IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR SAKE / SOJU INTO VIETNAM
Sake and Soju are both alcoholic beverages, but they should not be forced into one HS code. Typical Sake is a fermented rice beverage, while many commercial Soju products are distilled and then diluted. That distinction can change HS classification, import duty, origin treatment and the required dossier.
Relying only on the commercial name shown on the Invoice can lead to the wrong HS branch, wrong tax model, application of outdated pre-1 July 2026 alcohol-licensing rules, incomplete food-safety files or the wrong customs-entry plan. This E2E map separates the Sake and Soju routes from product identification through customs clearance, circulation and post-clearance control.
Operational reference for import/export businesses · Updated 11 September 2026.
1. QUICK VIEW & SCOPE
Sake: normally identified as fermented rice alcohol. Soju: confirm whether it is distilled/diluted or merely fermented; the name itself is not decisive.
Typical Sake: 2206.00.20. Soju may require review of 2208.90.99, samsu 2208.90.30, or fermented rice wine 2206.00.91 depending on the process.
Self-declaration/state food-safety inspection under the current regime. From 1 Jul 2026–28 Feb 2027, Resolutions 66.17/2026 and 66.18/2026 remove/cut back the prior alcohol licensing and business-condition regime; a distribution licence should not be presented as a current import prerequisite.
Vietnamese labelling/supplementary label, imported-alcohol stamp, ABV, importer and circulation information must be consistent across the dossier.
Reference MFN: Sake 2206.00.20 55%; HS 2208 45%. 2026 VAT: 10%. 2026 SCT: below 20% vol 35%; 20% vol or more 65%.
Missing production flow/ABV; treating distilled Soju as fermented rice wine; applying old alcohol-licence rules; unresolved declaration, food-safety inspection, electronic alcohol stamps, labels, C/O or port-of-import requirements.
2. KEY TERMS & WHY THEY MATTER
Conversion of sugars/starches into ethanol. It is a key dividing line between fermented Sake/rice wine and distilled spirits.
Concentration of alcohol after fermentation. If Soju is distilled and then diluted, classification may move to heading 22.08.
Alcohol strength by volume. ABV directly affects SCT, alcohol-business conditions and some classification paths.
Product self-declaration mechanism under Decree 15/2018, which continues to apply while Decree 46/2026 is suspended.
Circular 28/2026/TT-BCT lists HS 22.06 and 22.08 lines under MOIT state food-safety inspection.
Used for FTA preferences. Japanese Sake and Korean Soju must be compared against the tariff schedule for the final HS; an origin document does not automatically mean a lower rate.
3. DETAILED PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION & CLASSIFICATION
Before discussing tax and specialized policy, lock at least: ingredient list/formula, production flow, fermentation/distillation method, ABV, use of food-grade alcohol, sugar/flavouring, packaging, volume, original label, specification and COA/test report.
| Product group / scenario | What to check | Example type / function | Evidence | Potential policy | Documents to reconcile | Application note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sake – fermented rice beverage | Rice/koji fermentation; not a distilled spirit | Junmai, Honjozo, Ginjo… | Formula, flow, spec, ABV, label | Food safety, self-declaration, inspection, electronic alcohol stamps, SCT; review Resolutions 66.17/66.18 | Invoice, PL, C/O, food-safety file, label | 2206.00.20 is the main reference when the product is genuinely Sake. |
| Other fermented rice wine | Fermented from rice but not technically Sake | Other rice wine | Flow, ingredient list, spec | May fall under 2206.00.91; alcohol policies still apply | Technical + commercial file | Do not use 2206.00.20 only because the label says Japanese/Korean rice wine. |
| Distilled and diluted Soju | Distillation step followed by dilution/ABV adjustment | Goodday-style Soju | Flow, distillation statement, formula, ABV | Heading 22.08, food safety, electronic alcohol stamps, SCT; review Resolutions 66.17/66.18 | Spec, COA, label, Invoice | 2208.90.99 is a strong reference for a similar configuration previously classified by Customs; not an automatic code for every Soju. |
| Soju/Samsu matching AHTN SEN | Technical characteristics genuinely meet the samsu description | Samsu ≤40% vol | Evidence sufficient to compare with SEN | Review 2208.90.30 | Flow, producer statement, ABV | Do not equate “Soju” with “samsu” without technical support. |
| Low-ABV / RTD / flavoured alcoholic drink | Low ABV, soft-drink/flavour/sugar blending or changed essential character | Flavoured Soju, cocktail-style drink | Quantified formula, base alcohol, flow | HS may change; from 1 Jul 2026 the import conditions for alcohol below 5.5% vol under Article 31b of Decree 105 are not implemented under Resolution 66.18 | Formula, spec, artwork | Do not reuse the old Article 31b registration/import-condition mechanism for alcohol below 5.5% vol during the effective period of Resolution 66.18. |
4. HS CODE – TAX – C/O
The codes below are reference branches. Landed-cost calculations should only be finalized after the product nature has been locked, especially for Soju.
Sake: 2206.00.20. Soju: review 2208.90.99 / 2208.90.30 or 2206.00.91 depending on the process.
Formula + production flow + fermentation/distillation + ABV + label/specification.
Sake 2206.00.20: MFN 55%. HS 2208: MFN 45%. Ordinary duty is conditional under Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg.
2026 VAT: 10%. 2026 SCT: alcohol below 20% vol = 35%; 20% vol or more = 65%.
Qualifying Japanese Sake may use VJEPA; Korean Soju requires comparison of VKFTA/AKFTA/RCEP against MFN using the final HS.
Product type, ABV, process, HS, applicability of Resolutions 66.17/66.18, declaration/inspection, origin/C/O, value, electronic alcohol stamps/labels and port of import.
| Reference HS | Matching description / group | Classification basis | Application condition | Ordinary import duty | MFN import duty | VAT | C/O / FTA to review | Documents to reconcile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2206.00.20 | Sake | Other fermented beverage, specific Sake line | Evidence of genuine fermented Sake | Review Decision 15/2023; do not assume | 55% | 10% | VJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP depending on origin | Flow, spec, ABV, C/O |
| 2206.00.91 | Other rice wine | Fermented rice beverage not Sake | No distillation changing essential character | Review Decision 15/2023 | 55% | 10% | By origin | Formula, flow, label |
| 2208.90.99 | Other spirit/alcoholic beverage; strong reference for distilled/diluted Soju similar to Goodday | Distilled + diluted; other alcoholic beverage | Must match actual documents | Review Decision 15/2023 | 45% | 10% | VKFTA/AKFTA/RCEP or applicable FTA | Flow, distillation statement, ABV |
| 2208.90.30 | Other samsu not exceeding 40% vol | Only if characteristics meet AHTN SEN | Do not infer from the word Soju | Review Decision 15/2023 | 45% | 10% | By origin | SEN comparison, producer statement, ABV |
| Route / origin | FTA / agreement | C/O / origin proof | Preferential rate if sufficiently verified | Application condition | Documents to reconcile | Application note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan – Sake | VJEPA | Origin document under VJEPA | 0% for the surveyed alcohol products during 1 Apr 2025–31 Mar 2028 if eligible | Correct HS and VJEPA origin rule | C/O, Invoice, B/L, HS cross-check | Also compare AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP where appropriate. |
| Korea – Soju | VKFTA / AKFTA / RCEP | Origin proof under the relevant agreement | Check the 2026 schedule using the final HS | Meet origin rule; do not assume C/O is always below MFN | C/O, Invoice, B/L, flow/spec | Compare directly against the 45% MFN reference for HS 2208. |
| Japan/Korea but a different HS branch | Applicable FTA | Origin document | Recalculate using final code | Do not transfer rates between 2206 and 2208 | C/O + classification file | Classify first, calculate preference second. |
| Other origin | CPTPP / EVFTA / UKVFTA / RCEP… if applicable | Agreement-specific proof | State only after route-specific verification | Origin, transport and documentary conditions | Origin proof, Invoice, transport docs | Never use one country’s schedule for another origin. |
5. DOSSIER & PREPARATION LOGIC
Use one master data sheet across the entire file: product name, brand, producer, country of origin, ABV, pack size, lot/batch, planned HS and status of self-declaration/inspection, Resolutions 66.17–66.18 and electronic alcohol stamps.
Contract/PO, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Arrival Notice and valuation support where needed.
Formula, production flow, specification, COA/test report, ABV, original label, self-declaration, state food-safety inspection file and electronic-alcohol-stamp file under Circular 93/2026/TT-BTC.
C/O, basis for applying Resolutions 66.17/2026 and 66.18/2026, electronic-alcohol-stamp documents, labels, port-of-entry documents and any valid inspection exemption/reduction evidence.
| File group | Required documents | Used for | Typical owner | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Contract/PO, Invoice, Packing List | Customs/value | Seller + Importer | Generic description only “Soju/Sake” | Lock description + brand + ABV + pack size |
| Transport | B/L/AWB, Arrival Notice | Cargo release/port | Forwarder/carrier | Wrong port/consignee | Check draft before issuance |
| Classification | Formula, flow, spec, ABV | HS/tax | Supplier + trade team | No fermentation/distillation evidence | Obtain producer statement |
| Food safety | Self-declaration, test report, product file | Circulation/inspection | Importer | Product name/criteria mismatch | Cross-check declaration–label–spec |
| Import food-safety inspection | File for the applicable inspection method | Specialized import control | Importer/agent | Late filing or wrong lot/quantity | Review before ETA |
| 2026 alcohol-business regime | Resolutions 66.17/2026/NQ-CP and 66.18/2026/NQ-CP | Current legal-status review before import/circulation | Importer/compliance | Still requiring distribution/wholesale/retail licences under the old regime | Lock 1 Jul 2026–28 Feb 2027 period and recheck any new superseding instrument |
| Origin | C/O/origin proof | FTA | Exporter | HS/description mismatch | Pre-check draft C/O |
| Labels & electronic alcohol stamps | Original label, Vietnamese content and imported-alcohol electronic stamps under Circular 93/2026/TT-BTC | Circulation | Importer | Stamping at the wrong time or ABV/producer/importer mismatch | Plan stamp purchase/application before ETA; complete before market placement |
6. LEGAL BASIS – REGULATORY MATRIX
| Legal group | Instrument | Issuing authority | Effective / application date | Role | Key provision / annex | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food safety | Law on Food Safety 2010 | National Assembly | Currently effective | Food-safety framework | Imported food/declaration | Read with implementing instruments. |
| 2026 food-safety regime | Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP + Decree 15/2018/ND-CP | Government | Resolution 15 from 6 Apr 2026; Decree 15 continues while Decree 46 is suspended | Self-declaration/import inspection | 2026 transitional status | Do not operate on Decree 46/2026 as the current basis. |
| Inspection list | Circular 28/2026/TT-BCT | MOIT | 17 Jul 2026 | HS list for state food-safety inspection | Includes 2206.00.20, 2206.00.91 and HS 2208 lines | In force. |
| Conditional-business reform | Resolution 66.17/2026/NQ-CP | Government | 1 Jul 2026–28 Feb 2027 | Removes alcohol business from the conditional investment/business list during the applicable period | Effect/transitional clauses | Recheck if a new instrument takes effect during the period. |
| Alcohol TTHC/business-condition cuts | Resolution 66.18/2026/NQ-CP | Government | 1 Jul 2026–28 Feb 2027 | No procedures to issue/amend/reissue alcohol distribution, wholesale or retail licences; no Article 31b import conditions for alcohol below 5.5% vol | Appendix I.2 | Where old rules conflict during the Resolution period, follow the Resolution unless a later instrument takes effect. |
| Residual alcohol framework | Decree 105/2017/ND-CP amended by Decree 17/2020/ND-CP | Government | Only non-conflicting provisions during 1 Jul 2026–28 Feb 2027 | Lawful origin, labels/stamps and other surviving obligations | Review provision by provision | Do not present licence/conditions cut by Resolutions 66.17/66.18 as current requirements. |
| Electronic alcohol stamps | Circular 93/2026/TT-BTC | Ministry of Finance | 1 Jul 2026 | Printing, issuance, management and use of electronic stamps for imported alcohol | Articles 3–5; Appendix IV | Imported alcohol subject to stamping: apply during import procedures or after import clearance but before market placement; Customs manages imported-stamp data. |
| Port of import | Decision 31/2026/QD-TTg | Prime Minister | 14 Aug 2026 | Goods requiring customs procedures at port of import | Category “alcohol” | Review applicable exceptions/customs regime. |
| HS & MFN | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP | Government | Current tariff schedule | HS nomenclature and MFN | 2206.00.20; HS 2208 | Reference MFN 55% and 45% by branch. |
| Ordinary duty | Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg | Prime Minister | Currently effective | Ordinary import duty | 150% MFN principle only where legally triggered | Do not assume without origin status. |
| Excise tax | Law 66/2025/QH15 | National Assembly | 1 Jan 2026 | Special Consumption Tax | 2026: below 20% vol 35%; 20% vol or more 65% | Lock ABV before tax calculation. |
| VAT | Decree 174/2025/ND-CP | Government | VAT reduction policy through 31 Dec 2026 | Eligibility for VAT reduction | Alcohol is subject to SCT | Not in the 2% reduction group; normal VAT applies. |
| Labelling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP amended by Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Currently effective | Goods labelling | Mandatory/supplementary label contents | Read with alcohol-specific rules. |
| Alcohol harm prevention | Law 44/2019/QH14 + Decree 24/2020/ND-CP | National Assembly/Government | Currently effective | Circulation, advertising, sales | Channel-specific restrictions/conditions | Review for marketing/e-commerce. |
| 2027 technical regulation | Circular 39/2026/TT-BCT – QCVN 30:2026/BCT | MOIT | 1 Jan 2027 | Quality, food safety and management of alcoholic beverages | Products self-declared before issuance may use that declaration for 12 months from effective date, unless a food-safety warning exists | Prepare transition during 2026. |
| Goods scenario | Basis to review | Potential policy | Authority (high level) | Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genuine Sake 2206.00.20 | Circular 28 + Decree 15 + Resolutions 66.17/66.18 | Self-declaration, food-safety inspection, electronic alcohol stamps; do not re-impose licence procedures that have been cut | MOIT/assigned bodies + Customs | Commercial import for circulation |
| Distilled/diluted Soju | Circular 28 + classification evidence + Resolutions 66.17/66.18 | Review 2208.90.99 or another proper HS 2208 line; declaration/inspection/e-stamps | Customs + food-safety authority | Distillation/ABV adjustment present |
| Alcohol business during 1 Jul 2026–28 Feb 2027 | Resolutions 66.17 + 66.18 | No procedures to issue/amend/reissue distribution, wholesale or retail alcohol licences; conflicting old conditions are not operated | Industry and Trade authority | Import/business activity during the Resolution period |
| Alcohol below 5.5% vol during this period | Resolution 66.18/2026/NQ-CP | Do not implement import conditions in Article 31b of Decree 105/2017 | Industry and Trade authority + Customs | ABV below 5.5% and timing within the Resolution period |
| Imported alcohol subject to stamping | Circular 93/2026/TT-BTC | Apply electronic alcohol stamps during import or after clearance but before market placement | Customs / regional customs | Imported alcohol falls within stamp scope |
| Shipment imported from 14 Aug 2026 | Decision 31/2026/QD-TTg | Customs procedure at port of import under the listed category | Customs | Product is alcohol |
| Product circulating in 2026 | Decree 15 + labelling/stamp rules + Circular 93 | Declaration/food safety/labels/electronic stamps under current framework | Specialized authority/market surveillance/Customs | Placed on market before 1 Jan 2027 |
| Product from 1 Jan 2027 | Circular 39/2026 – QCVN30:2026/BCT | Declaration and QCVN quality/food-safety requirements, subject to transition | MOIT/assigned bodies | Depends on declaration date and transitional clause |
7. PROCESSING TIME, FEES & DELAY RISK
| Stage | Action | Timing | Fee / cost | Risk | Control point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Lock formula/flow, ABV, HS branch, Resolutions 66.17/66.18 status, declaration and electronic-stamp/label plan | Depends on supplier readiness | Internal/advisory cost if any | Missing flow delays every later step | Close before booking |
| Registration/intake | Food-safety inspection or related filing | Varies by method/file | Government fee: verify current schedule | Wrong lot/quantity/brand | Cross-check Invoice–declaration–spec |
| Inspection/appraisal | File review; sampling if applicable | Do not hard-code days without the method | Testing/inspection cost by provider | Missing criteria/technical file | Prepare suitable test report |
| Supplement/sample | Provide explanation, sample or missing material | Depends on actual request | Sample/lab cost if triggered | Cargo arrives before file is locked | Build pre-ETA buffer |
| Result | Obtain regulatory result / basis to proceed | Depends on dossier | Actual cost only | Result mismatches declaration | Cross-check before customs filing |
| Customs | Declare, Green/Yellow/Red channel, tax, port of import | Depends on channel/dossier | Import duty + SCT + VAT; customs fees as regulated | Wrong HS/ABV/C/O | Keep dossier aligned |
| Post-clearance | Release cargo, apply/complete electronic alcohol stamps and labels, circulate product and retain records | Business-dependent | Storage/DEM/DET if delayed | Label/stamp not ready | Post-audit & change control |
8. PRACTICAL E2E WORKFLOW
Collect formula, production flow, ABV, label and spec; determine fermented Sake vs distilled/diluted Soju.
Branch 2206–2208; calculate MFN, SCT by ABV, VAT and compare FTAs by origin.
Check Decree 15, Circular 28, Resolutions 66.17/2026 and 66.18/2026, Circular 93/2026/TT-BTC, Decision 31 and preparation for QCVN30:2026/BCT.
Self-declaration, test report, food-safety inspection file, electronic alcohol stamps/labels and other required specialized documents.
Align Invoice, PL, B/L, C/O, HS, ABV, brand, lot, quantity, declaration and labels.
File at the proper port and handle documentary/physical inspection if selected.
Obtain specialized result, pay tax, handle C/O, clear customs and release cargo.
Complete stamps/labels, retain records and control changes to supplier/formula/ABV/packaging.
9. FAQ – PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
1. Do Sake and Soju use the same HS code?
No. Typical Sake has a specific 2206.00.20 line; Soju depends on the actual production process and may fall in HS 22.08 or another fermented-rice branch.
2. What is the usual reference HS for imported Sake?
2206.00.20 when the file proves genuine fermented Sake. Other rice wine or distilled products must be reclassified.
3. Can Soju normally use 2208.90.99?
It is a strong reference for distilled-and-diluted Soju similar to Goodday previously classified by Customs, but it is not a universal default.
4. Can every Soju be treated as 2208.90.30 samsu?
No. The technical characteristics must genuinely fit the AHTN SEN description; the word “Soju” alone is insufficient.
5. Is an alcohol distribution licence currently required to import Sake/Soju?
As of 11 September 2026, a distribution licence should not be presented as a current import prerequisite: Resolution 66.17/2026 removes alcohol business from the conditional-business list, and Resolution 66.18/2026 provides that procedures to issue/amend/reissue alcohol distribution licences are not performed during 1 July 2026–28 February 2027. Food safety, customs, electronic alcohol stamps, labelling and taxes still apply; recheck if a newer instrument takes effect during this period.
6. Is product self-declaration required?
Under the Decree 15/2018 framework currently continuing in force, finished prepacked alcohol must be reviewed for self-declaration based on its actual product status and circulation purpose.
7. Is state food-safety inspection required on import?
It may be triggered. Circular 28/2026 lists Sake 2206.00.20, other rice wine and HS 2208 lines; the inspection method follows the current food-safety framework.
8. What is the 2026 SCT rate?
35% for alcohol below 20% vol and 65% for alcohol at 20% vol or more. ABV must therefore be locked before landed-cost modelling.
9. What is the 2026 VAT rate for Sake/Soju?
Alcohol is subject to SCT and is outside the general 2% VAT reduction group; the normal 10% VAT rate applies, subject to recheck at declaration date.
10. Does a Japan/Korea C/O always reduce import duty?
No. Qualifying Sake may obtain VJEPA 0% within the applicable period; Korean Soju must compare VKFTA/AKFTA/RCEP directly with MFN using the final HS.
11. When should electronic alcohol stamps and labels be handled?
Under Circular 93/2026/TT-BTC, imported alcohol subject to stamping must use electronic alcohol stamps. They may be applied during import procedures or after import clearance, but must be completed before the product is placed on the market; if applied at the overseas factory, stamping must be completed before import into Vietnam.
12. Does QCVN 30:2026/BCT already apply in September 2026?
No. Circular 39/2026 takes effect on 1 January 2027 and provides a 12-month transition for products self-declared before the Circular was issued, except where a food-safety warning exists.
10. REQUIRED OUTPUTS & POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS
Evidence-based HS branch from flow, formula, ABV and spec, with rejected alternatives recorded.
Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, Arrival Notice, lot/batch, quantity and valuation support retained consistently.
Self-declaration, test report, food-safety inspection, documentation of the Resolutions 66.17/66.18 regime and the QCVN file when applicable.
Declaration, HS, customs value, import duty, SCT, VAT, C/O and channel handling records.
Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, imported-alcohol electronic stamps and compliant commercial information.
Track changes to supplier, formula, ABV, process, origin and packaging; reassess changes affecting HS/policy.
11. TGIMEX SOLUTIONS
TGIMEX supports Sake / Soju import projects by locking classification, compliance, tax and operational risks before ETA.
Review formula/flow/ABV, HS branches, Resolutions 66.17/66.18, declaration/inspection, electronic alcohol stamps, labels and port-of-entry requirements.
Cross-check Invoice, PL, C/O, technical file, food-safety documents, stamps/labels and customs data.
Track documentary milestones, customs channel, regulatory results and potential storage/DEM/DET exposure.

NEED TO REVIEW IMPORT PROCEDURES OR A SHIPPING PLAN?
Send us the product name, shipping route, current dossier, or implementation request in advance so we can suggest a suitable approach that is practical, focused, and aligned with your shipment.
Exporting PET Bottle Blow-Moulding Machines from Vietnam: HS, Documents and Shipping
Exporting Capping Machines from Vietnam: HS, Origin, Documents and Shipping
PLASTIC PELLET MIXER EXPORT PROCEDURE: HS, MARKETS, ORIGIN AND SHIPPING
THERMOFORMING MACHINE EXPORT PROCEDURE: HS, ORIGIN, MARKETS & TRANSPORT
PLASTIC CRUSHER EXPORT PROCEDURE: MARKETS, HS, ORIGIN AND TRANSPORT
Exporting plastic injection moulding machines: HS, origin, markets and shipping
EXPORTING PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDING MACHINES FROM VIETNAM: MARKETS, HS, ORIGIN AND SHIPPING
PLASTIC EXTRUDER EXPORT PROCEDURE: HS, ORIGIN, MARKETS AND OPERATIONS
VFFS Vertical Packaging Machine Export Procedures: Markets, HS, Origin and Transport
EXPORTING HORIZONTAL HFFS PACKAGING MACHINES FROM VIETNAM: MARKETS, HS, ORIGIN AND SHIPPING
EXPORT GUIDE FOR FILLING MACHINES: MARKETS, HS, ORIGIN AND TRANSPORT
Labelling Machine Export Guide: Markets, HS, Origin, Compliance and Transport
EXPORTING HEAT-SHRINK WRAPPING MACHINES FROM VIETNAM: MARKETS, HS, ORIGIN AND SHIPPING
Exporting shuttle looms from Vietnam: markets, HS, origin and shipping
EXPORT GUIDE FOR FABRIC STENTER / HEAT-SETTING MACHINES: MARKETS, HS, ORIGIN AND TRANSPORT