Styling cream is a cosmetic preparation for hair, usually used for soft styling, curl definition, smoothing, frizz control or finishing. In import operations, generic descriptions such as “hair cream” or “hair product” may create HS, cosmetic notification, Vietnamese labelling and C/O risks.

This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) control map for importers before ETA: HS Code, duty, C/O (Certificate of Origin), cosmetic product notification, customs dossier, labelling and operational risk points that may delay clearance.

QUICK FACTS

Item	Control point	Operational note
Product	Styling cream for hair, in cream/paste/soft wax form, classified as an external-use cosmetic preparation.	Do not automatically apply this article to shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, hair serum, wax, perm/straightening products, hair dyes or hair lacquers.
Main reference HS	3305.90.00 – Other preparations for use on the hair.	Final HS must be based on function, use instruction, claim, label and technical dossier.
Reference duty	MFN import duty: 20%; normal duty: 30%; standard VAT: 10%.	Do not automatically apply reduced VAT or FTA rates without checking the valid tariff schedule, origin and C/O.
Specialized policy	Review cosmetic product notification, ingredient list, Vietnamese label, PIF, LOA and CFS where required under the applicable dossier.	Main authority: Drug Administration of Vietnam – Ministry of Health, or other delegated systems under the current rules.
Key risk	Over-claiming beyond cosmetic scope, confusion with perm/straightening/hair dye products, incorrect C/O, missing notification, inconsistent label.	Lock legal and operational dossiers before ETA.

Legal note

This content applies to finished styling cream imported as an external-use cosmetic hair product. Importers must check the catalogue, ingredient list, artwork, notification dossier, SKU, origin and actual import purpose. It must not be used as a blanket conclusion for hair dyes, perming/straightening products, medicated anti-dandruff products, salon treatment products or products with unclear cosmetic boundaries.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Applicable to

Hair styling cream.
Cream paste, defining cream, smoothing cream, curl cream and leave-in styling cream.
Finished products packed for retail sale or commercial distribution.
Samples/testers where the import purpose is properly explained.

Not automatically applicable to

3305.10 – shampoos.
3305.20 – permanent waving or straightening preparations.
3305.30 – hair lacquers.
Hair dyes, scalp treatment products, antibacterial products or products with therapeutic claims.

Actual classification must be reviewed against catalogue, datasheet, SKU/model, ingredients, original label, cosmetic notification dossier and import purpose.

PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & IDENTIFICATION

Styling cream is generally identified by its styling, smoothing, frizz-control, curl-definition or finishing function. The operational issue is whether the product remains an ordinary cosmetic or has claims such as “treats hair loss”, “stimulates hair growth”, “cures scalp inflammation” or other therapeutic claims.

Criterion	Documents to check	Risk if wrongly described	Suggested goods description
Main function	Artwork, catalogue, product brief and claim list.	May be misclassified as perm/straightening, hair dye or therapeutic product.	Styling cream for hair, cosmetic preparation, brand…, SKU…, capacity…
Product form	Product photo, label, SDS/MSDS and packing specification.	Aerosol/spray products may trigger dangerous-goods transport requirements.	Specify cream/paste form; avoid generic “hair product”.
Ingredients	INCI/ingredient list, formula summary and PIF.	Restricted/prohibited substances may cause notification issues.	Check ingredients against the notification dossier before shipment.
Claims	Original label, Vietnamese label draft, brochure and website content.	Therapeutic claims may move the product outside ordinary cosmetic scope.	Avoid disease-treatment claims.
Origin and C/O	C/O, invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB and manufacturing country.	Incorrect origin/HS/description may lead to denial of FTA preference.	Ensure C/O description matches invoice and customs declaration.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O

For hair styling cream, the classification point is whether the product is a cream/paste/lotion-type hair styling or hair-care cosmetic preparation, not shampoo, not a permanent waving/straightening preparation and not hair lacquer. If this is the actual product nature, the main reference HS code is usually 3305.90.00 – Other preparations for use on the hair.

3305.90.00Main HS to review

20%MFN import duty

30%Ordinary import duty

10%Standard VAT

1. HS classification logic for styling cream

Goods scenario	Reference HS code	Classification basis	Do not use this code if	Documents to cross-check
Styling cream / hair cream / curl cream / smoothing cream in cream, paste or lotion form for styling, softening, light hold or frizz control.	3305.90.00	Falls under heading 3305 – preparations for use on the hair, other than shampoo, permanent waving/straightening preparations or hair lacquer.	The product is shampoo, perm/straightening preparation, hair lacquer, hair dye or scalp-treatment product.	Invoice, Packing List, original label, INCI/ingredient list, instructions for use, cosmetic notification, catalogue/SKU list.
Shampoo or rinse-off cleansing product for hair.	3305.10.10 or 3305.10.90	Specific subheading for shampoos.	The product is a leave-on styling/care cream.	Cleansing claim, instructions for use, surfactant composition, label.
Perm cream, straightening cream, relaxer or preparation that changes hair structure.	3305.20.00	Specific subheading for permanent waving or straightening preparations.	The product only provides temporary styling or hold.	Claims, warnings, active ingredients and technical use instructions.
Hair lacquer, hair spray or lacquer-type film-forming hold product.	3305.30.00	Specific subheading for hair lacquers.	The product is non-aerosol styling cream, not lacquer/spray.	SDS/MSDS, packaging form, aerosol declaration if any, label and claims.

2. Import duty and VAT matrix for close HS options

HS code	Tariff description	MFN duty	Ordinary duty	VAT	When to use	Risk if misclassified
3305.90.00	Other preparations for use on the hair.	20%	30%	10% standard; review 8% only if the VAT reduction policy applies at declaration time.	Styling cream/hair cream for styling, conditioning, softening or frizz control that does not fall into more specific subheadings.	Misclassification into 3305.10/3305.20/3305.30 may affect duty, C/O description and customs explanation.
3305.10.10	Anti-fungal shampoos.	15%	22.5%	10% reference.	Only where the product is anti-fungal shampoo.	Using this for styling cream would misstate the product nature.
3305.10.90	Other shampoos.	15%	22.5%	10% reference.	Only for ordinary shampoo.	Generic “hair product” descriptions may cause HS disputes.
3305.20.00	Permanent waving or straightening preparations.	15%	22.5%	10% reference.	Relaxer, perm cream, straightening cream with clear chemical action.	Claims such as “straightening” or “treatment” may trigger review under this code.
3305.30.00	Hair lacquers.	15%	22.5%	10% reference.	Hair lacquer/hair spray in spray or aerosol form.	Aerosol products may also trigger DG transport checks.

The duty rates above are operational references. Before declaration, the importer must re-check the tariff schedule in force, the final HS code based on actual documents, origin, C/O, declaration date and the VAT policy applicable at importation.

3. Preferential C/O/FTA matrix for HS 3305.90.00

Origin route	C/O form or origin document	Reference preferential duty	Conditions	Documents to review	Risk if incorrect
ASEAN	Form D / ATIGA origin document	0%	Meet ATIGA origin criteria and direct consignment.	C/O, Invoice, Packing List, B/L, goods description, HS, origin country.	Wrong form, HS or generic description may lead to denial of preference.
China	Form E – ACFTA or RCEP origin document	ACFTA: 0%; RCEP: 10% reference.	Select FTA based on actual origin and valid documents.	C/O, third-party invoice if any, direct transport proof, manufacturer data.	Misusing ACFTA/RCEP or Form E errors may forfeit preference.
Korea	Form AK, Form VK or RCEP	AKFTA: 5%; VKFTA: 0%; RCEP: 10% reference.	Verify origin criterion, manufacturer and transport route.	C/O, Invoice, B/L, Packing List, manufacturing information.	Non-compliant RVC/CTH/CTSH or non-optimal form may increase duty cost.
Japan	AJCEP / VJEPA / CPTPP / RCEP	AJCEP/VJEPA/CPTPP: 0%; RCEP: 10.9% reference.	Choose the most beneficial agreement and prove origin.	C/O or self-certification, Invoice, B/L, origin criterion.	Missing direct transport evidence or wrong origin criterion.
EU / UK	EVFTA / UKVFTA origin declaration or C/O	2.5% reference.	Valid origin statement and matching HS/description.	Statement on origin, Invoice, Packing List, B/L, exporter data.	Missing exporter authorization/REX where applicable or mismatched description.
Australia / New Zealand	AANZFTA / CPTPP / RCEP	AANZFTA/CPTPP: 0%; RCEP: 10% reference.	Apply according to actual origin and available proof.	C/O, Invoice, B/L, origin criterion.	Using RCEP when a 0% route is available may raise duty cost.
India	Form AI – AIFTA	5% reference.	Meet AIFTA origin criteria and direct consignment.	C/O, Invoice, B/L, Packing List.	Wrong issue date, criterion or goods description may deny preference.
Hong Kong	Form AHK – AHKFTA	20% reference.	Use only where commercially useful or origin proof is required.	C/O, Invoice, B/L.	May not be better than MFN; duty should be compared before requesting C/O.

Pre-ETA C/O checklist

Check at least: C/O form, origin criterion WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH, third-party invoice, direct transport, goods description, HS code 3305.90.00 or the final HS code, quantity, weight, origin country, stamp/signature, issue date, validity period and consistency across C/O – Invoice – Packing List – B/L – cosmetic notification – product label.

APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED MANAGEMENT POLICIES

Situation	Policy	Dossier to check	Authority / portal	Timing	Risk note
Finished styling cream for commercial import	Cosmetic product notification before circulation/import for business.	Notification receipt number, LOA, PIF, CFS where required, ingredient list and label.	Drug Administration of Vietnam – Ministry of Health.	Before ETA and before distribution.	Missing notification may delay clearance or circulation.
Strong claims	Review cosmetic vs therapeutic boundary.	Artwork, claim, formula and efficacy support.	Ministry of Health / customs upon review.	Before notification filing.	Hair-growth or disease-treatment claims may exceed cosmetic scope.
Aerosol or flammable solvent	DG transport review.	SDS/MSDS, flash point, UN number if any.	Carrier/airline/forwarder.	Before booking.	Wrong DG declaration may stop shipment.
Samples/testers	Review import purpose and non-commercial circulation status if not notified.	Invoice, PL, explanation letter and sample quantity.	Customs and relevant authority.	Before declaration.	Not automatically treated as commercial goods.
EPE/FDI/factory import	Review customs regime, distribution right and notification requirement.	Contract, invoice, business licence and notification dossier.	Customs and specialized authority.	Before contract signing.	Wrong customs regime affects tax and post-clearance obligations.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Group	Document	Issuer	Effective date	Role	Key provisions	Review note
Cosmetic regulation	Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT	Ministry of Health	01/04/2011	Core rules on cosmetic notification, PIF, safety, labelling and import.	Articles 4–10; Articles 11–12.	Check amended/consolidated version.
Amendment	Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT	Ministry of Health	18/08/2025	Amends Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT.	Article 1 and related appendices.	Use for dossiers filed after effective date.
Tariff	Decree 26/2023/ND-CP and Decree 108/2025/ND-CP	Government	15/07/2023 and 19/05/2025	MFN tariff basis.	Chapter 33, heading 3305.	Check at declaration date.
VAT	Decree 174/2025/ND-CP	Government	01/07/2025	VAT reduction policy by period.	Excluded goods/services if any.	Do not apply reduced VAT automatically.
HS nomenclature	Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC	Ministry of Finance	AHTN 2022	Vietnam import/export nomenclature.	Chapter 33 classification.	Used to determine 8-digit HS.
Labelling	Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, Decree 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	Check current validity	Goods labelling and Vietnamese supplementary label.	Mandatory cosmetic label contents.	Check original label and Vietnamese label before sale.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS

Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT Decree 26/2023/ND-CP Decree 108/2025/ND-CP HS 3305.90.00 lookup

Businesses should also cross-check the official legal portals or issuer websites before applying these references.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOSSIER

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List.
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
C/O if FTA preference is claimed.
Catalogue, original label, product photos and SKU list.

Cosmetic compliance dossier

Cosmetic notification receipt number.
LOA, PIF and CFS where required.
INCI/ingredient list, artwork and Vietnamese label.
SDS/MSDS if needed for transport or ingredient review.
Claim substantiation where the claim is sensitive.

Dossier group	Documents	Used for	Prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial	Invoice, PL, B/L/AWB, contract.	Declaration, value, transport.	Importer, seller, forwarder.	Generic description, missing SKU/capacity.	Match each SKU with packing and label.
HS/duty	Catalogue, label, claim and ingredients.	HS and duty determination.	Importer, customs broker.	Confusion with 3305.20/3305.30.	Review actual function and use instruction.
Cosmetic notification	Notification, LOA, PIF, CFS where required.	Specialized control/circulation.	Regulatory/Legal/Importer.	Label inconsistent with notification.	Compare product name, brand, manufacturer and ingredient list.
C/O	Origin document, invoice and B/L.	FTA duty claim.	Exporter/importer.	Wrong form, HS, description or issue date.	Check C/O before arrival.
Labelling	Original and Vietnamese labels.	Post-clearance circulation.	Importer/brand owner.	Missing mandatory contents.	Approve Vietnamese label before delivery to warehouse.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point	Question	Evidence	Consequence if unclear	Recommended action
HS basis	Is it styling cream or perm/straightening/hair lacquer?	Label, catalogue, instruction and ingredients.	HS query or consultation.	Finalize HS with technical documents before ETA.
Notification match	Do name, brand, manufacturer, ingredients and form match?	Notification, PIF, LOA and label.	Additional documents or circulation issue.	Match notification with each SKU.
Claims	Any hair-growth or treatment claim?	Artwork, brochure and website content.	Specialized legal review.	Review claims before printing labels.
C/O eligibility	Correct form, HS, origin and direct consignment?	C/O, invoice, B/L and PL.	Loss of preference.	Check C/O before declaration.
Vietnamese label	Mandatory label contents complete?	Original label, Vietnamese label and notification.	Circulation risk after clearance.	Approve label before arrival.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step 1 · Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS 3305.90.00 or another HS if the dossier proves another function; check notification, duty, C/O, label and DG where relevant.

Step 2 · Lock documents

Finalize Invoice, PL, B/L/AWB, catalogue, SKU list, original label, ingredient list and notification dossier.

Step 3 · Compliance dossier

Check notification receipt number, LOA, PIF, CFS where required and Vietnamese label.

Step 4 · Customs declaration

Prepare explanations for goods description, HS, value, C/O and cosmetic dossier for Yellow/Red channels.

Step 5 · Clearance & post-clearance

Deliver goods, verify Vietnamese label, store shipment dossier and prepare post-clearance explanations.

Step 6 · Market circulation control

Ensure actual sales comply with label, notification, claim and responsible entity.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Wrong HS: review label, function and product form.

Notification mismatch: product name, brand, manufacturer and ingredient list must match.

C/O error: check form, origin criterion, HS and description.

Over-claiming: avoid therapeutic scalp/hair-loss claims without legal basis.

Missing Vietnamese label: check mandatory contents.

DG issue: review SDS/MSDS if flammable solvent or aerosol exists.

FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS

Question	Short answer
Does styling cream require cosmetic notification?	Yes, if it is a finished cosmetic imported for commercial circulation in Vietnam.
Is HS 3305.90.00 always applicable?	No. It is the main reference code for other hair preparations; final HS depends on function and actual dossier.
Can C/O reduce import duty?	Yes, if the C/O/origin document is valid and meets the FTA rules.
Is Vietnamese labelling required?	Yes, before market circulation; it must match the original label and notification dossier.
Are samples treated the same as commercial goods?	Not automatically. Import purpose, quantity and circulation status must be explained.
Is “hair cream” enough on the invoice?	It is not recommended. State styling cream/cosmetic hair styling preparation, brand, SKU, capacity and origin.

EXECUTION SOLUTION FROM TGIMEX

This article provides a control map for HS, duties, dossiers and specialized policies. In actual shipments, businesses should still review catalogue, formula, label, notification, documents, origin and import purpose.

Key controls

Pre-ETA review: HS, cosmetic notification, C/O, duty, label and ingredients.
Cross-check Invoice, PL, B/L/AWB, C/O, labels and notification dossier.
Coordinate international freight, pre-alert and customs declaration.

Recommended approach

For shipments involving specialized control, C/O or labelling requirements, businesses should not wait until arrival to review documents. Small discrepancies may create additional-document requests, clearance delays or extra storage costs.

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