. | Form AHK, invoice, B/L. | Do not assume lower-than-MFN treatment. |
C/O CHECKLIST BEFORE CLAIMING PREFERENCE
- Correct C/O form or self-certification mechanism.
- Clear origin criterion: WO, RVC, CTH, CTSH or PSR.
- Description, brand, volume, quantity and weight match invoice/packing list.
- HS on C/O, if shown, does not conflict with 3303.00.00.
- Check third-party invoice, direct transport, issue date, stamp/signature, issuer and validity.
- Do not claim preference using draft C/O, wrong form or incomplete origin proof.
SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
| Scenario | Possible policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal | Best timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard body spray cosmetic | Cosmetic notification, customs clearance and labeling. | Notification, CFS, authorization, ingredients, label, catalogue. | Drug Administration/health authority and customs system. | Before ETA. | Do not wait until arrival to fix notification mismatch. |
| Alcohol-rich product | Possible DG transport control. | MSDS/SDS, flash point, UN number if any. | Carrier/airline/shipping line/forwarder. | Before booking. | Shipment may be rejected or re-routed. |
| Aerosol or pressurized can | DG/pressurized packaging review. | Packaging photo, propellant, MSDS/SDS. | Carrier, port/warehouse and customs if inspected. | Before booking and loading. | Do not describe as ordinary body spray if it is aerosol. |
| Sample/tester/promotional goods | May still require cosmetic and labeling review if put on market. | Purpose, quantity, label, program document. | Customs and cosmetic authority depending on case. | Before ETA. | Samples are not automatically exempt. |
| EPE/FDI/factory import | Policy depends on import type and market circulation. | Contract, purpose, use plan, notification if circulated. | Customs managing the import regime. | Before declaration. | Wrong regime may create post-clearance issues. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Legal document | Issuing authority | Effective timing | Role | Key review point | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics circular | Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT on cosmetic management | Ministry of Health | Effective from 01/04/2011; amended | Basis for notification, import, labeling and product information file. | Notification form, CFS, authorization, labeling responsibilities. | Review consolidated/amended version. |
| Amending circular | Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT | Ministry of Health | Issued 03/07/2025, effective 18/08/2025 | Updates cosmetic management and notification dossier requirements. | Check transitional and dossier rules. | Apply according to effective date. |
| Labeling | Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP and Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP | Government | Decree 111 effective 15/02/2022 | Imported goods label and Vietnamese supplementary label. | Product name, origin, responsible party, ingredients, warnings. | Review before mass production/import. |
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/NĐ-CP | Government | Effective 15/07/2023 | MFN tariff basis. | Tariff schedule by HS. | Check at declaration date. |
| Ordinary duty | Decision 15/2023/QĐ-TTg or current replacement | Prime Minister | From 15/07/2023 according to policy summary | Ordinary duty calculation basis. | 150% principle where applicable. | Verify official text before use. |
| FTA/C/O | Special preferential tariff decrees for ATIGA, ACFTA, AKFTA, VKFTA, AJCEP, VJEPA, CPTPP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, RCEP, AANZFTA, AIFTA, AHKFTA | Government/MOIT/MOF | According to each FTA schedule | Special duty preference with valid C/O. | Origin criteria, C/O form, direct transport. | Do not claim preference with invalid C/O. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Businesses should verify document numbers through the Government legal document portal, official legal databases 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 if claiming preferential duty.
- Catalogue, product images, original label and SKU list.
Specialized documents
- Cosmetic product notification.
- CFS where required in the notification dossier.
- Authorization letter.
- INCI ingredient list, original and Vietnamese labels.
- MSDS/SDS for alcohol/aerosol products.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST BY OPERATION
| Document group | Required document | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, packing list, contract/PO | Declaration, valuation and quantity check | Importer/supplier | Product name inconsistent with label/notification. | Match name, volume, quantity, Incoterms and origin. |
| Transport | B/L or AWB, arrival notice, pre-alert | D/O, manifest and ETA control | Forwarder/carrier | Wrong consignee or goods description. | Compare pre-alert with commercial docs and MSDS. |
| Cosmetic | Notification, CFS, authorization, ingredients, label | Import/market circulation basis | Importer/regulatory team | Expired CFS/authorization or unmatched product name. | Check validity and product identity. |
| Origin | C/O and transport evidence | FTA preference | Supplier/exporter/importer | Wrong form, HS or description. | Review every C/O field before claiming preference. |
| Label/DG | Original label, supplementary label, MSDS/SDS | Market circulation and transport | Importer/supplier/forwarder | Missing warnings or DG information. | Review labels and SDS before booking. |
CUSTOMS HOLD DECISION POINTS
| Decision point | Question | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS Code | Does it fit 3303.00.00 as body fragrance? | Catalogue, label, ingredients, MSDS/SDS | HS reclassification and duty change. | Finalize description and technical basis. |
| Cosmetic notification | Does the notification match product, owner and origin? | Notification, CFS, authorization, label | Supplement request or circulation risk. | Review before ETA. |
| DG risk | Alcohol/aerosol/pressurized packaging? | MSDS/SDS, packaging photo | Carrier rejection or extra cost. | Ask supplier for SDS before booking. |
| C/O | Can FTA preference be claimed? | C/O, invoice, B/L | Denied preference or verification. | Check form, origin criterion and direct transport. |
| Supplementary label | Is Vietnamese labeling ready? | Original label, VN label draft | Post-clearance/market circulation risk. | Prepare label before sales. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Confirm HS, duty, C/O, cosmetic notification, labeling and DG risk.
Lock invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, catalogue, label, notification and MSDS/SDS.
Review notification, CFS, authorization and label before arrival.
Green lane: conditional release; Yellow lane: documentary check; Red lane: documentary and physical inspection.
Take delivery, check packaging, manage SKU/lot and supplementary labels.
Keep declaration, tax records, C/O, notification, labels and SDS.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Prevention | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic “spray” description | Wrong HS/policy. | State body spray cosmetic fragrance for body use. | Catalogue, label, images. |
| Missing cosmetic notification | Delay or circulation issue. | Check notification number before ETA. | Notification, CFS, authorization. |
| Invalid C/O | Loss of preferential duty. | Review C/O fields before declaration. | C/O, invoice, B/L. |
| Uncontrolled alcohol/aerosol | Carrier rejection or DG cost. | Request MSDS/SDS and DG classification. | MSDS/SDS, packaging photo. |
| Label mismatch | Post-clearance/market risk. | Approve original and VN labels early. | Labels, notification, catalogue. |
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does imported body spray need cosmetic notification? | Yes, if it is a cosmetic product placed on the Vietnamese market. |
| Which HS code is commonly reviewed? | Reference HS is 3303.00.00 if the principal function is body fragrance. |
| Is C/O mandatory? | Not mandatory for clearance, but needed for special preferential duty. |
| Is quality inspection/conformity certification required? | For ordinary cosmetic body spray, the focus is cosmetic notification and labeling; special features require further review. |
| Is alcohol-containing body spray dangerous goods? | Not by name alone; check MSDS/SDS, flash point and packaging. |
| Are samples/testers treated the same as commercial goods? | It depends on purpose and market circulation; do not assume exemption. |
| What if invoice name differs from label/notification? | Correct documents or prepare explanation before declaration. |
RELATED ARTICLES
IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTION FROM TGIMEX
This guide maps HS, tax, documentation and specialized policy issues for body spray. In actual shipments, the importer still needs to review catalogue, datasheet, notification, label, MSDS/SDS, documents, origin and import purpose.
Agency network in over 60 countries, WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA membership; sea, air, road/rail freight, customs clearance, C/O, permits, warehousing and inland delivery.
- Pre-ETA review of HS, C/O, duty, label and SDS.
- Compliance document cross-check.
- International freight and pre-alert coordination.
- Customs declaration and channel handling.
- Post-clearance record keeping.
TGIMEX supports an E2E import plan: pre-ETA policy review, document control, international transport coordination, customs clearance, inland delivery and post-clearance archiving.
Note: This content is for operational guidance and does not replace official HS classification, customs consultation or legal documents at the declaration date.
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