Applicable to electric facial cleansing devices with a built-in motor, sonic/vibrating/rotating movement, silicone or brush head, used for personal care and skin cleansing. For the product covered in this article, the importer should confirm the model, intended use, construction or composition, new/used condition, and technical documents before concluding the HS code, tax treatment, or specialist policy. The following sections organize the main controls from document receipt, catalogue and label review through dossier preparation, declaration, and coordination at the port of entry.

Operational risk: facial cleansing devices are often declared too generally as “beauty tools” or “facial brushes”. This creates HS risk between 8509.80.90, manual brushes, massage appliances or medical devices. Wrong HS may lead to incorrect duty, rejected C/O preference, technical-document requests, Yellow/Red channel inspection, DEM/DET and delayed market launch. This guide provides an E2E map for pre-ETA review: HS code, duties, C/O, specialized policy, documents and customs decision points.

QUICK FACT

Item	Quick review content
Applicable product	Facial cleansing device: handheld personal-care device with built-in electric motor, silicone/brush head, sonic/vibrating/rotating movement, used with cleanser or water.
Main reference HS	8509.80.90 – other electro-mechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motor, excluding vacuum cleaners.
Reference taxes	MFN import duty 25%; ordinary duty 37.5% if MFN conditions are not met; import VAT usually 10%.
C/O benefit	Potentially yes. Indicative routes include ATIGA 0%, ACFTA 5%, AJCEP/VJEPA 0%, AANZFTA 0%, and EVFTA 0% from the 2026 schedule. Always verify the tariff at declaration date.
Specialized policy	Not a cosmetic product by itself. Review as an electrical/personal-care device; battery, charger, wireless modules or medical claims may trigger additional requirements.
Key documents	Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, catalogue, datasheet, product photos, label, electrical specifications, battery/charger documents and C/O if preferential duty is claimed.

Legal note A facial cleansing device is usually not treated as a cosmetic product because it is a device, not a substance or preparation applied to the body. Do not conclude “no permit required” before reviewing wireless function, LED/EMS/RF function, medical claims, lithium battery, adapter and actual model documents.

Illustration for Import Procedure Guide for Facial Cleansing Devices — Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Product covered

This article covers only facial cleansing devices: handheld electric devices for personal skin cleansing, normally equipped with a built-in motor, silicone or brush head, USB charging or battery.

Excluded items

Manual makeup brushes, sponges, massage-only devices, LED mask devices, facial steamers, RF/EMS/ion devices or devices marketed for dermatological treatment must be reviewed separately.

Review against actual catalogue, datasheet, model and import purpose. Samples, warranty goods, refurbished goods, combo packs with cosmetics or imports for EPE/FDI factories may have different customs handling.

CLASSIFICATION & GOODS IDENTIFICATION

Determine whether the goods are an electro-mechanical domestic appliance with a built-in motor or a manual cleansing tool. Check main function, motor movement, silicone or brush head, power source, battery, charger, water resistance, spare heads and marketing claims.

TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA

Criteria to check	Documents to review	Risk if described incorrectly	Suggested declaration description
Main function	Catalogue, user manual, product page	Misclassification as manual brush or massage device	Electric facial cleansing device, model…, with built-in motor, new 100%
Operating principle	Datasheet, product photos/video	Risk of being considered massage or medical equipment if claims are therapeutic	Sonic/vibrating/rotating facial cleansing device with self-contained electric motor
Power source and battery	Battery specifications, label, MSDS if any	DG and airline rejection risk if lithium battery is not declared	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery…, USB charging, adapter if included
Adapter/charger	Packing list and accessory photos	Separate adapter may require separate HS/policy review	Retail set: device + charging cable/adapter if included
Wireless connection	Manual, app description, RF test report if any	Possible ICT conformity assessment if Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi exists	No Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G module, or review separately if present
Medical or therapeutic claims	Packaging, IFU, website claims	Possible medical device policy review	Personal-care skin cleansing device, without diagnosis or treatment claims

HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O

For a facial cleansing device that is handheld, electrically operated and equipped with a self-contained electric motor, the operational classification normally starts from Chapter 85, heading 85.09 – electro-mechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motors, subheading 8509.80, Vietnam code 8509.80.90. This is a reference classification only; the final declaration must be verified against the actual catalogue, datasheet, model, function, accessories and import condition.

Mandatory classification principle Do not decide HS code merely from the commercial name “facial cleansing device”. Check whether the device has a motor, lithium battery, adapter/charger, Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi/app connection, LED/RF/EMS/ion functions, medical/therapeutic claims, separate accessories or cosmetics packed together.

HS CLASSIFICATION BASIS FOR FACIAL CLEANSING DEVICE

Review layer	Operational interpretation	Supporting documents	Pre-ETA control point
Chapter 85	Electrical machinery and equipment. Electric facial cleansing devices usually fall here if the main function comes from motorized vibration/rotation/sonic movement.	Catalogue, datasheet, manual, product photos, electrical specifications.	Avoid generic description such as “beauty device” when the goods actually contain a motor.
Heading 85.09	Electro-mechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motor, excluding vacuum cleaners.	Motor description, power rating, charging mode, brush/silicone head structure.	Evidence must show that the goods are not medical/diagnostic/treatment equipment.
Subheading 8509.80	Other appliances under heading 85.09, not food grinders/mixers, juice extractors or vacuum cleaners.	Catalogue showing skin-cleansing function with no medical purpose.	Descriptions such as “massage therapy device” may trigger a different HS/policy review.
Code 8509.80.90	Reference Vietnam code for “other” appliances under subheading 8509.80.	Invoice, Packing List, label, model list, product photos and technical documents.	Use only after excluding manual brushes, medical devices, therapeutic LED/RF/EMS devices and separately imported accessories.

HS – TAX MATRIX BY GOODS SCENARIO

Goods scenario	Reference HS	Applicable condition	Ordinary duty	MFN duty	VAT	Risk if wrong	Documents to check
Standard electric facial cleansing device	8509.80.90	Built-in electric motor; personal/domestic skin-cleansing use; no therapeutic claim; not a medical device by intended purpose.	37.5% if MFN conditions are not met	25%	10%	Duty reassessment, rejected C/O and customs explanation if described only as “facial brush/beauty device”.	Catalogue, datasheet, manual, photos, label, wattage, battery and motor structure.
Manual facial brush / non-motorized cleansing head	9603.29.xx / 9603.xx – exclusion check	Manual brush/cleansing tool without motor, battery or electrical circuit.	According to final HS	According to final HS	Usually reviewed at 10%, subject to VAT schedule	Using 8509.80.90 for a manual brush may misstate the product nature.	Product photos, structure, “manual brush” description, no battery/motor evidence.
Separate brush head/silicone head	Parts/accessories by material and actual use	Imported separately from the device; no motor; may be silicone/plastic/bristle replacement part.	According to final HS	According to final HS	According to final HS	Customs may require line separation and value split if treated as the complete device.	Packing List, accessory photos, material, quantity and replacement function.
Separate adapter/charger	8504.40.xx – separate review	Power adapter/static converter imported separately, not merely packed in a retail set.	According to final HS	According to final HS	According to final HS	May trigger separate electrical safety/energy policy depending on actual specifications.	Input/output rating, adapter label, test report if any, catalogue.
Device with Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi/app	Usually starts from 8509.80.90, but ICT policy must be reviewed separately	Contains radio module, app connection or data transmission function.	37.5% if final HS remains 8509.80.90	25% if final HS remains 8509.80.90	10%	Possible conformity assessment for radio/ICT function depending on module, frequency and output power.	RF specification, user manual, test report, module label, catalogue.
Device with LED/RF/EMS/ion or therapeutic claims	9018 / 9019 / 8543 – further review only	Therapeutic, electro-stimulation, RF, EMS, light therapy or dermatological/medical claims.	According to final HS	According to final HS	According to final HS	May be reviewed as medical equipment or specialized electrical apparatus, not an ordinary facial cleansing device.	Claims, IFU, certificates, technical file and marketing materials.
Combo pack: device + cleanser/cosmetic	Split by component: device 8509.80.90; cosmetics under Chapter 33	Retail set includes cosmetic, refill, tester or skincare product.	By each line item	By each line item	By each line item	Cosmetics may require cosmetic notification/label review; do not classify the whole set as the device only.	Separated invoice lines, Packing List, cosmetic notification if marketed, label and formula/INCI.

IMPORT DUTY – VAT CHECK BEFORE DECLARATION

Tax/cost item	Reference rate for HS 8509.80.90	Operational basis	Costing note
MFN import duty	25%	Used when the shipment qualifies for MFN treatment and no special preferential C/O is claimed.	Baseline rate to compare with ATIGA/ACFTA/EVFTA/CPTPP and other FTAs.
Ordinary import duty	37.5%	Reference at 150% of MFN when MFN conditions are not satisfied.	Check country of origin and MFN eligibility before issuing duty and VAT advice.
Import VAT	10%	Applied under current VAT rules unless a valid exemption/reduction applies at the import date.	VAT is not a replacement for import duty; calculate after customs value and duty are determined.
SCT/environmental tax	Not identified for a standard electric facial cleansing device	Review again if batteries, chemicals, cosmetics or special components are included.	Do not conclude for a mixed combo without checking every component.

SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL C/O/FTA MATRIX FOR HS 8509.80.90

Origin/route	C/O form or origin document	Indicative special preferential rate	Applicable condition	Documents to check	Risk if wrong
ASEAN	Form D – ATIGA	0% for 2022–2027	ASEAN origin, qualified origin criterion, direct consignment and inclusion in ATIGA tariff schedule.	Form D, invoice, B/L, Packing List, description and HS 8509.80.90.	Wrong origin criterion or insufficient transit documents may reject preference.
China	Form E – ACFTA	5% indicative for 2022–2027	Meet ACFTA origin rule; review third-party invoice and non-eligible country notes if any.	Form E, third-party invoice if any, B/L and direct transport proof.	Mismatch in HS/description/quantity or missing third-party invoice marking may trigger verification.
RCEP	RCEP C/O or valid origin document	25% indicative for 2026 – often not better than MFN	Use only if RCEP tariff at declaration date is beneficial or origin proof is commercially required.	RCEP C/O, member country, origin criterion, direct consignment.	Assuming RCEP always means 0% may distort duty and VAT calculation.
Korea	Form AK – AKFTA or Form VK – VKFTA	Compare AKFTA/VKFTA; many cases may not be lower than MFN for this code	Select the valid and more beneficial agreement at declaration date.	Form AK/VK, invoice, origin criterion such as CTH/CTSH/RVC if applicable.	A valid C/O does not create cost benefit if the tariff rate is not lower.
Japan	Form VJ/AJ or CPTPP origin document if qualified	VJEPA/AJCEP indicative 0%; CPTPP must be checked by member schedule	Japanese origin and compliance with the exact agreement declared.	Form VJ/AJ or CPTPP document, invoice, B/L and goods description.	Wrong agreement or wrong origin document may lose preference.
EU	EUR.1 or statement on origin – EVFTA	Indicative 0% from 2025/2026 schedule	EVFTA origin rule, valid origin document and direct consignment.	EUR.1/statement on origin, invoice, B/L, HS 6-digit and description.	Invalid statement, non-qualified exporter or wrong HS 6-digit may reject preference.
UK	UKVFTA	Verify UKVFTA tariff at declaration date; do not automatically use EVFTA rate	UK origin and origin document under UKVFTA.	UKVFTA origin statement/document, invoice and transport documents.	Using EU document for UK shipment, or vice versa, is a common compliance risk.
Australia – New Zealand	Form AANZ – AANZFTA or CPTPP document if qualified	Indicative 0% for 2022–2027	Meet AANZFTA/CPTPP origin rules and direct consignment requirements.	Form AANZ or CPTPP document, invoice, B/L and origin criterion.	Wrong route, wrong form or incomplete third-party invoice information may reject preference.
India	Form AI – AIFTA	Must be verified; if the tariff schedule shows *, AIFTA rate is not available for the relevant period	Do not assume preferential access; check AIFTA schedule for 8509.80.90.	Form AI, origin criterion, invoice and B/L.	Claiming preference without a concrete tariff line may lead to reassessment.
Hong Kong (China)	AHKFTA C/O	Verify current AHKFTA schedule; use only if lower than MFN 25%	Hong Kong origin only, not Mainland China origin.	AHKFTA C/O, invoice, transport documents and goods description.	Confusing Mainland China origin with Hong Kong origin may invalidate preference.

C/O CHECKLIST BEFORE CLAIMING PREFERENTIAL DUTY

Correct C/O form or origin document for the declared agreement: D, E, AK, VK, VJ, AJ, AANZ, EUR.1, CPTPP, RCEP, UKVFTA…

HS on C/O matches at least the 6-digit level; goods description clearly identifies an electric facial cleansing device.

Origin criterion is valid: WO, CTH, CTSH, RVC or agreement-specific criterion.

Quantity, gross/net weight, invoice number/date, exporter name and consignee match the commercial documents.

Review third-party invoicing, direct consignment, transit port and non-manipulation evidence for complex routes.

Check stamp, signature, issue date, supplementary C/O deadline and possible origin verification risk.

Operational conclusion: for a standard electric facial cleansing device, 8509.80.90 is the main review direction with MFN 25% and VAT 10%. Final tax advice should be issued only after locking catalogue, model, accessory set, C/O, origin and specialized policy at the declaration date.

APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Goods scenario	Potential policy	Documents to review	Authority/portal	Recommended timing	Risk note
Standard facial cleansing device, no wireless, no medical claim	Normal customs procedure; HS, duty, C/O and labeling review.	Catalogue, datasheet, manual, label, invoice, packing list.	Customs/VNACCS.	Before ETD/ETA.	Do not describe as medical or therapeutic device if documents do not support it.
Lithium battery included	Airline/DG documents may be required; MSDS and UN38.3 may be requested.	Battery specs, MSDS/SDS, UN38.3.	Airline/forwarder/customs as relevant.	Before booking.	Missing battery information may stop air shipment.
Adapter/charger included	Accessory and electrical label review; separately imported adapter may require separate HS/policy review.	Adapter label, packing list, product photos.	Customs or specialized authority if applicable.	Before PO/documents are finalized.	Undeclared accessories may affect value and description.
Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi/app control	Possible ICT group-2 conformity assessment under MIC regulations.	Manual, wireless module, frequency, RF test report.	MIC/VNTA portal if applicable.	Before ETA.	Do not assume no conformity assessment before checking module.
LED/RF/EMS/ion or treatment claims	Possible medical device or other specialized policy review.	Claims, IFU, certificates, technical files.	Ministry of Health if classified as medical device.	Before importing samples.	Marketing claims may change policy.
Used/refurbished goods	Used-goods policy, safety and quality documents may be reviewed.	Condition, year of manufacture, quality certificate.	Customs/specialized authority.	Before contract signing.	Used goods are scrutinized more strictly.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Validity/application time	Role in procedure	Key point	Review note
Customs law	Customs Law No. 54/2014/QH13	National Assembly	Effective from 01/01/2015	Basis for customs declaration, inspection and supervision.	General customs control and declaration rules.	Check consolidated versions if available.
Customs circular	Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC as amended by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC	Ministry of Finance	Circular 38 effective from 01/04/2015, partially expired	Customs dossiers, value, classification and tax administration.	Declaration documents and inspection process.	Check current validity at declaration date.
Tariff schedule	Decree 26/2023/ND-CP	Government	Effective from 15/07/2023	MFN import tariff schedule.	HS 8509.80.90 – MFN 25%.	Check amendments at declaration date.
Labeling	Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	Decree 111 effective from 15/02/2022	Goods labeling and Vietnamese supplementary label.	Product name, origin, responsible party, electrical specifications.	Review battery and electrical safety warnings.
Foreign trade management	Decree 69/2018/ND-CP	Government	Effective from 15/05/2018	Framework for import/export management and conditional goods.	Check relevant appendices if any.	Do not conclude without model review.
ICT if wireless	Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Effective from 15/05/2024	List of ICT goods potentially unsafe.	Only relevant if Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G module exists.	Not applicable to non-wireless models by default.
Medical device if claimed	Decree 98/2021/ND-CP	Government	Effective from 01/01/2022, partially expired	Medical device management if the product is determined to be a medical device.	Classification and circulation dossiers.	Only review when intended medical purpose exists.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD SOURCE LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Enterprises should search the document numbers on the Government Portal, the National Legal Database or websites of the issuing authorities. Always verify the current legal text before application.

Decree 26/2023/ND-CP Decree 111/2021/ND-CP Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
Sales Contract/Purchase Order if available.
C/O if preferential duty is claimed.
Catalogue, datasheet, product photos and original label.

Technical/specialized documents if any

User manual showing cleansing function.
Battery specification, SDS/MSDS, UN38.3 if shipped by air.
CE/FCC/RF report if wireless function exists.
Vietnamese supplementary label and electrical specifications.
Medical device dossier if therapeutic claims exist.

OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Document group	Required documents	Used for	Usually prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial	Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO	Declaration, value and quantity review	Importer/exporter/docs team	Generic name, missing model, wrong quantity	Match name, model, price and Incoterms.
Transport	B/L or AWB, Arrival Notice, Pre-alert	Delivery order, transport tracking	Forwarder/carrier	Wrong consignee, package mismatch, late pre-alert	Compare transport document with commercial documents.
Technical	Catalogue, datasheet, manual, photos	HS and function explanation	Importer/supplier	Marketing image only, no motor/battery data	Request technical sheet with structure and electrical specs.
Battery/adapter	Battery MSDS, UN38.3, adapter label	Air booking and accessory review	Supplier/forwarder	Missing lithium battery information	Check before booking, especially air shipments.
C/O	Form D/E/VJ/AJ/AANZ/EUR.1 etc.	Preferential duty	Exporter/importer	Wrong HS, criterion or description	Check HS 6 digits, description, quantity and direct transport.
Label	Original label and draft Vietnamese label	Post-clearance circulation	Importer/compliance team	Missing origin, electrical specs or responsible party	Review under labeling regulations before sale.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point	Question to answer	Evidence	Consequence if unclear	Recommended handling
HS basis	Is the device electric with a motor or only a manual brush/sponge?	Catalogue, photos, operating principle	Classification query or analysis	Prepare Chapter 85 / heading 8509 explanation.
Wireless function	Does the model have Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi or app control?	Manual, module specs, RF test report	Potential missing MIC compliance	Separate wireless and non-wireless models.
Medical claim	Does packaging mention therapy, acne treatment or dermatology?	Packaging, IFU, website	Possible medical device review	Align description with actual intended use or prepare medical dossier.
Battery/adapter	Is lithium battery, charging cable or adapter included?	Packing list, MSDS, accessory photos	Airline/customs query, value mismatch	Declare the set and prepare battery documents.
C/O benefit	Which FTA gives the lowest valid duty?	C/O, invoice, B/L, PSR	Preference rejected or duty/VAT estimate wrong	Compare ATIGA/ACFTA/VJEPA/AJCEP/AANZFTA/EVFTA before declaration.
Labeling	Does the label include product name, origin, electrical specs and responsible party?	Original label, Vietnamese label	Post-clearance circulation risk	Prepare supplementary label before warehouse release.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS 8509.80.90 or alternative code if the model differs; review duty, C/O, battery, adapter, wireless function, medical claims and labels.

Step 2: Lock documents

Finalize invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB, model list, catalogue, manual and label photos with consistent product name and model.

Step 3: Specialized review if any

If Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi, lithium battery, separate adapter or medical claim exists, prepare the relevant dossier before arrival.

Step 4: Customs declaration

Explain value, HS, product description, model, C/O, catalogue and policy. Green/Yellow/Red channel is handled based on actual risk.

Step 5: Clearance and delivery

Release goods, check quantity/model, apply supplementary label if needed, complete delivery and tax obligations.

Step 6: Post-clearance filing

Keep declaration, C/O, catalogue, labels, transport documents, payment records and HS explanation by shipment.

PRE-ETA RISK BLOCKING CHECKLIST

Risk	Consequence	Pre-ETA control	Documents to check
Declaring an electric device as a manual brush/sponge	Wrong HS, duty reassessment, rejected C/O	Confirm motor/battery and operating principle	Catalogue, photos, manual
Lithium battery not declared	Air shipment hold or airline rejection	Request MSDS/UN38.3 and battery capacity	MSDS, UN38.3, packing instruction
Wireless and non-wireless models mixed	Potential missing MIC compliance	Separate model list and check frequency/app	Manual, RF report, model list
C/O form or FTA rate not beneficial	Preference rejected or duty/VAT estimate wrong	Compare tariff schedules and check C/O before filing	C/O, invoice, B/L, PSR
Medical/therapeutic claims on packaging	Possible medical device review	Review claims and intended use before import	Packaging, IFU, website
Supplementary label incomplete	Post-clearance circulation risk	Prepare Vietnamese label before arrival	Original label, draft label, electrical specs

FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS

1. Does a facial cleansing device need cosmetic notification?

Usually no, because it is a device, not a cosmetic substance or preparation. If sold with cosmetic products in a set, the cosmetic items must be reviewed separately.

2. What is the reference HS code?

The usual reference code is 8509.80.90 if the goods are electro-mechanical domestic appliances with a built-in motor. Verify against actual documents.

3. What is the duty with China C/O Form E?

For HS 8509.80.90, ACFTA is indicatively 5% if Form E is valid and origin rules are met. Check the tariff at declaration date.

4. Is Bluetooth model handled the same?

No. Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi models may trigger ICT conformity review. Do not treat them as standard non-wireless goods before review.

5. What is needed for air shipment with lithium battery?

Prepare battery MSDS/SDS, UN38.3 if requested, Wh/mAh information and airline packing instructions.

6. Are samples handled like commercial goods?

Samples must still be declared with correct HS, value and policy. If released to the market later, labeling and circulation responsibility must be reviewed.

TGIMEX EXECUTION SOLUTION

This article provides a working map for HS, duty, C/O, documents and specialized policy for facial cleansing devices. Actual shipments still require review by catalogue, datasheet, model, battery, adapter, origin and import purpose.

E2E coordination capability

With an agent network in over 60 countries and memberships in WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA, TGIMEX supports ocean, air, road/rail, warehousing, C/O, permits and customs clearance.

Support scope

Pre-ETA review: HS, duty, C/O, label, catalogue and model.
Document control: Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O and product labels.
Customs declaration: Green/Yellow/Red channel handling and explanation of HS, value and origin.
Post-clearance filing: label and shipment dossier retention.

Recommendation: For shipments with battery, adapter, C/O or possible specialized review, do not wait until arrival to start document control. Minor mismatches between invoice, packing list, catalogue, C/O and labels can lead to additional document requests, clearance delay and unplanned storage cost.

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