Hair dye, bleaching, perming and straightening products carry higher compliance risk than ordinary hair care products because they often contain oxidizing, reducing, coloring or alkaline systems and may be sold as multi-component kits. If the product name is too generic, the cosmetic notification, CFS/authorization, SDS, label or C/O is not controlled before ETA, the shipment may face dossier supplementation, port hold, loss of preferential duty or unplanned DEM/DET. This article provides an end-to-end control map for HS, duties, cosmetic notification, technical documents, labeling and post-clearance obligations.

Operational reference for importers of hair chemical cosmetic products. Review by formula, label, CFS/authorization, SDS, variant and actual import purpose.

TERMINOLOGY & WHY THE PROCEDURE MATTERS

These products affect hair and sometimes the scalp directly, and may contain ingredients requiring specific safety warnings. The procedure therefore extends beyond customs declaration and must control cosmetic notification, formula, label, transport and post-market records.

Term	Operational meaning
Cosmetic product	A product applied externally to the human body for cleansing, perfuming, changing appearance, protection or keeping the body in good condition.
Cosmetic product notification receipt number	The receipt number granted before an imported cosmetic can be placed on the Vietnamese market.
CFS	Certificate of Free Sale, used to prove that the product is legally marketed in the exporting/manufacturing country where required.
LOA / POA	Authorization from the manufacturer/brand owner to the responsible entity placing the product on the Vietnamese market.
PIF	Product Information File retained for post-market inspection and product safety review.
MSDS/SDS	Safety Data Sheet; critical for bleaching agents, developers, peroxide-containing products or goods with possible dangerous-goods transport risk.

PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

This article applies to imported finished hair dye, bleaching, perming, straightening/relaxing products and salon kits. It does not automatically apply to bulk chemicals, hair-styling electrical devices, oral supplements or products with medical treatment claims.

Control warning: Mandatory control: review according to catalogue, formula/INCI, SDS/MSDS, label, claim, function and actual import purpose at the time of application.

DETAILED PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION TABLE

Product group/scenario	Technical signs to check	Example/function	Evidence documents	Possible policy	Documents to cross-check	Application note
Oxidative hair dyes	Oxidative colorants, usually used with developer/peroxide.	Color cream, two-component color kit.	Formula, label, CFS, LOA, SDS.	Cosmetic notification, restricted ingredients, DG logistics if developer is included.	CFS/LOA, formula, original label, SDS/MSDS.	Do not describe only as generic “hair care product”.
Hair bleach / bleaching powder or cream	Lightening agents; possible oxidizer/peroxide transport risk.	Bleaching powder, lightener kit.	SDS/MSDS, formula, COA/specification, warning label.	Cosmetic notification, DG transport review, ASEAN cosmetic ingredient restrictions.	SDS, warning label, CFS/LOA, INCI list.	Separate bleaching powder, developer and retail set components.
Perming products	Reducing/alkaline formula, often lotion + neutralizer.	Perm lotion, neutralizer.	Formula, instruction, warning, SDS.	Cosmetic notification and safety warning review.	Formula, label, instruction, CFS/LOA, SDS.	Avoid therapeutic hair restoration claims.
Straightening / relaxer / rebonding products	Hair structure-modifying function, alkaline/thioglycolate or similar system.	Straightening cream, relaxer kit.	Formula, pH/specification, instruction, warning.	Cosmetic notification and restricted ingredients review.	Formula, pH/spec, SDS, CFS/LOA, label.	Claims must stay within cosmetic scope.
Salon set / multi-component kit	Multiple tubes/bottles/sachets sold as one kit.	Color kit, bleach kit, perm kit.	Component formula, packaging specification, inner and outer labels.	Notification approach by product/set and HS review.	Detailed packing list, artwork, formula and SDS for each component.	Do not use one formula for all components.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O

HS must be determined by main function, product form, retail kit structure and actual import purpose. Avoid generic names such as “hair cosmetic” because this weakens HS, notification and C/O consistency.

Control principle: Operational principle: rates below are for reference. Final duty must be determined by 8-digit HS, current tariff, origin, C/O and actual dossier at declaration date.

PROPOSED HS CODE – DUTY – C/O TABLE

Reference HS	Suitable goods group	Classification basis	Condition	Ordinary import duty	MFN duty	VAT	C/O/FTA to review	Documents to check
3305.20.00	Preparations for permanent waving or straightening.	Chapter 3305 covers hair preparations; 3305.20 covers permanent waving/straightening.	Used when the main function is perming, relaxing, rebonding or straightening hair.	27% reference if MFN is 18%	18% reference	10% reference	ATIGA, ACFTA, RCEP, AKFTA/VKFTA, AJCEP/VJEPA/CPTPP, EVFTA/UKVFTA depending on origin.	Catalogue/label, formula, CFS, LOA, SDS and packing documents.
3305.90.00	Hair dyes, bleaching products, developers, toners and other hair preparations not elsewhere specified.	Residual subheading for other hair preparations under 3305.	For finished cosmetic hair dye/bleach/developer products; not for bulk industrial chemicals.	27% reference if MFN is 18%	18% reference	10% reference	Check FTA route and origin documents against final HS.	INCI/formula, SDS/MSDS, notification, label, CFS/LOA and COA if any.
3305.90.00 or other HS depending on kit structure	Retail kits containing color cream, developer, treatment and accessories.	Classification depends on retail set rules and the nature of each component.	Only when packed as a retail kit for one hair coloring/bleaching purpose.	Subject to final HS	Subject to final HS	10% reference	Check preferential tariff by final HS or component classification.	Kit photos, packing specification, component labels, invoice details.
3824/2847 or other chemical headings to be reviewed	Hydrogen peroxide, oxidizers or bulk chemical ingredients not imported as finished cosmetics.	May fall outside Chapter 33 if imported as raw chemicals.	For raw materials or industrial chemicals, not finished cosmetic products.	Review current tariff	Review current tariff	Review VAT policy	FTA by actual chemical HS.	COA, SDS, import purpose, contract, chemical compliance if triggered.
3305.10 / 3305.90 depending on function	After-color shampoo, conditioner, mask or serum sold together or separately.	Classify by the product’s main function.	Do not apply hair dye HS if the product is only shampoo/mask/serum.	Subject to final HS	Subject to final HS	10% reference	FTA by final HS.	Label, claim, ingredient list and cosmetic notification.

PREFERENTIAL C/O/FTA TABLE BY IMPORT ROUTE

Route/origin	FTA/agreement	C/O or origin proof	Preferential duty if supported	Condition	Documents to check	Note
ASEAN	ATIGA	Form D	Preferential duty may apply if origin and HS meet current ATIGA tariff schedule.	ASEAN origin and direct consignment rules.	Form D, invoice, packing list, B/L, HS and product description.	Avoid vague descriptions such as “cosmetic goods”.
China	ACFTA / RCEP	Form E or RCEP proof of origin	Review ACFTA/RCEP tariff by final HS.	Origin and PSR compliance.	C/O, invoice, B/L and third-party invoice evidence if any.	Form E is often queried if description or invoice routing is inconsistent.
Korea	AKFTA / VKFTA / RCEP	Form AK, VK or RCEP origin document	Select the most suitable agreement.	Korean origin and PSR compliance.	C/O, invoice, B/L, model/variant list.	Compare AKFTA, VKFTA and RCEP before declaration.
Japan	VJEPA / AJCEP / CPTPP / RCEP	C/O or proof of origin	Review tariff schedule by agreement.	Japanese origin and direct consignment.	Origin document, invoice, B/L and HS.	Many SKUs require careful matching.
EU / UK	EVFTA / UKVFTA	Origin declaration / proof of origin	Preferential treatment may apply if origin rules are met.	EU/UK origin and proper origin declaration.	Statement on origin, invoice, B/L, exporter records.	Check REX/approved exporter mechanism if applicable.
Australia – New Zealand / CPTPP	AANZFTA / CPTPP	Form AANZ or CPTPP proof	Review route-specific schedule.	Origin rules and direct shipment.	C/O, invoice, B/L, HS.	C/O cannot fix an uncertain HS.
India / Hong Kong	AIFTA / AHKFTA	Form AI or AHK	Review tariff by final HS.	Origin and document validity.	C/O, invoice, packing list, transport document.	Check before ETA to avoid post-arrival C/O amendment.

DOSSIER SET & SUBMISSION METHOD

Separate the dossier into commercial documents, technical/safety documents and cosmetic notification documents. Product name, SKU/variant, manufacturer, origin, formula, label and declaration must be consistent.

OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST

Dossier group	Required documents	Used for	Usually prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial documents	Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, contract/PO, C/O if preferential duty is claimed.	Customs declaration and valuation/origin check.	Importer / Docs / Forwarder	Generic product name; set/pcs mismatch; C/O not matching HS.	Cross-check product name, SKU, quantity, origin and Incoterms before ETA.
Cosmetic notification file	Receipt number for imported cosmetic product notification and responsible entity information.	Market placement condition.	Importer / Regulatory / Legal	No receipt number or mismatch with product name/form/manufacturer.	Compare receipt number, product name, variant, origin and responsible entity.
Authorization/CFS	LOA/POA, CFS and legalization/translation where required.	Notification and post-market review.	Brand owner / Manufacturer / Importer	Expired CFS, insufficient authorization scope, inconsistent manufacturer.	Check validity, legal names, addresses, scope and translation.
Technical/safety documents	Formula/INCI, SDS/MSDS, COA/spec if any, instructions and warnings.	Ingredient restriction, DG logistics and label/customs explanation.	Supplier / QA / Compliance	No SDS for peroxide goods; non-INCI ingredient names; missing warnings.	Request SDS for every component in the kit before shipment.
Labeling documents	Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, artwork, package photos, instruction and warning.	Market circulation and post-market inspection.	Importer / Marketing / Compliance	Missing ingredients, batch/expiry, warnings or over-claiming.	Cross-check label against notification, formula and labeling law.
Logistics/DG documents	Pre-alert, SDS/MSDS, booking, packaging and DG classification if triggered.	Carrier booking, port/warehouse handling.	Ops / Forwarder / Carrier	Late SDS; DG not declared; carrier rejection.	Finalize SDS and transport classification before ETD/ETA.

LEGAL BASIS & SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Legal review should start after product data and documents are available. Do not conclude normal importability until cosmetic notification, ingredients, labeling and transport risks are reviewed.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Effective/applicable timing	Role in procedure	Key articles/annexes	Review note
Circular	Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT on cosmetic management	Ministry of Health	Issued 25 Jan 2011; as amended	Core legal basis for cosmetic notification, import, circulation, PIF, labeling and responsible entity.	Notification form, CFS, authorization, PIF, labeling.	Apply together with amendments.
Amending Circular	Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT amending Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT	Ministry of Health	Issued 03 Jul 2025, effective 18 Aug 2025	Updates dossier/forms/commitments and notification details.	Amended provisions related to cosmetic notification.	Check current version at filing date.
Decree	Decree 155/2018/ND-CP	Government	Issued 12 Nov 2018	Amends certain business conditions under MOH management.	Relevant cosmetic management amendments.	Cross-check with Circular 06 and public service procedure.
Administrative procedure	Issuance of receipt number for imported cosmetic product notification	Drug Administration / authority shown on public service portal	Portal shows 3 working days if valid, 5 working days if supplementation is required; fee VND 500,000/item.	Mandatory before imported cosmetics are marketed.	Dossier components per the portal and cosmetic regulations.	Re-check portal and receiving authority at filing time.
Labeling Decrees	Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	Decree 43 effective 01 Jun 2017; Decree 111 effective 15 Feb 2022	Goods labeling and Vietnamese supplementary label.	Mandatory label information, origin, responsible entity, warning and instructions.	Hair chemicals require careful warning/instruction control.
Tariff	Decree 26/2023/ND-CP and amendments	Government	Effective 15 Jul 2023; review current tariff	MFN tariff and HS list.	Final 8-digit HS tariff.	Rates in this article are for operational reference only.
Foreign trade management	Decree 69/2018/ND-CP and consolidated/amending texts	Government / MOIT	Issued 15 May 2018	General import-export management framework.	Specialized management lists if triggered.	Does not replace MOH cosmetic notification.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL SOURCES

Use the official sources below before applying the dossier.

View Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT View Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT View import cosmetic notification procedure View Decree 43/2017/ND-CP View Decree 26/2023/ND-CP

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX BY PRODUCT SCENARIO

Product scenario	Legal basis	Possible policy	Authority/portal if identified	Trigger condition
Finished products for sale	Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT; Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT	Imported cosmetic notification receipt number before circulation.	Public service portal / Drug Administration as applicable.	Finished cosmetic products with label/package for market placement.
Research/testing samples not for sale	Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and relevant public service procedure	Import order confirmation may be required; products must not be marketed.	Drug Administration or authority shown on portal.	Research/testing purpose, limited quantity and non-circulation commitment.
Products with developer/peroxide/oxidizer	Cosmetic rules plus transport/DG requirements	Cosmetic notification plus SDS/MSDS and DG transport review.	Carrier, airline/shipping line, warehouse/port, customs if inspected.	Peroxide/oxidizer/flammable solvent warning on SDS.
Claims close to medicine boundary	Cosmetic management rules and ASEAN cosmetic principles	Review therapeutic, hair-growth, anti-hair loss or biological claims.	Cosmetic authority / post-market surveillance.	Label, advertising or dossier indicates therapeutic effect.
Salon, project, EPE/FDI use	Cosmetic rules, customs law and EPE policy if any	Review import purpose and circulation/internal use scenario.	Customs and cosmetic authority as applicable.	Importer status, internal use, domestic sale or transfer.
Raw materials for production	Chemical rules, tariff, SDS and cosmetic manufacturing if relevant	Not treated as finished cosmetics; check chemical/raw material policy.	Customs and chemical/manufacturing authority if triggered.	Goods imported as raw material, not packaged cosmetic product.

PROCESSING TIME, FEES & RISK COSTS

Operational step	Reference timing	Fee/cost note	Operational risk if delayed
Pre-shipment product review	As early as possible before ETD/ETA	No state fee; internal/advisory cost if any	Prevents HS, notification, CFS/LOA/SDS errors.
Cosmetic notification dossier preparation	Before arrival; depends on supplier documents	Portal fee currently references VND 500,000/item	Late notification may block market circulation.
Submit imported cosmetic notification	Portal shows 3 working days if valid; 5 working days if supplementation required	Fee under current procedure; re-check before filing	Incomplete/legalization issues may cause multiple supplements.
Finalize import documents and labels	Before ETA	Translation/labeling cost if any	Mismatch between label, notification and import docs triggers queries.
Customs declaration and channel handling	On arrival / document availability	Customs fee and logistics charges as incurred	Yellow/red channel may request notification, label, SDS and product records.
Post-clearance file retention	After clearance and during market circulation	File management and possible testing/post-market cost	Missing PIF or import records increases post-market risk.

Note: Timing and fees may change depending on the public service portal, dossier quality and supplementation requests.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

The process should start before ETA. Key risk controls are HS, C/O, cosmetic notification, label, SDS, claims and responsible entity.

Pre-ETA review

Finalize product type, HS, notification, C/O, SDS/MSDS, label and DG transport risk.

Lock documents and technical files

Cross-check invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, CFS/LOA, formula, label artwork, SDS and SKU/variant.

Submit notification or relevant dossier

Prepare and follow the imported cosmetic notification or sample import order where applicable.

Customs declaration

Declare product name, HS, value, origin, quantity and C/O; prepare explanations for yellow/red channel.

Channel handling and cargo release

Green: conditional release; Yellow: document check; Red: document and physical inspection.

Post-clearance completion

Vietnamese label, PIF, notification, import documents, SDS and distribution records for post-market inspection.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do imported hair dyes need cosmetic notification?

Yes, if they are finished cosmetics placed on the Vietnamese market. The product must be reviewed by formula, label, claim and responsible entity.

Can hair bleach be dangerous goods in transport?

It depends on SDS/MSDS, peroxide/oxidizer content, concentration and packaging. This must be checked before ETD/ETA.

Is HS always 3305.90.00?

No. Permanent waving/straightening may fall under 3305.20.00; dyes/bleach often under 3305.90.00; kits or raw chemicals require separate review.

Does C/O guarantee preferential duty?

No. Form, origin criterion, description, HS, quantity and direct consignment must all be valid.

Do salon samples/testers need notification?

If they are sold/promoted or marketed, review as market products. Research/testing samples may follow a separate import order procedure and must not be circulated.

Are hair growth or treatment claims acceptable?

Therapeutic claims may exceed cosmetic scope and should be reviewed before filing and import.

Is pre-import testing always required?

Not always, but formula, SDS, label and PIF/safety data must be available and suitable for post-market control.

What must be retained after clearance?

Notification, CFS/LOA, PIF, formula, labels, import documents, C/O, declaration and SDS/MSDS.

Can a hair dye kit containing color cream and developer be notified under one dossier?

It may be reviewed as a kit/set only when the components are designed to be used together and the notification dossier, label, formula, instructions for use and safety documents clearly cover each component. If the developer, oxidant or treatment cream is sold separately or has a different formula/product presentation, the dossier structure must be reviewed separately.

Are imported raw materials for manufacturing hair dye handled the same as finished cosmetics?

No. Raw materials imported for production are not treated in the same way as finished cosmetic products placed on the market. The importer must review HS code, chemical/SDS information, dangerous goods classification if any, labeling, storage conditions, production-use purpose and the applicable specialized management policy for the actual material.

OUTPUTS & POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS

Output/obligation	Control meaning
Imported cosmetic notification receipt number	Key prerequisite before market placement; product name, form and responsible entity must match.
Cleared customs declaration	Must be retained with C/O, commercial documents, notification and technical records.
Vietnamese supplementary label record	Must align with goods labeling regulations and cosmetic notification data.
PIF and post-market dossier	Formula, standards, safety data, labels, CFS/LOA and batch documents for inspection.
Logistics/DG records if any	SDS/MSDS, booking and DG/non-DG confirmation for bleaching/developer products.

GIẢI PHÁP TỪ TGIMEX

For this product group, operational value comes from pre-ETA review, cosmetic notification control and simultaneous coordination among logistics, customs and compliance. Businesses should work with a team experienced in documents, customs, international transport and cosmetic regulations.

Pre-ETA screening

Review product type, formula, claim, CFS/LOA, SDS/MSDS, label and import purpose before final documents are issued.

HS – duty – C/O control

Separate dyes, bleach, perm/straightening products, developers, kits and raw chemicals instead of applying one HS to all.

Cosmetic notification control

Review notification, CFS, authorization, INCI ingredients, manufacturer/brand owner and responsible entity in Vietnam.

Label and claim control

Compare original label, Vietnamese label, instructions, warnings and salon claims against cosmetic scope.

Logistics – customs coordination

Check SDS/MSDS, DG risk, booking, pre-alert, customs channel and cargo delivery plan.

Post-clearance retention

Set up PIF, import records, C/O, label, SDS and distribution records for post-market inspection.

Implementation support scope: HS review, cosmetic policy review, C/O review, label review, SDS/MSDS review, notification dossier preparation, forwarder/carrier coordination, customs declaration, cargo delivery and post-clearance file retention.

ELECTRICAL – ELECTRONICS – IT EQUIPMENT

F&B

MACHINERY

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

COSMETICS – PERSONAL CARE