Import procedures for antiperspirant cosmetic

Import procedures for antiperspirant cosmetic

Cosmetics – Personal Care (By Product)

IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR ANTIPERSPIRANT COSMETIC

Problem: Antiperspirant cosmetic is often described generically as deodorant, roll-on or body care on commercial documents, while the actual product may be an antiperspirant in roll-on, stick, cream, gel or spray form. Agitation: Wrong HS classification, missing cosmetic notification, insufficient Vietnamese labeling, missing SDS for aerosol goods or invalid C/O may trigger document supplementation, customs channel escalation, loss of FTA preference and DEM/DET cost. Solution: This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) review map before ETA: HS code, duties, C/O/FTA, specialized policy, customs dossier, clearance process and risk controls.

QUICK FACT – FAST REVIEW

Item Key review points Application notes
Product Antiperspirant cosmetic – personal care cosmetic used to control perspiration/body odour, usually in roll-on, stick, cream, gel or spray form. Applies only to antiperspirant cosmetic; not automatically applicable to shower gel, soap, scrub, body mist, deodorant or shaving cream.
Reference HS code 3307.20.00 – personal deodorants and antiperspirants. Must be checked against label, function, ingredients, product form, SDS and cosmetic notification dossier before declaration.
Reference taxes Reference MFN duty: 20%; ordinary duty: 30%; VAT commonly referenced at 10%. Some tariff sources show VAT 8%/10%; the VAT policy and tariff database must be checked at declaration date.
Specialized policy Falls under cosmetics/personal hygiene preparations; a cosmetic product notification receipt is generally required before placing the product on the market. If the product claims medical treatment, strong antibacterial/disinfecting or pharmacological effects, the regulatory scope must be re-assessed.
Logistics risk Spray/aerosol, alcohol-based or pressurised goods may involve dangerous goods requirements in transport. Check SDS, UN number/class if shipped by air/sea and carrier DG declaration requirements.

Legal note

This article is an operational review framework for antiperspirant cosmetic. It is not a final legal conclusion for every SKU. The importer should verify catalogue, datasheet, formula, SDS, label, claims, documents, origin and actual import purpose.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Product-specific scope

This article applies only to antiperspirant cosmetic for external use, including roll-on, stick, cream, gel or spray forms where the main function is controlling perspiration/body odour within the cosmetic scope.

No automatic grouping

Shower gel, soap, scrub, body mist, deodorant and shaving cream may belong to the same personal care category but cannot automatically share the same HS code, duty, notification, labeling or transport dossier.

Variants requiring separate review

Flammable aerosol, high-alcohol products, product sets, testers, samples, gifts-with-purchase, exhibition goods or products claiming treatment of hyperhidrosis require separate review.

Documentation principle

If data is insufficient, state clearly: Review must be conducted based on catalogue, datasheet, model/SKU and actual import purpose.

PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & IDENTIFICATION

Antiperspirant cosmetic should be identified by its main function, active ingredients, packaging form and labeling. It may be close to deodorant but not identical: deodorant mainly controls odour, while antiperspirant usually contains perspiration-control ingredients such as aluminum salts. If the invoice says “body care product” or “deodorant” while the label states “antiperspirant”, the dossier may be inconsistent for HS classification and cosmetic notification review.

Main function

Controlling perspiration and/or body odour, for external application, not intended to treat disease if managed as a cosmetic.

Product forms

Roll-on, stick, cream, gel, spray/aerosol; spray form requires additional SDS and dangerous goods checks where propellants/flammable solvents exist.

Ingredients to check

Aluminum chlorohydrate/aluminum zirconium, fragrance, alcohol, propellant, preservatives, absorbent powders or film-forming agents.

Packaging and specification

Roll-on bottle, tube, jar, twist-up stick, pressurised aerosol, gift set; check volume, net weight, batch number, expiry date and responsible entity.

Criteria to check Documents to compare Risk if misdescribed Suggested goods description
Product name and function Invoice, Packing List, original label, catalogue, cosmetic notification Using “deodorant” while the product is antiperspirant may weaken HS and notification basis. Antiperspirant cosmetic, roll-on/stick/spray form, external use, volume/specification, brand, SKU.
Packaging form Photos, catalogue, SDS, packing specification Failure to identify aerosol/pressurised packaging may cause wrong transport/DG handling. Specify “non-aerosol roll-on” or “aerosol spray” where applicable.
Active ingredients Ingredient list, formula, SDS, PIF where available Ingredients or claims beyond cosmetic scope may trigger another regulatory pathway. Use trade name and cosmetic function; avoid treatment claims if unsupported.
Label and claims Artwork, original label, Vietnamese sub-label, marketing material Claims such as “treat hyperhidrosis/medical treatment” may exceed cosmetic scope. Use neutral description: cosmetic antiperspirant for body/personal care.
Origin and C/O C/O, invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB Wrong origin or invalid C/O may lead to loss of preferential duty. C/O product description should match commercial description and HS 3307.20.00 if determined.

HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O

The key HS code for antiperspirant cosmetic is 3307.20.00. The classification basis is heading 3307 covering pre-shave/shaving/after-shave preparations, personal deodorants, bath preparations and other perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations not elsewhere specified. For personal antiperspirant products, the specific subheading is 3307.20.00.

Reference HS code Conditions for use Risk if misapplied Documents to compare
3307.20.00 Personal deodorants and antiperspirants; suitable for roll-on, stick, cream, gel or spray antiperspirant/deodorant for body use. Wrong HS may result in wrong MFN/FTA duty, inconsistent notification and customs explanation/post-clearance risk. Catalogue, label, ingredient list, SDS, notification receipt, product images, invoice/packing list.
3307.10.00 Only consider if the product is a pre-shave, shaving or after-shave preparation, not antiperspirant. Mixing shaving products with antiperspirant leads to wrong code and policy. Product name, function, area of use, label and notification.
3307.30.00 Bath salts and other bath preparations; not for antiperspirant if the main function is not bathing/washing. Confusing with shower gel/bath preparations may affect duty and dossier. Catalogue, usage instruction, packaging form.
3307.90.40 or other 3307.90 codes Only review if the product is another cosmetic/toilet preparation not specifically covered by 3307.20.00. Using “other” when a specific code exists may be challenged. HS notes, label, main function, ingredients.
Chapter 30 or pharmaceutical policy Only consider if there is clear medical treatment claim, pharmaceutical dossier or therapeutic function. Cosmetic notification may be insufficient; another policy may arise. Claims, marketing materials, ingredients, manufacturer dossier.

Reference tax table for HS 3307.20.00

Tax/duty item Reference rate for HS 3307.20.00 Application conditions Risk note
MFN import duty 20% Applies to imports from MFN territories where no special preferential C/O is used. Re-check the effective tariff at the customs declaration date.
Normal import duty 30% May apply where MFN/preferential treatment conditions are not met. Do not finalize landed cost without origin and trade-status check.
Import VAT Baseline 10%; during 01/07/2025–31/12/2026, review potential 8% treatment if not excluded. Apply Resolution 204/2025/QH15, Decree 174/2025/ND-CP, exclusion appendices and declaration system at filing date. Do not state 8% absolutely before checking exclusions and customs data.
Excise/environmental tax Generally not applicable to ordinary antiperspirant cosmetics. Confirm only after reviewing product nature, ingredients, aerosol/solvent status and current regulations. Do not apply mechanically when ingredients/claims are special.
Special preferential FTA duty May be 0% or below MFN if valid origin proof is available. Origin rule, direct consignment, proper C/O/origin proof and matching description must be satisfied. Incorrect C/O may deny preference and trigger reassessment.

C/O/FTA review matrix

Origin/route C/O form or origin proof Reference special preferential import duty in 2026 Application conditions Documents to cross-check Risk if incorrect
ASEAN Form D – ATIGA; RCEP if selected 0% under ATIGA if eligible; RCEP may be around 10% depending on origin and schedule. Origin rule, direct consignment, product description and HS 3307.20.00 must match. C/O, invoice, packing list, B/L, WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH criterion. Wrong form or missing direct consignment proof may deny preference.
China Form E – ACFTA; RCEP if relevant 0% under ACFTA if eligible; RCEP reference around 10%. Correct C/O form, description matching antiperspirant cosmetic and HS 3307.20.00 if declared. C/O, third-party invoice if any, B/L, packing list, origin criterion. Form E box error, wrong description, third-party invoice issue or HS mismatch may deny preference.
Korea Form AK – AKFTA; Form VK – VKFTA; RCEP if relevant 0% under AKFTA/VKFTA if eligible; RCEP reference around 10%. Meet origin rule under the selected agreement and avoid using the wrong form. C/O, transport document, invoice, packing list, RVC/CTH/CTSH if applicable. Wrong agreement selection may lose the better duty rate.
Japan Form AJ – AJCEP; Form VJ – VJEPA; CPTPP; RCEP if relevant 0% under AJCEP/VJEPA/CPTPP if eligible; RCEP reference around 10.9%. Review origin country, origin proof and product-specific rule. C/O/statement, B/L/AWB, invoice, packing list, HS. Confusing AJ/VJ/CPTPP/RCEP may lead to wrong tariff schedule.
EU EUR.1 or origin statement under EVFTA EVFTA reference around 2.5% for 2026; must check the schedule at declaration date. EVFTA origin rule, valid proof and transport condition must be met. EUR.1/statement, invoice, transport document, proof of origin. Wrong statement or insufficient transport proof may deny EVFTA preference.
UK EUR.1 or origin statement under UKVFTA Check UKVFTA schedule by year; do not use EVFTA for UK-origin goods. UKVFTA origin rule and direct transport condition must be met. C/O/statement, invoice, B/L/AWB, transit documents if any. Confusing EVFTA/UKVFTA after Brexit may cause wrong preference claim.
Australia – New Zealand Form AANZ; CPTPP or RCEP if relevant 0% under AANZFTA if eligible; RCEP for Australia reference around 10%. Check origin, C/O form, direct consignment and origin rule. C/O, invoice, transport document, origin criterion. Wrong origin country or missing transit proof may deny preference.
India Form AI – AIFTA Check AIFTA schedule for HS 3307.20.00 and declaration year; do not assume 0%. Meet AIFTA origin criterion, often requiring RVC/CTH control. Form AI, invoice, packing list, B/L, origin worksheet if needed. RVC/CTH error is common when materials are multi-origin.
Russia/EAEU Form EAV – VN-EAEU FTA Reference 0% if eligible; check annual schedule and member country. Meet VN-EAEU FTA origin rule and transport condition. Form EAV, invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB. Wrong member-country basis or origin proof may deny preference.
Hong Kong (China) Form AHK – AHKFTA Check AHKFTA schedule by HS and year. Meet AHKFTA origin rule. C/O, invoice, transport document. Confusing Hong Kong origin with Mainland China may cause wrong FTA claim.
United States/no relevant FTA No common FTA preferential C/O Generally MFN 20% if MFN conditions are met; normal duty may be 30% if not eligible. Check MFN status, origin documents and tariff schedule at declaration date. Invoice, packing list, transport document, non-preferential origin proof if any. No FTA does not mean special preferential duty can be used.

C/O pre-ETA checklist

  • Confirm the correct form: D, E, AK, VK, AJ, VJ, AANZ, AI, EUR.1, CPTPP/RCEP or accepted origin statement.
  • Check origin criterion: WO, RVC, CTH, CTSH or product-specific rule.
  • Check product name, HS, quantity, weight, origin country, invoice number and date.
  • Check third-party invoice, if any.
  • Check direct consignment, transit documents and C/O issuance date.
  • Check stamp, signature, issuing authority and validity.

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Goods situation Potential policy Documents to check Authority/portal if identifiable Recommended timing Risk note
Finished antiperspirant cosmetic for sale Cosmetics management; product notification and labeling review. Notification receipt, original label, Vietnamese label, ingredient list, POA/CFS where relevant. Provincial health authority / relevant public service portal. Before ETA and before market circulation. Do not wait until arrival to start notification review.
Aerosol or flammable solvent product Besides cosmetics, DG transport rules under IMDG/IATA may apply. SDS, UN number, class, packing instruction, DG declaration if any. Carrier/airline/shipping line/forwarder requirements. Before booking and routing confirmation. Wrong DG declaration may lead to shipment rejection or extra charges.
Medical/strong antibacterial claim Cosmetic vs. medical/pharmaceutical boundary must be reviewed. Label, website, marketing material, active ingredients, manufacturer dossier. Relevant specialized authority after determining product nature. Before order confirmation/label approval. Do not assume cosmetic status if claims exceed cosmetic scope.
Samples, testers, exhibition goods Different import purpose may affect dossier and circulation conditions. Invoice, packing list, purpose explanation, sample/tester label. Customs and specialized authority if applicable. Before shipper dispatch. Samples must not be placed on market without conditions.
EPE/FDI/factory import Customs regime, purpose of use, storage and internal dossier must align. Contract, PO, invoice, internal records, warehouse dossier. Managing customs branch if applicable. Before ETA. Wrong purpose may affect post-clearance review.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group Document number/name Issuing body Effective date/application time Role Key point to review Review note
Cosmetics regulation Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT, as amended including Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT. Ministry of Health Circular 34 is effective from 18 Aug 2025 according to the consolidated text by DAV. Cosmetic product notification, dossier, labeling and responsible entity obligations. Notification receipt, dossier, CFS/authorisation if applicable. Do not infer where claims exceed cosmetic scope.
Health HS list Circular 09/2024/TT-BYT. Ministry of Health Issued in 2024; verify effectiveness at application time. HS list for medicines, drug ingredients and cosmetics under health management. Cosmetics appendix if applicable. Check the official text before declaration.
Labeling Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP. Government Decree 43 effective 01 Jun 2017; Decree 111 effective 15 Feb 2022. Goods labeling and Vietnamese sub-label requirements. Original label, Vietnamese label, origin, responsible entity. Label must match notification and documents.
Customs Customs Law 2014; Decree 08/2015/ND-CP, Decree 59/2018/ND-CP; Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC, Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC. National Assembly, Government, Ministry of Finance Verify effective status and amendments at time of clearance. Customs dossier, declaration, inspection, valuation and classification. Dossier, customs channels, post-clearance review. Do not cite clause numbers unless verified.
Tariff Decree 26/2023/ND-CP and Decree 108/2025/ND-CP. Government Decree 108 effective from 19 May 2025. MFN duty, ordinary duty and HS-based tariff. Tariff appendix for HS 3307.20.00. Check tariff at declaration date.
VAT Decree 174/2025/ND-CP and Resolution 204/2025/QH15. Government, National Assembly Decree 174 effective from 01 Jul 2025. VAT reduction policy for relevant period. Exclusion appendix and eligibility. Check 8%/10% carefully for HS 3307.20.00.
Origin FTA origin instruments: ATIGA, ACFTA, AKFTA, VKFTA, AJCEP, VJEPA, AANZFTA, AIFTA, EVFTA, UKVFTA, CPTPP, RCEP, AHKFTA. MOIT/MOF/competent authorities By agreement and annual tariff schedule. Basis for claiming special preferential duty. Origin rules, direct consignment, third-party invoice. Review according to actual route/origin.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL TEXTS

Enterprises may search legal documents by document number on the Government legal document portal, official government portal or the issuing authority’s website.

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

CUSTOMS DOSSIER

Commercial documents

  • Commercial Invoice.
  • Packing List.
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
  • Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
  • Certificate of Origin – C/O if claiming preferential duty.
  • Catalogue/datasheet, product photos, original label, SKU/model list.

Specialized dossier if applicable

  • Cosmetic product notification receipt.
  • Power of attorney/CFS (Certificate of Free Sale) if part of the notification dossier.
  • Ingredient list, formula summary, PIF if internally maintained.
  • Label dossier and Vietnamese sub-label.
  • SDS, DG declaration for aerosol/flammable goods.
  • Technical/claim substantiation documents for sensitive claims.
Dossier group Required documents Used for Usually prepared by Common error Pre-ETA check
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO Customs declaration, valuation and quantity check Importer/shipper/sales/docs Generic product name, missing SKU/volume. Compare with label, catalogue and notification.
Transport B/L or AWB, arrival notice, pre-alert Delivery order, declaration, cargo receipt Forwarder/agent/carrier Wrong consignee, wrong packages, missing DG info for aerosol. Review pre-alert before ETA.
Origin C/O or origin proof FTA duty claim Shipper/exporter/issuing body Wrong form, HS, description, third-party invoice. Check C/O against the checklist before ETA.
Cosmetics Notification receipt, label, ingredient list, CFS/POA if any Specialized policy and market circulation Importer/legal/compliance/supplier Notification does not match imported SKU/label. Create product-SKU-notification mapping.
Label Original label, Vietnamese label, artwork Clearance/market circulation Importer/marketing/compliance Missing responsible entity, origin, expiry date, batch number. Approve sub-label before arrival.
DG/SDS if any SDS, UN number, packing instruction, DG declaration Booking, transport, safety declaration Shipper/forwarder/manufacturer Aerosol/flammable goods not declared. Review SDS and carrier requirements before booking.

CLEARANCE DECISION POINTS

Decision point Question to answer Evidence Consequence if unclear Recommended handling
HS code Is 3307.20.00 sufficiently supported? Catalogue, label, function, ingredient list, notification Explanation, duty adjustment or channel escalation. Prepare a short classification memo before ETA.
Cosmetic notification Does the notification match product name/SKU/label? Notification, label, ingredient list Dossier supplementation and market circulation risk. Compare with import shipment before declaration.
DG/aerosol Does the spray contain propellant/flammable solvent? SDS, MSDS, packing spec, photos Carrier rejection, extra charges or delay. Check SDS before booking.
Vietnamese label Does the sub-label contain mandatory information? Artwork, original label, label checklist Not eligible for circulation. Approve sub-label before arrival.
C/O Is C/O form, origin criterion, description, HS and direct consignment correct? C/O, B/L, invoice, packing list Loss of preference and possible reassessment. Check C/O before submission.
Claims Do claims exceed cosmetic scope? Label, website, brochure, formula Potential non-cosmetic policy. Align claims with notification and cosmetic regulations.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step 1 – Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS 3307.20.00 where applicable; review policy, duty, C/O, VAT, label, cosmetic notification, SDS/DG for spray goods and claims.

Step 2 – Lock documents and product dossier

Finalize Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue/datasheet, SKU list, original label, Vietnamese label, notification receipt, ingredient list and SDS if any.

Step 3 – Complete specialized dossier/permit if any

Review cosmetic notification, labeling, CFS/POA where relevant; determine aerosol/flammable cases and prepare SDS/DG declaration before booking.

Step 4 – Customs declaration

Green Channel: system clearance under conditions. Yellow Channel: document check. Red Channel: document and physical inspection. Key points include value, HS, description, C/O, notification, label and SDS.

Step 5 – Clearance, delivery and post-clearance filing

Collect cargo, complete sub-labeling where required, archive shipment dossier and prepare explanations for post-clearance or market inspection.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Risk Consequence Pre-ETA control Documents to check
Wrong C/O form or origin criterion Loss of preferential duty and possible reassessment. Check form, criterion, description, HS, direct consignment and third-party invoice. C/O, B/L, invoice, packing list.
Mismatch among invoice, notification and label Document supplementation or explanation request. Build product name – SKU – specification – notification mapping. Invoice, notification, label, packing list.
Aerosol/DG not identified Carrier rejection, booking delay, extra charges. Request SDS before confirming shipment method. SDS, MSDS, packing specification.
Claims exceed cosmetic scope Different policy review and circulation delay. Approve claims against notification. Label, artwork, website, formula.
Vietnamese sub-label incomplete Not eligible for circulation after import. Approve sub-label before arrival. Original label, sub-label, Decree 43/111.
Generic goods description Wrong HS/policy and hard-to-explain dossier. State antiperspirant cosmetic, form, volume, SKU and brand. Invoice, packing list, catalogue.
Duty/VAT not checked at declaration date Incorrect tax payment or adjustment. Check tariff and VAT policy immediately before declaration. Tariff database, VAT decree, VNACCS data.

FAQ

Question Short answer
Does antiperspirant cosmetic require an import permit? Do not conclude absolutely. For finished cosmetics, the key focus is cosmetic notification, labeling and customs dossier; special claims/ingredients require additional review.
What is the main HS code? Reference HS code is 3307.20.00 for personal deodorants and antiperspirants, subject to actual dossier review.
Is Vietnamese labeling required? Yes, if the original label does not contain required Vietnamese information for circulation in Viet Nam.
Can C/O reduce import duty? Possibly. Valid FTA origin documents may reduce duty if form, origin criterion, description, HS and direct consignment are correct.
What extra risk applies to spray antiperspirant? Aerosol, propellant or flammable solvents may create dangerous goods transport requirements. Check SDS and carrier instructions.
Are samples/testers treated the same as commercial goods? Not automatically. Review import purpose, quantity, value, documents and market circulation conditions.
What if invoice says deodorant but label says antiperspirant? Align the description before declaration; inconsistencies among documents, labels and notification are high-risk.

RELATED ARTICLES

Suggested internal links for further dossier review:

EXECUTION SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX

This article provides a map of HS code, duties, dossier and specialized policy; however, each actual shipment still requires review based on catalogue, datasheet, model/SKU, documents, origin and import purpose.

TGIMEX has an agent network in more than 60 countries, is a member of WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA, and provides ocean, air, road/rail, customs clearance, C/O, import permits, warehousing and domestic delivery capabilities.

Pre-ETA review

HS code, specialized policy, C/O, tax, labeling, catalogue/datasheet/model and SDS for aerosol goods.

Compliance dossier control

Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, cosmetic notification, labels and technical documents.

International logistics

Coordinate agents, carriers/airlines, ETA, pre-alert, transport documents and DG requirements where applicable.

Customs declaration

Prepare declaration dossier, handle Green/Yellow/Red channels and support explanations on HS, value, origin and specialized policy.

Post-clearance support

Archive shipment dossiers and review sub-labeling/post-clearance records where applicable.

For shipments involving specialized inspection, permits, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to start dossier review. A small discrepancy among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, datasheet, C/O or label may lead to document supplementation, delayed clearance or unplanned storage costs.

TGIMEX supports enterprises in setting up an E2E import approach: pre-ETA policy review, document checking, international logistics coordination, customs declaration, clearance handling, domestic delivery and post-clearance filing. This approach helps improve control over timeline, cost and compliance risks from the preparation stage.

QUICK CONSULTATION

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.

CALL NOW
Zalo
HOTLINE 0963 856 664 / 0982 135 393
EMAIL info@tgimex.com
SUITABLE FOR International shipping · Customs procedures · Import licenses · B2B logistics

Leave a Reply

Discover more from TGIMEX VIETNAM JSC

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading