Import Procedure for Conventional Household Goods into Vietnam

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1 IMPORT PROCEDURE FOR CONVENTIONAL HOUSEHOLD GOODS INTO VIETNAM
Specialized import procedure · Household goods

IMPORT PROCEDURE FOR CONVENTIONAL HOUSEHOLD GOODS INTO VIETNAM

Household goods may appear simple, yet import dossiers often fail because of wrong HS codes, missing Vietnamese labels, unclear product materials, or confusion with regulated subgroups such as electrical appliances, energy-labelling products, food-contact articles, or smart devices. This article provides an end-to-end control map for HS, duty, C/O, customs documents, specialized policies, and pre-ETA risk blocking. The guidance focuses on policy conditions, required dossiers, filing timing, and the risks that commonly lead to document supplements or customs delays. Before execution, the company should confirm the goods description, HS classification, model or technical composition, identify the competent authority, and align specialist filings with the customs document set.

Operational reference for importersGroup: Conventional household goodsReview by model and actual use

KEY RISKS WHEN IMPORTING CONVENTIONAL HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Classification risk

The HS code may depend on material, function, structure or mechanism. Generic descriptions such as “household goods” can lead to wrong duty and policy treatment.

Specialized policy risk

Goods with electricity, batteries, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, food-contact use or energy-labelling scope may no longer be treated as conventional goods.

Operational risk

Missing catalogues, inconsistent labels or invalid C/O can cause document supplementation, inspection, storage charges and delivery delays.

Illustration for Import Procedure for Conventional Household Goods into Vietnam
Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

TERMINOLOGY & WHY THIS PROCEDURE MATTERS

Conventional household goods are products used for ordinary household storage, cleaning, organization or daily utility. They do not automatically require an import licence, but importers still need to control HS classification, labelling, origin, taxes and any specialized policy triggered by actual product features.

Conventional household goods

Household products without electrical power, batteries, wireless transmission, heating, or declared food-contact use.

HS code

The customs classification code used to determine import duty, VAT, preferential duty and policy treatment.

Supplementary label

A Vietnamese label required when the original label does not fully satisfy Vietnam labelling requirements.

QI / certification / declaration

Quality inspection, conformity certification and declaration, applicable only where the product falls under a relevant Group 2 list or QCVN.

Energy labelling

A policy applicable to certain energy-consuming appliances listed under the current Vietnamese energy-labelling regulations.

ETA

Estimated time of arrival; the key deadline for locking HS, policy, C/O and labelling before storage costs arise.

Operational warning: Do not conclude that a household product is “non-regulated” based only on its trade name. Review catalogue, model, material, function, power source, connectivity, condition and import purpose.

PRODUCT SCOPE & DETAILED IDENTIFICATION

This article applies to conventional household products such as basins, buckets, shelves, hangers, storage boxes, manual cleaning tools, brushes, mops and similar non-electric household utilities. Electrical, battery-powered, smart, food-contact or energy-labelling products must be reviewed separately.

Usually conventional

Non-electric, non-battery, non-wireless, non-heating goods not declared for direct food contact.

Separate policy review

Electrical appliances, smart devices, food-contact kitchenware, products with adapters/batteries or special safety claims.

Evidence principle

Catalogue, product photos, material composition, original labels and model list must match commercial documents and customs declaration.

DETAILED PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION TABLE

Product group / scenarioTechnical signs to checkExamplesEvidencePossible policy triggerDocuments to compareApplication note
Non-electric plastic household goodsPlastic material, storage/organization function, no food-contact claimBasins, buckets, storage boxesCatalogue, photos, label, material descriptionLabelling; HS by material/functionInvoice, packing list, catalogue, label, C/OFood containers should be moved to food-contact review.
Manual cleaning toolsFiber/plastic/metal structure; manual operationBrooms, mops, brushes, glass wipersPhotos, material, catalogueLabelling; HS may fall under Chapter 96 or material-based headingsInvoice, model list, imagesIf powered by motor/battery, review as electrical/smart goods.
Shelves, hooks and organizersMaterial, assembly, storage functionPlastic/metal shelves, hangers, organizersDrawing, catalogue, dimensionsLabelling; HS may be by material or furniture natureDimensions, material, parts listAvoid generic declaration as “household goods”.
Electrical or heating appliancesPower source, wattage, motor, heating element, adapterKettles, fans, rice cookers, irons, hair dryersCatalogue, datasheet, test report if anyQI/conformity, EMC or energy labelling may applyTechnical specs, QCVN, labelDo not treat as conventional merely by household use.
Food-contact kitchenwareDirect contact with food; plastic, metal, ceramic, glass or siliconeFood boxes, water bottles, cutlery, pans, cupsCatalogue, material, intended useFood safety dossier or testing may ariseTest reports, material specs, labelsSeparate from conventional household goods when direct food contact exists.
Smart household goodsWi-Fi/Bluetooth/RF/app control/data moduleWi-Fi robot vacuum, smart plug, smart lockDatasheet, RF specs, modelICT/telecom/cybersecurity policy may ariseFrequency, power, connectivity standardsReview by wireless function, not by household name.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O

For conventional household goods, HS classification must be based on main material, use, processing level, components and import purpose. This table applies only to non-electrical, non-battery, non-wireless, non-heating/non-motor household goods that are not subject to a separate specialized regime. Electrical household appliances, energy-labelling goods, food-contact articles and Group 2 goods must be reviewed under separate policy tracks.

PROPOSED HS CODE – DUTY – C/O TABLE

The table is split by material/function and uses indicative 8-digit HS codes for easier checking by Docs/Ops. Ordinary duty is shown on the basis of 150% x MFN duty where no separate ordinary-duty line applies; the final rate must still be checked against the final HS code at declaration time.

Indicative HS codeSuitable product groupClassification basisApplication conditionOrdinary dutyMFN import dutyVATC/O/FTA to reviewDocuments to cross-check
3924.10.10
3924.10.90/99Plastic table/kitchenware
Plastic tableware/kitchenware, including melamine or other plastic articles depending on the final subheading.Plastic material; table/kitchen use; not industrial packaging.Applies to non-electrical, non-battery, non-heating and non-smart goods; food-contact use must be reviewed separately.approx. 33%150% x MFN where no separate ordinary rate applies.22%Recheck by final 8-digit subheading.10%Form D/ATIGA, Form E/ACFTA, RCEP, VKFTA, EVFTA, CPTPP by origin.Catalogue, product photos, plastic composition, original label, invoice, packing list, C/O.
3924.90.90Other plastic household articlesPlastic basins, baskets, trays, storage boxes and household sanitation articles.Plastic; household/sanitary use; not furniture or industrial packaging.Not for bottles/industrial containers, pallets, medical goods or children’s goods subject to separate controls.approx. 33%22%10%ASEAN, China, Korea, Japan, EU, CPTPP, RCEP routes.Photos, dimensions, function, material, label, C/O and invoice description.
7323.93.10
7323.99.10Iron/steel
Stainless-steel or other iron/steel kitchen/household articles.Iron/steel material; stainless, cast iron, enamelled, coated surface and use.Not for electrical appliances, heated pots or mechanical devices with separate functions.30%–45%Based on MFN 20% or 30%.20%–30%7323.93.10 often 30%; 7323.99.10 often 20%.10%Form E, D, AK, VK, EUR.1, CPTPP, RCEP; watch CTH/RVC.Material proof, catalogue, coating, photos, label and use.
7615.10.90Aluminium household articlesAluminium table, kitchen or household articles and parts, excluding aluminium scouring pads/gloves.Aluminium material; household/kitchen use; processing and coating.Non-stick coating, food-contact use or safety/health claims require additional material/food-safety review.approx. 33%22%10%ATIGA/ACFTA/RCEP/VKFTA/EVFTA/CPTPP by origin and origin criteria.Material COA if available, catalogue, coating details, label, invoice, C/O.
6911.10.00
6912.00.00Porcelain/ceramic
Porcelain or ceramic tableware, kitchenware and household articles.Ceramic/porcelain material and table/kitchen/household use.Bowls, plates, cups, trays and similar ceramic/porcelain goods; food-contact materials may require safety evidence.approx. 52.5%35%10%ACFTA/ATIGA/RCEP/EVFTA/CPTPP with valid C/O and direct transport.Catalogue, photos, material, label, test report if any, C/O.
7013.37.00
7013.49.00
7013.99.00Glassware
Glass cups, kitchen/table glassware and household decorative glass articles.Glass material; lead crystal, glass-ceramic, drinking/table/kitchen/decorative use.Not for industrial bottles under 7010 or measuring/specialised instruments; heat-resistant goods need catalogue review.22.5%–52.5%15%–35%7013.99.00 often 15%; many table/kitchen lines 35%.10%Form D/E/RCEP/EUR.1/CPTPP depending on route and origin criteria.Catalogue, photos, material, use, label, C/O, packing.
9603.10.20
9603.90.20
9603.90.90Cleaning tools
Brooms, brushes, mops, hand-operated floor sweepers and non-motor cleaning tools.Cleaning function; fibre/plastic/metal construction; manual operation.Not for robot vacuums, motorised cleaners, electric brushes or battery-powered goods.approx. 37.5%25%10%ATIGA, ACFTA, RCEP, VKFTA, EVFTA, CPTPP by origin.Product photos, structure, materials, operation method, label, C/O.
9403.70.90
9403.89.90Storage/furniture-type goods
Shelves, small cabinets, racks and organising articles with furniture characteristics.Furniture function; material, dimension, assembly and parts.Use only where the goods have furniture characteristics; simple plastic boxes may stay under 3924.30%–37.5%20%–25%10%Review by origin; watch CTH/RVC and C/O product description.Drawings/dimensions, material, assembly guide, photos, parts list, C/O.
Operational note: Electrical household appliances such as rice cookers, kettles, fans, blenders, vacuum cleaners, irons and hair dryers must not be treated as “conventional household goods”. They require a separate review for electrical HS codes, QCVN/Group 2 goods, energy labelling and technical documents.

Duty note: The rates above are indicative for common product groups and must be finalized by the final 8-digit HS code, origin, C/O conditions and the tariff in force at declaration time. For ordinary duty, where no separate ordinary-duty line applies, the rate is generally calculated as 150% of the corresponding MFN duty under Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg.

SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL C/O/FTA TABLE TO REVIEW BY IMPORT ROUTE

Route/originFTA/agreementC/O form or origin proofSpecial preferential rate if determinedApplication conditionDocuments to cross-checkApplication note
ASEANATIGAC/O form DMay be deeply preferential, many HS lines may reach 0% if origin criteria are metASEAN origin, direct transport, consistent goods descriptionC/O, invoice, packing list, B/L, catalogueReview WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH by final HS.
ChinaACFTA or RCEPForm E or RCEP origin proofBy HS-specific schedule; not finalized before 8-digit HSValid C/O, direct transport and proper third-party invoice if anyC/O, third-party invoice if any, B/L, product descriptionInconsistent HS or description on C/O may deny preference.
KoreaAKFTA/VKFTA/RCEPForm AK, VK or RCEPBy each agreement and final HSOrigin rule and documents must be validC/O, catalogue, invoice, B/LCompare the most suitable route after HS finalization.
JapanVJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEPForm VJ, AJ, CPTPP proof or RCEPBy agreement and specific HSOrigin rule and direct transport must be satisfiedOrigin document, invoice, B/LChoose the correct preferential mechanism for the supplier dossier.
EU/UKEVFTA/UKVFTAEUR.1 or self-certification where eligibleBy EVFTA/UKVFTA schedule and HSOrigin, transport and product description must be consistentOrigin proof, invoice, packing list, B/LCheck self-certification and direct transport conditions.

DOSSIER SET & SUBMISSION METHOD

The dossier should be separated into commercial documents, technical documents and specialized policy documents where triggered. Customs documents are submitted through the electronic customs system; specialized dossiers follow the relevant authority or portal.

OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST

Dossier groupRequired documentsUsed forPrepared byCommon errorsPre-ETA check
Commercial documentsInvoice, Packing List, Sales Contract/PO, B/L or AWBCustoms declaration, value, quantity and delivery termsShipper, importer, docs team, forwarderGeneric goods name; inconsistent quantity/unit/IncotermsCompare name, model, quantity, weight, value and Incoterms.
Technical documentsCatalogue, photos, material, dimensions, function, model listHS and policy review; explanation for customsSupplier, procurement, complianceMissing material or proof of non-electrical/non-wireless natureRequest catalogue before booking.
Preferential C/OForm D/E/AK/VK/EUR.1/RCEP or equivalent proofPreferential duty claimSupplier, exporter, importerWrong form, HS, description or issuance dateCheck form, origin criterion, direct transport and third-party invoice.
Labelling dossierOriginal label, draft Vietnamese label, manufacturer/origin dataMarket circulation and post-clearance controlImporter, compliance, marketing/QAMissing origin, material, quantity or warnings if requiredReview against Decree 43/2017 and 111/2021.
Specialized dossier if triggeredQI, conformity, energy labelling, food-contact safety or other dossiersBefore/during clearance and before circulation depending on policyImporter, compliance, testing/certification bodyMisclassifying electrical/smart/food-contact goods as conventionalBranch the policy by catalogue and intended use.
Post-clearance fileDeclaration, tax documents, C/O, catalogue, labels, specialized results if anyPost-clearance audit and traceabilityImporter, accounting, logistics, complianceScattered files, poor model/lot traceabilityArchive by shipment, PO, supplier, HS and clearance date.

LEGAL BASIS & SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

The legal review should follow this principle: do not assume a permit is required, but prove that the goods do not fall into electrical/electronic goods, energy labelling, food-contact products or Group 2 goods. If any trigger exists, the shipment must be reviewed under a separate policy track before ETA.

LEGAL BASIS TABLE TO REVIEW

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX BY GOODS SITUATION

Goods situationLegal basis to reviewPotential policyAuthority/portal if identifiedPolicy trigger
Non-electrical, non-food-contact household goodsDecree 69/2018; Decree 43/2017; Decree 111/2021; current tariffCustoms clearance with commercial documents, labelling, HS/duty/C/O reviewCustoms; market surveillance for circulationGoods are truly conventional and not subject to a separate specialized list.
Plastic/metal/ceramic/glass articles in direct food contactDecree 15/2018; food-contact standards/QCVN if anyFood safety dossier, testing or self-declaration may apply depending on productFood safety authority; customs when specialized inspection appliesProduct is presented or used for containing, cooking, eating/drinking or direct food contact.
Electrical, motorized, heating or adapter-powered goodsDecisions 2711/QD-BKHCN, 366/QD-BKHCN, applicable QCVN, tariffQuality inspection, certification/declaration of conformity may applySpecialized authority/certification body; customs based on dossierElectrical goods in the Group 2 list or subject to relevant QCVN.
Energy-labelling goodsDecision 04/2017/QD-TTg and MOIT guidanceEnergy labelling registration and minimum energy performance if applicableMOIT/public service portalProducts such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, rice cookers, fans, LED lamps under the list.
Smart/wireless goods with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/RFRelevant ICT/telecom/cybersecurity regulationsConformity, ICT quality inspection or cybersecurity review may applyMIC or relevant authority if applicableWireless module, radio frequency, app control or security functions.
Used/refurbished goodsDecree 69/2018 and specialized policy by product groupRestrictions or conditions may apply; do not treat as new goodsCustoms and specialized authority depending on productGoods are used, refurbished, warranty returns or exchanges.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

The links below are official sources for checking before application. At customs declaration stage, enterprises should also verify whether any amendments, replacements or new guidance have been issued.

Nghị định 69/2018/NĐ-CP

Detailed regulations on a number of articles of the Law on Foreign Trade Management; Used to review general import and export management conditions.

View document

Nghị định 43/2017/NĐ-CP

Regulations on product labels for goods circulating in Vietnam and imported goods.

View document

Nghị định 111/2021/NĐ-CP

Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labels.

View document

Circular 05/2019/TT-BKHCN

Detailed regulations implementing a number of articles of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labels.

View document

Quyết định 2711/QĐ-BKHCN

Announcement of group 2 products and goods under the management responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

View document

Quyết định 366/QĐ-BKHCN

Announcing additional group 2 products and goods under the management responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

View document

Quyết định 04/2017/QĐ-TTg

List of vehicles and equipment that must have energy labels; Only check if the goods belong to the group of household electrical appliances.

View document

Nghị định 26/2023/NĐ-CP

Export tariff schedule, preferential import tariff schedule and list of goods by HS code.

View document

Nghị định 73/2025 & 199/2025/NĐ-CP

Documents amending/supplementing Decree 26/2023/ND-CP on preferential import tariffs.

View Decree 73/2025View Decree 199/2025

PROCESSING TIME, FEES & RISK COSTS

PROCESSING TIME, FEES & RISK COST TABLE

StepRecommended timingTime / fee referenceRisk cost if delayedControl point
HS, policy, label and C/O reviewBefore ordering or before ETDNo state fee for internal document reviewWrong HS/duty, lost C/O preference, customs queryLock product description, material, function, photos and catalogue.
Supplier document collectionBefore shipmentDepends on supplier; no absolute timingMissing C/O, label or catalogue at arrivalApprove draft documents before ETD.
Specialized dossier if triggeredBefore ETA or as requiredOnly determined after specific procedure is identifiedDEM/DET, storage and clearance delayDo not discover QI/energy/food-contact requirements after ETA.
Customs declarationWhen transport documents and dossier are readySubject to customs channel and dossier qualityYellow/red channel, inspection, valuation queryMatch invoice, packing list, B/L, C/O, catalogue and label.
Post-clearance / circulationAfter clearance and before salesDepends on labelling and specialized obligationsMarket inspection or traceability issueComplete Vietnamese labels and archive shipment dossier.

END-TO-END OPERATIONAL WORKFLOW

1

Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS, duty, C/O, label, material, function and product condition; determine whether the goods fall into electrical, smart, food-contact or energy-labelling groups.

2

Lock documents and technical files

Compare Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, model list, photos and original labels; avoid generic descriptions.

3

Identify specialized procedures

If goods have electricity, batteries, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, food-contact use or energy-labelling scope, move to the relevant specialized checklist.

4

Prepare triggered dossiers

Prepare QI, conformity, energy labelling, food safety or labelling dossier where the model/function activates such policy.

5

Declare customs and handle channel

Green channel means system-based clearance; yellow means document check; red means document and physical inspection.

6

Release cargo and close post-clearance duties

Move cargo to warehouse, complete Vietnamese labelling, archive C/O, catalogues and specialized documents for traceability.

FAQ – COMMON QUESTIONS

Do conventional household goods require an import licence?

Not by trade name alone. If goods are non-electric, non-battery, non-wireless, non-food-contact and outside specialized lists, they are usually handled through customs, labelling, HS, tax and C/O control. Actual catalogue/model must still be checked.

Which HS code applies to plastic household goods?

Heading 3924 is often reviewed for plastic household/table/kitchen articles, but packaging, toys, food-contact articles and goods with specific functions must be separated.

Are electrical household appliances still “conventional”?

No. Products with electricity, motor, heating, adapter or charger should be reviewed under QCVN, quality inspection/conformity and energy-labelling rules if listed.

Are food boxes, water bottles or cookware covered here?

If they directly contact food, they should be reviewed under food-contact material and food safety requirements, not treated only as conventional household goods.

Can C/O reduce import duty?

Yes, if the C/O form and origin criteria are valid, product description and HS match, and transport conditions are met.

Must supplementary labels be affixed before customs clearance?

Vietnamese labels are mainly required before market circulation, but label contents should be checked early to avoid post-clearance issues.

How to handle samples or warranty goods?

Samples, warranty replacements, goods for EPE/FDI or refurbished goods may differ in value, purpose and policy treatment. Review separately.

Can goods clear without a catalogue?

Possibly, but customs may request it for HS or policy determination. Catalogues and product photos are important for multi-material household goods.

OUTPUTS & POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS

Typical outputs
  • Customs declaration cleared or released under actual conditions.
  • Tax, C/O, catalogue and HS explanation file archived by shipment.
  • Specialized results if QI, conformity, energy or food-contact policy is triggered.
Post-clearance obligations
  • Complete Vietnamese supplementary labelling before circulation.
  • Archive dossier by lot, model and supplier.
  • Prepare explanation file for post-clearance audit or market inspection.

SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX

For conventional household goods, the core issue is not “licence application” but correct pre-ETA branching: which goods are genuinely conventional, which must move to electrical household appliances, which need energy labelling, which are food-contact articles and which contain smart/ICT functions. TGIMEX supports document, customs and logistics control together to reduce storage costs, document supplementation and classification errors.

HS – duty – C/O review

Compare material, function, construction, product photos, catalogue and import route to review HS, MFN duty, VAT and FTA preference.

Specialized policy screening

Branch products into conventional, electrical, smart, food-contact, energy-labelling or Group 2 goods before arrival.

Document control

Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, original label, model list and customs description.

Operational coordination

Coordinate schedule, port/warehouse/trucking, customs channel handling and post-clearance recordkeeping.

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