Vietnam import guidelines | Moving customs regulations
Moving internationally can be an exciting yet challenging process. To ensure a smooth transition for your personal effects and household goods, it is important to familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of the countries you are moving from and to.
Here, we provide you with essential information regarding Phlippinean customs regulations to help you plan your international move seamlessly.
Please keep in mind that customs regulations may change periodically, and it is always best to seek advice from our knowledgeable team at Asia Relocation for the most up-to-date information and to ensure a hassle-free international move.
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Motor Vehicles
Pets
Restricted/Dutiable Items
Prohibited Items
Consignment Instructions
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Packing list in English
- Bill of Lading/ Air Waybill (Telex Release or Surrendered)
- Shipper’s Original Declaration Card (Shipper MUST obtain & declare this card upon arrival at Vietnam airport, and then this card will be notified by Customs official as “Shipper has un-accompanied shipment by Air/ Sea” with the stamp and signature)
- Shipper’s Passport (all pages)- 03 Notarized Copies by Government’s agency
- Shipper’s entry visa (valid at least 3 months) or Temporary Residence Card – 03 Notarized Copies by Government’s agency
- Shipper’s Work Permit – 03 Notarized Copies by Government’s agency
- Authorization Letter (prepared by Asia Relocation Vietnam) – 03 copies that must be signed and stamped/ chopped (company seal) by the shipper’s registered local employer in Vietnam
- Letter to Customs (prepared by Asia Relocation Vietnam) – 03 copies that must be signed and stamped/ chopped (company seal) by the shipper’s registered local employer in Vietnam
Specific Information
- All air shipments are physically inspected by Customs at the air terminal.
- The average time is approximately 1-2 days.
- Sea shipments will normally undergo physical Customs inspection.
- The average time for Customs clearance is 2-3 days for full container load (FCL) shipments and 3-5 days for less container load (LCL) shipments.
- Sea or air shipments of diplomatic status are exempt from Customs inspections (diplomats).
- All shipments undergo cultural inspections.
- This process takes approximately 3-4 days.
- Inspection may include, but is not limited to, books, art works, DVDs, CDs, antiques.
- All documents should be signed and stamped by the owners of the goods’ registered local employer in Vietnam.
- Antiques shipped into Vietnam should be clearly photographed and well documented.
- Antiques should be inspected and registered upon entry (takes an additional 2 – 3 days).
- Details should be clearly noted on packing list and carton.
- 3 copies of each document are required for each shipment.
- If there are multiple shipments, a separate set of documents (of 3) are required.
- Ho Chi Minh:
- *Certified true copies required, this can be obtained by bringing the original document to the People’s Committee Office of Ho Chi Minh City or Government’s Notary office in District/ Ward.
- **Documents must be signed and stamped (company seal) by the owner of the goods’ registered local employer in Vietnam.
- Hanoi:
- Customs requires labor contract copy in additional to above documents.
- All documents must be signed and stamped (company seal) by the owner of the goods’ registered local employer in Vietnam.
- Certified true copies are only required for passport and entry visa / temporary residence card.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Proof of Ownership
- Details of vehicle
- History of Vehicle
- Purchasing invoice
- Original Duty Free Book
- Original ID Card
- Other documents will be prepared by Asia Relocation and will require the customer to sign and stamp with company seal.
Specific Information
- Owners of the goods cannot bring / import any type of vehicle into Vietnam unless they are working for an UN organization or an Embassy / Consulate, which are under diplomatic status
- Vehicles must be left – hand drive
Pets
Documents Required
- Owner of the goods’ passport
- Vaccination record
- Owner of the goods’ entry visa (valid at least 3+ months)
- International health certificate
- Import permit
- Flight arrival details
- Original Vietnam arrival – departure card (3 copies per shipment) (pets traveling as cargo)
- Vietnam employer’s company license copy (pets traveling as cargo)
- Application letter and Power of Attorney (pets traveling as cargo)
- Airway bill (pets traveling as cargo)
Specific Information
- The import permit is required by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
- Quarantine for pets traveling as cargo is not required.
- Pets should arrive on a weekday (M – F) before 3:30 p.m.
- Each shipper is allowed to import 02 pets
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Duty shall be payable on the following types of liquor at the rate expressed as a percentage of the value of the liquor:
- Liquor with alcohol by volume of less than 30% measured at 20°C:
- 125-150%
- Liquor with alcohol by volume of more than 30% measured at 20°C:
- 125-150%
- Wine (10-20 bottles duty free):
- 125-150%
- Duty shall be payable on tobacco at the following rates:
- >100 cigars: 150% prepared tobacco (> 50 grams): 45%
- >400 cigarettes: 150% all other manufactured tobacco products: 45%
- Personal computers are charged import duty at 15%.
- Personal printers are charged duty at 10%.
- Non-perishable food items and items in cans and other durable packaging can be imported in small amounts.
- Liquor with alcohol by volume of less than 30% measured at 20°C:
Prohibited Items
- Weapons
- Ammunitions
- Explosives
- Military equipment
- Radio transmitters
- Satellite dishes
- Poisonous chemicals
- Cultural products
- Articles of anti-government nature
- Fireworks
- Toys and games which affect public moral education and security
- Pornographic or subversive materials
- Motorbikes
Consignment Instructions
Recommended:
Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
Disclaimer :
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is always recommended to consult with Asia Relocation Immigration Department for professional and personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
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