Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR SHAVING CREAM
Shaving cream is sensitive from a customs and compliance perspective because its trade name alone is not enough to decide HS code, cosmetic notification, labeling, C/O eligibility or aerosol transport requirements. This guide provides an E2E review map before ETA.
QUICK FACTS
| Review point | Operational conclusion | Documents to lock before ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Shaving cream is a preparation used before, during or after shaving; it may be cream, foam, gel or aerosol foam. | Catalogue, original label, INCI, usage, volume and packaging form. |
| Reference HS | 3307.10.00 if the principal function is a pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparation. | Invoice, Packing List, label, formula/INCI, CFS and notification record. |
| Cosmetic policy | A cosmetic notification receipt number is required before market circulation; the PIF must be kept by the responsible company. | Notification record, CFS, authorization letter, PIF and product label. |
| Duty reference | MFN 18%; ordinary duty 27%; standard VAT 10%, possibly 8% if the VAT reduction conditions are met. | Tariff schedule on declaration date and C/O/origin document if claiming FTA preference. |
| Main risks | Function mismatch, aerosol without MSDS/DG review, invalid C/O, or treatment claims beyond cosmetic scope. | Pre-ETA review, especially for aerosol items, samples and sensitive claims. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This article applies only to shaving cream for external cosmetic use, including cream, gel, foam, mousse or aerosol foam used before, during or after shaving.
It must not be automatically applied to shower gel, soap, scrub, body mist, deodorant, cosmetic antiperspirant or ordinary skin-care products when the principal function is not shaving-related. Samples, gifts, testers, EPE/FDI imports or non-sale shipments may require separate customs and compliance handling.
The actual catalogue, datasheet, volume, label, INCI, packaging form and import purpose must be reviewed before application.
CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
The product is applied to the shaving area and its instructions refer to before shaving, during shaving or after shaving. It may contain foaming agents, emollients, soothing agents, fragrance and preservatives.
Tube, pump bottle, jar, sachet or aerosol can. Aerosol products require MSDS, UN number, DG class and transport acceptance review.
| Checkpoint | Documents to compare | Risk if described incorrectly | Suggested description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal function | Original label, catalogue, CFS, usage instructions | Wrong HS or cosmetic policy explanation. | “Shaving cream, cosmetic preparation for use before/during shaving, brand…, volume…, new 100%”. |
| Product form | Product images, SDS/MSDS, packaging data | Aerosol/DG transport requirements may be missed. | State cream/gel/foam/aerosol clearly. |
| Ingredients/INCI | Ingredient list, PIF, CFS, formula | Treatment or medicinal claims may exceed cosmetic scope. | Avoid therapeutic claims if the file is cosmetic only. |
| Volume and packing | Packing List, label, barcode, carton mark | Mismatch affects notification, customs value and labeling. | State unit volume and carton quantity clearly. |
| Origin | C/O, invoice, label, transport document | FTA preference may be rejected. | Keep country of origin consistent across documents. |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
HS classification is driven by the principal function. For shaving cream, the key reference HS is 3307.10.00 when the product is a preparation used before, during or after shaving.
| Reference HS | Application condition | Risk if misclassified | Documents to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3307.10.00 | Pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparations such as shaving cream, foam or gel. | Classification adjustment, duty recovery and customs explanation. | Label, catalogue, INCI, CFS, notification, invoice, packing list. |
| 3304.99.30 / 3304.99.90 | Only when the product is actually a skin-care cream/lotion rather than a shaving preparation. | Wrong function and duty exposure. | Claims, formula, usage and original label. |
| 3401.30.00 | Only when the product is primarily a skin-washing surface-active preparation. | May be rejected if the main function is shaving support. | SDS, surfactant formula and usage instructions. |
| 3307.90.40 / 3307.90.90 | Only for other cosmetic/toilet preparations not more specifically described. | Using “other” when a specific subheading exists can be challenged. | Catalogue, label and classification note. |
| Tax item | Reference rate for HS 3307.10.00 | Condition | Operational note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN import duty | 18% | MFN origin without FTA preference. | Verify the tariff schedule on declaration date. |
| Ordinary import duty | 27% | When MFN/FTA conditions are not met. | Generally 150% of the MFN rate. |
| Standard VAT | 10% | If not eligible for VAT reduction. | Check VAT policy at declaration date. |
| Reduced VAT | 8% if eligible | Only if the product falls within the VAT reduction scope and is not excluded. | Do not apply automatically without tariff/system confirmation. |
| Origin route | C/O or origin document | Preferential rate to verify | Application conditions | Key risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASEAN | Form D/ATIGA | Often lower than MFN and many lines may be 0% if PSR is met. | Correct form, origin criterion, direct transport, matching HS and description. | Wrong RVC/CTH, missing through B/L, inconsistent description. |
| China | Form E or RCEP | Verify ACFTA/RCEP schedule by origin and declaration date. | Valid C/O, third-party invoice details if applicable. | Incorrect box, missing signature/stamp, mismatched description. |
| Korea | Form AK/VK or RCEP | Compare AKFTA, VKFTA and RCEP. | Origin and direct transport evidence required. | Wrong agreement or unsuitable origin criterion. |
| Japan | Form AJ/VJ, CPTPP or RCEP | Compare VJEPA, AJCEP, CPTPP and RCEP. | Exporter/manufacturer, description and HS must be consistent. | PSR not met or missing direct transport proof. |
| EU/UK | EUR.1 or origin statement under EVFTA/UKVFTA | Verify EVFTA/UKVFTA schedule by year. | Correct origin statement wording and eligible exporter where required. | Invalid self-certification or vague product description. |
| Australia–New Zealand | AANZFTA/CPTPP/RCEP | Compare the applicable agreement. | Direct transport and origin criterion must be documented. | Transit through third country without proof. |
| India/Hong Kong/EAEU | AIFTA/AHKFTA/VN-EAEU | Check each FTA schedule separately. | Correct form and timely submission. | Wrong form or late C/O supplementation. |
- Check the correct C/O form or origin document for the chosen FTA.
- Verify PSR criteria such as WO, RVC, CTH or CTSH for the HS code.
- Check third-party invoice, direct transport, goods description, HS, quantity, weight, stamp, signature, issue date and validity.
- Match the C/O against invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, label and customs declaration.
- Prepare an MFN duty fallback if the C/O is rejected or subject to verification.
SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
| Goods scenario | Possible policy | Documents to check | Authority / portal | Timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving cream for sale | Cosmetic notification, cosmetic labeling and PIF retention. | Notification, CFS, authorization letter, label, INCI and PIF. | Drug Administration of Vietnam / National Single Window where applicable. | Before ETA. | Missing notification may delay clearance or market circulation. |
| Aerosol shaving foam | Cosmetic policy plus MSDS, DG, can pressure and propellant review. | MSDS/SDS, UN number, class and packing instruction. | Carrier, airline, shipping line, warehouse/port. | Before booking and before ETA. | Cargo may be rejected for transport or storage. |
| Sensitive claims | Cosmetic claim review; avoid treatment/medicinal claims. | Label, artwork, website claims, CFS and marketing files. | DAV or market surveillance after circulation. | Before notification and label printing. | Claims may require file correction. |
| Samples/testers/gifts | Import purpose and document set must be clarified; notification exemption should not be assumed. | Invoice, import purpose, quantity, label and explanation letter if any. | Customs and specialized authority as applicable. | Before arrival. | Sample wording may be inconsistent with actual sale use. |
| EPE/FDI/factory imports | Review import type, internal use, resale or distribution purpose. | Contract, invoice, internal documents and notification if circulated. | Relevant customs authority. | Before declaration. | Wrong customs type or purpose may lead to post-clearance queries. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document | Issuer | Effective timing | Role | Key point | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circular | Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT as amended, including Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT. | Ministry of Health | Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT effective from 18 Aug 2025. | Cosmetic management, notification, PIF, labeling and company responsibility. | Notification dossier, receipt, PIF and labeling requirements. | Use the consolidated text and latest amendment. |
| Decree | Decree 26/2023/NĐ-CP. | Government | Effective from 15 Jul 2023. | MFN tariff schedule and commodity list. | Chapter 33, heading 3307. | Check any amendment effective on declaration date. |
| Decree | Decree 174/2025/NĐ-CP. | Government | Effective from 01 Jul 2025. | VAT reduction policy under Resolution 204/2025/QH15. | Reduction scope and exclusions. | Do not apply 8% automatically if excluded. |
| Decree | Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP and Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP. | Government | Goods labeling framework. | Vietnamese supplementary label. | Mandatory label contents. | Use together with cosmetic labeling rules. |
| Customs rules | Customs Law 2014 and implementing decrees/circulars. | National Assembly, Government, Ministry of Finance | Check current validity. | Customs dossier, declaration, inspection and post-clearance audit. | Customs dossier and amendment rules. | Do not cite article numbers without checking the actual file. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD SOURCE DOCUMENTS
Businesses should also cross-check the documents on official legal portals or the issuing authority website before applying.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
- C/O if claiming preferential duty.
- Catalogue, original label, product images and volume list.
- Cosmetic notification receipt number.
- CFS or equivalent document where required.
- Authorization letter from manufacturer/owner.
- PIF kept by the responsible company.
- Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, INCI and MSDS for aerosol.
| Document group | Required documents | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, contract/PO. | Customs declaration, value and quantity. | Importer, shipper, forwarder. | Name/volume/quantity mismatch. | Line-by-line comparison. |
| Cosmetic notification | Notification, CFS, authorization, INCI. | Cosmetic import and circulation. | Importer/Regulatory/Legal. | Expired CFS or wrong responsible party. | Match product name, brand, manufacturer and responsible person. |
| Label | Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, artwork. | Clearance and market circulation. | Brand/Importer. | Missing lot, MFG/EXP, ingredients or responsible company. | Approve artwork before printing. |
| C/O | C/O form or origin document. | FTA preferential duty. | Exporter/Importer. | Wrong form, HS, criterion or direct transport. | Review draft C/O before shipment. |
| Aerosol/DG | MSDS/SDS and DG declaration if applicable. | Booking and transport. | Shipper, forwarder, carrier. | Undeclared aerosol/DG. | Check UN number, class and packing instruction. |
DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question to answer | Proof | Consequence if unclear | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS code | Is the product truly a shaving preparation? | Label, catalogue, INCI, notification. | HS explanation, duty recovery. | Prepare a classification note. |
| Cosmetic notification | Is the notification receipt aligned with the exact product? | Notification, CFS, authorization. | Delay or market restriction. | Complete notification before ETA. |
| Label | Are original and Vietnamese labels sufficient? | Artwork and label images. | Supplement/correction request. | Approve supplementary label in advance. |
| C/O | Does the C/O qualify for preference? | C/O, B/L/AWB, invoice, packing list. | Preference rejected. | Review draft C/O and duty fallback. |
| Aerosol | Is the product pressurized/aerosol? | MSDS/SDS, booking confirmation. | Transport/storage refusal. | Declare DG correctly from booking stage. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Pre-ETA review: lock HS 3307.10.00 or justified alternative, check duty, C/O, label, cosmetic notification and aerosol/DG status.
Lock documents: invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, CFS, authorization, notification, original label, INCI and MSDS if applicable.
Complete specialized file: finish notification and claim review before cargo arrival.
Customs declaration: prepare explanation on HS, value, C/O, notification number, label and packaging.
Clearance and post-clearance: deliver cargo, apply supplementary label if needed, keep PIF and shipment file.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Impact | Pre-ETA control | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong C/O form or origin criterion | Loss of preferential duty. | Review C/O draft, PSR and direct transport. | C/O, invoice, B/L/AWB, packing list. |
| Product name mismatch | Additional explanation or correction. | Lock product name, brand, variant and volume. | Notification, CFS, invoice, label. |
| Aerosol not declared | Booking rejection or storage issue. | Review MSDS and DG status. | MSDS/SDS, booking, packing. |
| Therapeutic claims | Label/file correction risk. | Review artwork, website claims and PIF. | Label, marketing materials, PIF. |
| Generic description | Wrong HS or policy. | Describe shaving cream/foam/gel and function clearly. | Catalogue, label, invoice. |
FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Does imported shaving cream require cosmetic notification? | Yes, if circulated in Vietnam as a cosmetic product. |
| What is the common HS code? | Usually 3307.10.00 for pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparations. |
| Is C/O mandatory? | No for clearance, but it is required to claim special preferential duty. |
| Is VAT 8% or 10%? | Standard VAT is 10%; 8% applies only if the product is eligible and not excluded. |
| What is special about aerosol shaving foam? | MSDS/DG review may be required for transport acceptance. |
| What if invoice name differs from CFS/notification? | Correct or explain before declaration; avoid name/variant/volume mismatch. |
RELATED ARTICLES
Review classification principles before declaration.
Control origin documents to avoid losing duty preference.
CFS, authorization and PIF preparation.
Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label.
TGIMEX EXECUTION SUPPORT
This article provides an E2E map for HS, duty, documentation and specialized policy. In real shipments, shaving cream should still be reviewed against the catalogue, label, INCI, CFS, authorization, origin documents, transport mode and import purpose.
HS, cosmetic policy, C/O, VAT, label, notification and aerosol/DG status.
Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, CFS, authorization, PIF, label and MSDS.
Agent coordination, carrier follow-up, ETA, pre-alert and transport documents.
Declaration, green/yellow/red channel handling, shipment file retention and explanation support.
For shipments involving specialized policy, C/O or labeling requirements, companies should not wait until cargo arrival to review the file. Minor mismatches across invoice, packing list, catalogue, C/O or label may trigger document supplementation, clearance delay and unplanned storage costs.
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.
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