IMPORT PROCEDURE FOR ELECTRIC, BATTERY-POWERED AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED BEAUTY DEVICES
Electric, battery-powered and technology-based beauty devices can fall into several compliance routes: electrical appliances, lithium-battery products, Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi/RF devices, LED/IPL/laser devices, massage apparatus or medical devices if therapeutic claims are made. A wrong interpretation may lead to wrong HS code, missing battery documents, missed C/O preference, DG booking issues or unexpected ICT/medical-device requirements. This article provides an E2E map to review HS code, duties, C/O, labelling, battery, technology and specialized policies before ETA.
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This article applies to electric, battery-powered and technology-based beauty devices under cosmetics and personal care: facial cleansing devices, massage devices, LED masks, IPL/RF/EMS devices, facial steamers, hair styling devices, app-connected devices and devices with lithium batteries.
Facial cleansing devices, LED masks, IPL/RF/EMS devices, facial steamers, hair styling tools and battery/app-connected beauty devices.
Medical-claim devices, used/refurbished goods, samples, warranty units and device + cosmetic combos require separate review.
Review by catalogue, datasheet, model, function and actual import purpose before applying any policy.
TERMS AND REGULATORY RELEVANCE
This product group may overlap with cosmetics, electrical goods, ICT, lithium-battery transport and medical-device rules.
| Term | Operational meaning | Impact on procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Electric/battery/technology beauty device | A beauty or personal-care tool using electricity, rechargeable batteries, sensors, light, heat, vibration, RF, EMS, app control or electronic accessories. | The first step is to distinguish the device from finished cosmetics; a cosmetic notification does not automatically apply to the device itself. |
| SDS/MSDS | Safety Data Sheet for batteries, gels, conductive liquid, cleaning liquid or materials with transport risk. | Used by airlines, sea carriers and warehouses to determine whether DG handling is required. |
| UN38.3 | Lithium-battery transport safety test under the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. | Frequently requested when the device contains or is packed with lithium batteries. |
| UN3481 / UN3091 | Transport entries for lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries contained in or packed with equipment. | Affects air/sea booking, package marks, weight limits and shipping documents. |
| RF / Wi‑Fi / Bluetooth | Wireless transmission or short-range radio communication function. | May trigger ICT Group 2 conformity assessment if HS code and product description fall under the current ICT Group 2 list. |
| IPL / Laser / LED / RF / EMS | Light, pulsed light, laser, radio frequency or electrical stimulation technology used for beauty-care functions. | Claims must be reviewed carefully: beauty-care claims are not the same as medical-treatment claims. |
| Medical device | A device used for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation or medical/physiological intervention under health-sector rules. | If treatment or dermatological claims are made, the medical-device route may be triggered. |
| Supplementary Vietnamese label | Vietnamese label added when the original label lacks mandatory Vietnamese information. | Must cover product name, model, origin, electrical/battery specifications, warnings and responsible importer. |
| ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival. | A reverse-planning milestone to lock HS, C/O, battery file, label and specialized documents before arrival. |
PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION
Do not classify only by the commercial name “beauty device”. Review the principal function, power source, battery, technology, wireless feature, claim, accessories and import purpose.
DETAILED PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION TABLE
| Product group / cargo situation | Technical signs to check | Example model/function | Supporting document | Possible policy trigger | Documents to review | Application note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery facial cleansing or massage devices | Motor/vibration/rotation, rechargeable battery, USB cable/adapter, model/serial, contact material. | Facial cleansing brush, silicone facial massager, eye massager. | Catalogue, datasheet, label photo, battery spec, UN38.3 if lithium battery exists. | Chapter 85/90 HS, labelling, lithium-battery transport, possible DG by air. | Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, battery spec, original label. | Not cosmetics. Any gel/serum included in the set must be reviewed separately. |
| LED mask and light-based beauty devices | LED wavelength, power, NIR/blue/red light, control modes, adapter/battery and marketing claims. | LED face mask, LED beauty wand, light therapy beauty device. | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, optical/electrical test report if available. | May fall under 8543 or 9018 if medical claims exist; labelling and battery review. | Technology datasheet, wavelength, claims, manual, label. | Beauty-care claims and medical therapy claims must be separated. |
| IPL, laser, RF or EMS beauty devices | Energy output, wavelength, RF/EMS mode, applicator head, use area and claims. | Home IPL hair removal, RF lifting device, microcurrent/EMS device. | Energy parameters, CE/FCC/IEC if any, manual and warning label. | HS 8543/9018; medical-device risk if treatment claims or professional medical use exist. | Catalogue, test report, claims, user manual, label photo. | Do not state “no permit” before reviewing claims and intended use. |
| Facial steamers / heat-based devices | Heating element, water tank, steam/mist output, electrical rating. | Facial steamer, nano mist steamer. | Catalogue, wattage, voltage, heater structure and safety warning. | Possible electrical appliance route, HS 8516/8543, labelling and safety review. | Catalogue, original label, electrical specs, test report if any. | Do not apply this route to medical inhalation or clinical devices. |
| Hair dryers and thermal hair styling tools | Heating resistor, motor, temperature mode, wattage and voltage. | Hair dryer, curling iron, hair straightener, hot comb. | Datasheet, voltage/wattage, safety standard, original label. | HS 8516; may require electrical-safety and labelling review. | Catalogue, test report, electrical specs, C/O. | If energy-labelling or quality-control policy is triggered, review separately. |
| Devices with Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/app control | Wireless module, frequency band, output power, app function and data transmission. | Smart LED mask, app-controlled beauty device, Bluetooth skin analyzer. | RF module datasheet, frequency, RF test report, user manual. | Possible ICT Group 2 conformity route if HS and product description fall under the list. | RF datasheet, test report, label/module information. | A USB cable alone is not a wireless trigger. |
| Device + cosmetic/gel/serum combo | A physical device sold together with topical cosmetic products. | IPL device + cooling gel, RF device + conductive serum. | INCI, label, authorization/CFS if required, cosmetic notification documents. | Two policy layers may apply: device compliance and cosmetic notification for the topical product. | Device file, cosmetic file, labels and set specification. | Cosmetic notification does not replace device-policy review. |
| Samples, warranty units or refurbished devices | Non-commercial use, used/repaired condition, demo goods or warranty replacement. | Sample beauty device, warranty unit, refurbished device. | Import purpose, warranty contract, serial list and product condition photos. | May trigger used-goods, temporary import/export, repair or specialized review. | PO/contract, serial list, purpose explanation and product photos. | Separate samples not for sale from marketable goods. |
POLICY-TRIGGER BRANCHING TABLE BY FEATURE
| Feature / situation | Supplier data to request | Procedure route to review | Pre-ETA control point |
|---|---|---|---|
| No battery, no wireless, no medical claim | Catalogue, model, power rating, skin-contact material and original label. | HS, product labelling, C/O and electrical-safety route if listed. | Fix product name and HS before final invoice issuance. |
| Integrated lithium battery | Battery spec, Wh rating, UN38.3, MSDS/SDS and packing mode. | DG transport, air/sea booking, package mark and battery declaration. | Lock transport plan before ETD to avoid carrier rejection. |
| Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/RF/app control | RF module, frequency, output power, test report and user manual. | ICT Group 2/conformity if HS and product description fall under current list. | Review Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN and HS/product description before ETA. |
| LED/IPL/Laser/RF/EMS | Wavelength, energy output, power, manual, warning and marketing claims. | HS 8543/9019/9018; medical-device risk if treatment claims exist. | Separate beauty claims from treatment/medical claims before booking. |
| Gel/serum/cosmetic packed with device | INCI, CFS/LOA if needed, label, formula and function. | Cosmetic notification for topical product; device route remains separate. | Do not use cosmetic notification to replace device compliance review. |
| Samples/warranty/refurbished goods | Import purpose, quantity, serial list, condition and warranty contract. | Customs regime, used/refurbished goods, labelling and permits if any. | Clarify purpose and condition before declaration. |
HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O
HS classification must follow the actual function and structure. A motor, heater, LED/RF module, Bluetooth app or medical claim may change the HS heading and regulatory route.
PROPOSED HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O TABLE
| Reference HS | Suitable goods group | Classification basis | Application conditions | Ordinary duty | MFN duty | VAT | C/O/FTA to review | Documents to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8510 | Shavers, clippers and hair-removal tools with self-contained electric motor. | Principal function is cutting/shaving/removing hair by motor. | Use when the device is motorized and not mainly a thermal, IPL/laser or medical device. | Usually determined under the ordinary-duty rule of 150% of MFN unless a separate ordinary rate applies; verify 8-digit HS. | Verify the current MFN schedule by final HS. | Commonly 10%, subject to VAT rules at declaration time. | Review ATIGA, ACFTA/RCEP, AKFTA/VKFTA/RCEP, VJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, AANZFTA/CPTPP. | Catalogue, datasheet, label photo, motor spec, C/O, Invoice/PL. |
| 8516.31 / 8516.32 | Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners and electro-thermic hair-styling tools. | Function relies on electric heat or hot airflow. | Use for thermal hair-care tools; separate from massage, LED/IPL and RF devices. | Normally linked to 150% of MFN for ordinary duty if applicable; check current tariff. | Review by 8-digit HS, origin and C/O. | Commonly 10%. | C/O description should match hair dryer or hair-styling appliance. | Catalogue, wattage/voltage, safety file, original label, C/O. |
| 8509.80 | Domestic electro-mechanical appliances with self-contained electric motor if no more specific heading fits. | Motorized domestic/personal-care function. | Use only where more specific headings such as 8510/8516/9019 do not apply. | Verify current tariff; do not use if medical or RF/ICT features dominate. | Verify final HS. | Commonly 10%. | Review FTA by actual origin. | Catalogue, motor structure, function, product photos, C/O. |
| 9019.10 | Massage apparatus where the principal function is massage. | Vibration, compression or mechanical massage function. | Use when the file supports massage function; medical claims require medical-device review. | Verify current tariff; do not classify by trade name only. | Review final 8-digit heading. | Commonly 10%. | Review C/O/FTA by lane. | Catalogue, manual, claims, battery spec, C/O. |
| 8543.70 | Electrical machines with individual functions, often relevant to LED/RF/EMS or special electronic beauty devices. | Independent electronic function not more specifically covered elsewhere. | Use carefully; review wireless module, battery, medical claims and software/app function. | Verify current tariff; wireless may trigger ICT review. | Review final HS. | Commonly 10%. | Review all relevant FTAs; HS on C/O must be explainable. | Datasheet, block diagram, RF spec, claim file, C/O. |
| 9018.90 | Other medical instruments if the device has medical or therapeutic intended use. | Diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation or clinical/dermatology use. | Use only after medical-device classification and regulatory review. | Verify tariff and medical-device import conditions; not for normal beauty devices. | Review by final HS and device class. | Commonly 10% or subject to medical-device tax policy at import time. | Review FTA and C/O consistency. | Classification, intended use, manual, technical/clinical file, C/O. |
| 8504.40 | Adapters, chargers and power supplies if declared separately. | AC/DC conversion or battery charging. | If imported with the device, determine whether to declare as a set or separate line. | Verify current tariff. | Review final HS. | Commonly 10%. | Review C/O for adapter if declared separately. | Adapter datasheet, power label, set documents, C/O. |
| 8507 / UN3481 transport | Lithium batteries imported separately or contained in equipment. | Chemistry, Wh rating, contained in or packed with equipment. | HS applies when battery is separate; transport rules apply when lithium battery exists. | Verify tariff and battery-transport requirements. | Review final HS. | Commonly 10%. | C/O/FTA if battery is a separate line; shipping needs battery declaration. | Battery spec, UN38.3, MSDS, packing instruction, C/O. |
| 9018.90 | Devices with medical/diagnostic/treatment/dermatology intended use if medical-device indicators exist. | Based on intended use, claims, manual, warnings, use environment and medical-device classification. | Not for pure beauty devices; use only when treatment, diagnosis, rehabilitation or medical use is claimed. | Verify tariff and medical-device management route. | Review medical-device classification and final HS. | Usually 10%; review VAT treatment for medical devices if relevant. | C/O/FTA depends on final HS; medical file does not replace C/O. | Medical-device classification, catalogue, manual, intended use, registration documents if any and C/O. |
| 9027.89 / 9027.90 | Skin analyzers or sensor-based devices measuring moisture, oil, pigment or skin indicators where measurement is main function. | Principal function is measuring/testing/analysis, not merely a beauty accessory. | Use when technical documents show measurement/analysis as the main function. | Verify current tariff by 8-digit HS. | Review final HS and C/O description. | Usually 10%. | Review FTA by origin; C/O should match analyzer/measuring instrument. | Sensor datasheet, measured indicators, software interface, photos and C/O. |
| 8504.40 / 8504.90 | Adapters, chargers and power supplies imported separately or as separate commercial lines. | Principal function is power conversion/charging; distinguish from accessories packed with the device set. | If imported as a retail set, review set treatment; if imported separately, review HS separately. | Verify tariff; do not merge into device HS when documents list it separately. | Review 8-digit HS. | Usually 10%. | Review C/O by origin and matching adapter/charger description. | Invoice/PL, adapter catalogue, input/output rating and safety documents if any. |
| 3304 / 3307 | Conductive gel, serum or topical skincare product packed with the device if cosmetic. | The item is a cosmetic/personal-care preparation, not the device itself. | Use when a combo includes topical products; cosmetic notification may be required for market release. | Duties/VAT must be reviewed under the relevant cosmetic HS, not device HS. | Review cosmetic tariff by 8-digit HS. | Usually 10%, subject to current VAT policy. | Review FTA by origin; C/O description must match cosmetic goods. | INCI, CFS/LOA if needed, label, cosmetic notification file and C/O. |
C/O/FTA TABLE BY IMPORT LANE
| Origin lane | FTA | C/O form or origin document | Special preferential duty if substantiated | Application conditions | Documents to review | Application note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASEAN | ATIGA | Form D or valid origin document | May apply if PSR for final HS is satisfied. | Goods description, HS, origin and direct transport must match. | C/O, Invoice, Packing List, B/L, catalogue, model list. | Do not use a device C/O to cover separately declared batteries/adapters unless the description covers them. |
| China | ACFTA or RCEP | Form E / RCEP C/O or valid origin document | Check preferential tariff by final HS. | Review CTH/CTSH/RVC and third-party invoice if any. | C/O, commercial documents, catalogue, HS on C/O. | Form E is often queried when descriptions are generic or HS differs. |
| Korea | AKFTA / VKFTA / RCEP | Form AK / VK / RCEP | May apply under the selected agreement. | Choose the agreement with valid proof and best treatment. | C/O, Invoice, B/L, catalogue, origin criteria. | Do not choose FTA only by export country if actual origin differs. |
| Japan | VJEPA / AJCEP / CPTPP / RCEP | Form VJ / AJ / CPTPP / RCEP | Review tariff schedule by final HS. | PSR, direct transport and origin documents must be satisfied. | C/O, invoice, packing list, transport document. | Technology products with many components require careful PSR review. |
| EU / UK | EVFTA / UKVFTA | EUR.1 or origin statement if eligible | May apply if origin proof is valid. | Review REX/origin statement, description and transport. | Invoice statement, C/O if any, B/L/AWB, catalogue. | Check shipment value and exporter status for self-certification. |
| Australia – New Zealand | AANZFTA / CPTPP / RCEP | Form AANZ / CPTPP / RCEP | Review preferential schedule by import lane. | PSR and direct transport must be met. | C/O, B/L, invoice, model list. | Do not group models if the C/O describes only part of the shipment. |
| India / Hong Kong | AIFTA / AHKFTA | Form AI / AHK or valid origin document | Review each preferential schedule by final HS. | Origin criteria, description and transport must match. | C/O, invoice, B/L/AWB, catalogue. | Transit through third countries requires supporting transport records. |
C/O REVIEW CHECKLIST
| Check point | Review requirement | Risk if incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| C/O form | Correct form under the chosen agreement. | Wrong form may lead to denial of preference. |
| Origin criteria | WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH or other criteria must match PSR for final HS. | Technology devices with many components require stricter PSR review. |
| Description & HS | Goods description, model, HS, quantity and weight must align with customs declaration and documents. | HS on C/O may differ but must be explainable. |
| Third-party invoice | If used, the C/O must reflect the agreement’s requirements. | Missing third-party invoice details may trigger verification. |
| Direct transport | B/L/AWB and transit records must support origin integrity. | Multi-leg transit needs additional proof. |
| Issuance date & validity | C/O must be issued and submitted within the permitted period. | Expired or late-submitted C/O can lose preference. |
DOSSIER AND FILING METHOD
The file should be separated into commercial documents, technical/specialized documents and lithium-battery/DG transport documents if applicable.
OPERATIONS DOSSIER CHECKLIST
| Document group | Required document | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial documents | Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Sales Contract/PO, B/L/AWB, Arrival Notice, C/O if claiming preference. | Customs declaration, valuation, C/O and cargo release. | Importer, Procurement, Docs and Forwarder. | Generic item name, mismatched model/quantity/serial or unclear Incoterms. | Match each line against catalogue, original label and C/O before ETA. |
| Technical device file | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, label photos, model/serial list, electrical/battery specs and product structure. | HS classification and policy trigger review. | Supplier, Importer and Compliance team. | Missing battery capacity, RF data, power rating or claims. | Request official PDF files and real label/product photos. |
| Lithium-battery file | MSDS/SDS, UN38.3, battery spec, Wh rating, packing declaration, PI 966/967 if air. | Air/sea booking, packaging, package marking and DG declaration. | Supplier, Forwarder and DG team. | Battery not declared; spare battery treated as installed battery; missing UN38.3. | Confirm battery configuration before booking. |
| ICT file if wireless | RF specification, frequency band, output power, test report, module datasheet and applicable QCVN if listed. | Conformity certification/declaration if triggered. | Supplier, Compliance and certification body. | Confusing USB connection with wireless function; missing RF data. | Request RF module datasheet and compare with current ICT Group 2 list. |
| Medical-device file if claims exist | Intended use, classification, authorization, technical file and circulation number/permit if applicable. | Medical-device review before import or market release. | Importer, Regulatory and Legal. | Beauty claims cross into treatment claims; no device classification. | Review label, manual, brochure and website claims before purchase. |
| Labelling file | Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, electrical specs, battery warnings, origin, manufacturer and responsible importer. | Market circulation and post-clearance/market inspection. | Importer, Brand and Compliance. | Missing Vietnamese, wrong origin or missing safety warning. | Review Decree 43/2017 and 111/2021 before arrival or warehouse release. |
LEGAL BASIS AND SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
1. LEGAL INSTRUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Legal group | Instrument | Issuing authority | Effectiveness/timing | Role in procedure | Key article/appendix | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics management | Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT | Ministry of Health | Circular 34/2025 effective 18 Aug 2025. | Applies when the set includes gel/serum/topical cosmetics. | Do not use cosmetic notification as proof for the device itself. | Review actual product file. |
| Medical devices | Decree 98/2021/ND-CP, Decree 07/2023/ND-CP, Circular 05/2022/TT-BYT | Government / MOH | Decree 98 effective 1 Jan 2022; Decree 07 effective 3 Mar 2023. | Review when the device has medical or therapeutic intended use. | Circulation conditions, classification and regulatory file. | Review intended use, claims and manual. |
| ICT / RF | Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT | Ministry of Information and Communications | Check effectiveness and list at import time. | Applies if wireless function and HS/product description fall under the list. | The circular applies only to listed HS and descriptions. | Review RF spec and module. |
| Product quality | Law 05/2007/QH12, Decree 132/2008/ND-CP, Decree 74/2018/ND-CP | National Assembly / Government | Decree 132 effective 1 Feb 2009; Decree 74 effective 1 Jul 2018. | Framework for Group 2 goods, quality inspection and conformity. | Review when goods fall under unsafe-product lists. | Do not apply generally without list confirmation. |
| Electrical safety | QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2016 under Circular 21/2016/TT-BKHCN | MOST | Circular 21 effective 1 Feb 2017. | Review for electrical/electronic appliances within scope. | Not every beauty device automatically falls under QCVN 4. | Review model, power, voltage and purpose. |
| Goods labelling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Decree 43 effective 1 Jun 2017; Decree 111 effective 15 Feb 2022. | Regulates labelling of imported and circulated goods. | Vietnamese label and mandatory information. | Review original label and supplementary label. |
| Lithium-battery transport | IATA DGR/BSR, IMDG Code and UN Manual of Tests and Criteria | IATA / IMO / UN | Updated periodically, especially for air transport. | Applies to devices with lithium batteries. | UN38.3, MSDS, Wh rating and packing instruction. | Review with DG specialist before booking. |
| Tariff, HS and VAT | Current import tariff, VAT schedule and FTA schedules | Ministry of Finance / Government | Changes by period. | Determines ordinary duty, MFN, VAT and FTA preference. | Do not finalize tax before final HS and origin are confirmed. | Check at declaration date. |
2. SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
| Cargo situation | Instrument to review | Possible policy | Authority/portal if identified | Trigger condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard beauty device without wireless/medical claim | HS, labelling, battery if any and electrical safety if listed. | Normal customs procedure plus labelling/battery review. | Customs and specialized authority if triggered. | Catalogue shows normal personal-care use. |
| Device with lithium battery | IATA/IMDG, UN38.3, MSDS and battery declaration. | Battery/DG transport review and package marking. | Forwarder, carrier, airline/warehouse. | Lithium battery, Wh rating, contained/packed with equipment. |
| Device with Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/RF | Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN; Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT for pre-31 Dec 2025 comparison and relevant QCVN. | Possible ICT conformity certification/declaration. | MIC / VNTA / specialized portal if triggered. | Wireless module and listed HS/description. |
| Device with medical/therapeutic claims | Decree 98/2021, Decree 07/2023 and Circular 05/2022. | Possible medical-device classification and circulation requirements. | Ministry of Health / medical-device portal. | Treatment, diagnosis, rehabilitation or clinical claims. |
| Device sold with gel/serum/cosmetic product | Circular 06/2011 and 34/2025. | Cosmetic notification may be required for topical product. | Public service portal / health authority. | Topical cosmetic product included in the set. |
| Samples, demo, warranty or refurbished devices | Customs and relevant specialized policy. | Purpose-based import review; used-goods/warranty/temporary import may arise. | Customs and specialized authority if any. | Non-commercial, warranty, repaired or demo condition. |
ORIGINAL LEGAL SOURCES
PROCESSING TIME, FEES AND RISK COSTS
| Timeline | Work to perform | Potential fee/cost | Risk if delayed |
|---|---|---|---|
| T–21 to T–14 before ETA | Collect catalogue, datasheet, manual, label photos, battery spec, RF spec, marketing claims and C/O draft. | No state fee; translation/testing/consulting cost may arise. | HS, DG, ICT or medical-device route cannot be fixed before shipment. |
| T–14 to T–10 | Confirm reference HS, C/O/FTA, label, battery status, wireless/medical/cosmetic-product triggers. | Depends on testing or certification if triggered. | C/O preference may be lost or commercial documents may need amendments. |
| T–10 to T–5 | Start ICT/medical-device/cosmetic-notification file if triggered; lock battery/DG booking. | Cosmetic notification, if triggered, publicly shows 500,000 VND/item and 3–5 working days depending on dossier status. | Filing after ETA may cause storage or delivery delay. |
| ETA – customs declaration | File customs declaration, submit specialized documents if any and handle Green/Yellow/Red channel. | Customs/logistics costs by actual case. | Customs may query HS, claim, battery, catalogue, C/O and label. |
| Post-clearance / before market release | Apply supplementary label, retain files by model/shipment and complete any post-clearance obligations. | Label, warehouse, testing or certification costs if required. | Market inspection, post-clearance audit and traceability risk. |
PRACTICAL E2E WORKFLOW
Identify whether the goods are normal beauty devices, electrical appliances, ICT/RF devices, medical devices, lithium-battery products or device + cosmetic combos.
Lock Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, user manual, label photos, model/serial list, battery spec and C/O draft.
Separate customs, labelling, battery/DG, ICT, medical-device and cosmetic-notification layers if applicable.
Prepare cosmetic notification for topical products, ICT/medical-device file if listed, or lithium-battery/DG documents before booking.
Green channel is system-based, Yellow checks documents, Red checks documents and physical goods. Main query points: HS, model, battery, claims, C/O and catalogue.
Deliver to warehouse, apply supplementary label, retain files by model/shipment and prepare post-clearance explanation files.
FAQ – PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
1. Does an electric beauty device need cosmetic notification?
Normally no, because the device itself is not a cosmetic product. If gel, serum or topical cosmetic products are sold together, those products must be reviewed separately.
2. Does a facial cleansing or massage device need an import permit?
It depends on HS, battery, labelling, electrical safety, wireless function and claims. A normal non-wireless beauty device usually focuses on customs, labels, C/O and battery documents.
3. Can LED mask or IPL hair removal be considered medical devices?
Yes, if the label/manual/website shows treatment, diagnosis, dermatology, rehabilitation or clinical use. Beauty-care claims must be separated from medical claims.
4. Does Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi trigger ICT conformity?
Only if the product has wireless function and its HS/product description falls under the current ICT Group 2 list. RF data and module specs are required.
5. What is needed for air shipment with lithium batteries?
Battery spec, Wh rating, MSDS/SDS, UN38.3, battery configuration, packing instruction and carrier acceptance conditions.
6. Can HS be fixed by the name “beauty device”?
No. HS is determined by principal function, structure, power source, technology, accessories and intended use.
7. Can C/O reduce import duty?
Possibly, if the form, origin criteria, description, HS, quantity, direct transport and validity are compliant.
8. Are samples or testers treated differently?
They may be different in purpose, value and explanation file, but specialized policy is not automatically waived.
9. Should adapters or chargers be declared separately?
It depends on set configuration and commercial documents. If imported separately, HS review may be required.
10. What should be retained after clearance?
Customs declaration, commercial documents, C/O, catalogue, datasheet, labels, battery documents and any ICT/medical/cosmetic file if triggered.
FINAL OUTPUTS AND POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS
| Output | Obligation to complete |
|---|---|
| Customs declaration and clearance file | Keep with Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O and catalogue for post-clearance audit. |
| Specialized result/file if triggered | May include ICT, medical-device, cosmetic-notification or lithium-battery/DG documents. |
| Vietnamese label and market-release file | Must match product name, model, origin, electrical/battery specs, warnings and responsible importer. |
| Traceability file by model/shipment | Keep model list, serial list, photos, claims, manual and HS/policy explanation. |
TGIMEX SOLUTION
For this product group, importers should coordinate logistics, documents, customs, lithium-battery/DG review, C/O and specialized policy review before ETA. The goal is full shipment control before arrival, not merely fast customs filing.
Review catalogue, function, battery, RF, claims, accessories and import purpose to avoid wrong regulatory route.
Check C/O form, origin criteria, HS on C/O, MFN/FTA duty, VAT and preference risk.
Check UN38.3, MSDS, Wh rating, battery configuration, package marking and carrier restrictions.
Review original/supplementary label, claims, manual and safety warnings before market release.
Coordinate ICT, medical-device or cosmetic-notification file if the shipment has relevant triggers.
Monitor ETA, pre-alert, declaration, channel handling, warehouse delivery and post-clearance records.
SUPPORT FLOW BY PHASE
| Support phase | Key workstream | Output for importer |
|---|---|---|
| Before purchasing | Review model, claims, battery, RF function, accessories and supplier documents. | Supplier-data checklist and early policy-trigger warning. |
| Before ETD/ETA | Lock HS, C/O, SDS/MSDS, UN38.3, labels, catalogue and commercial documents. | Cross-checked file to reduce amendments and booking risk. |
| Arrival and declaration | Coordinate customs filing, channel handling, HS/model/battery/claim explanation and cargo release. | Clear workflow among Docs, Ops, Customs, Warehouse and importer. |
| Post-clearance | Retain files by model/shipment, check supplementary label and prepare audit file. | Complete record for market release and traceability. |
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