Vietnam
Vietnam Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Original passport
- 2 legible copies of inventory; listed in English and details required.
- When listing electronics identify brand, model and serial number
- Loading sheet identifying number of items in each lift-van
- Copy of government work permit noting your company or organization is authorized to set up in Vietnam
- Shipment cannot be cleared to enter without work permit
- Copy of airport customs declaration of last entry
- Authorization letter allowing destination agent to handle customs clearance on your company’s letterhead
- Your name must be written on all packages and documents, and must be same name shown on passport
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUIRED IN VIETNAM FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE OF BOTH AIR AND SEA SHIPMENTS
- All shipments 100% inspected
- Allowed 1 air and 1 surface shipment only
- All imported items must be “used”
RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE
- Luxury items are heavily taxed, these items include: stereos, radios, TV’s, VCRs, cassette recorders, automobiles, motorcycles, tobacco, alcohol and foodstuff.
- Must list all alcoholic beverages and tobacco products on inventory with exact number and type of alcohol, and quantity of tobacco.
- It is advised to import less than 2 cases of alcohol
- Cultural items will be inspected by the Cultural Department and should be clearly listed on packing list; include quantity of each item.
- Cultural items refer to: compact discs, books, cassette & video tapes, video recorders, computer discs, document files and calendars.
- It is recommended to bring cassette tapes, CDs, and radio tapes as accompanied baggage
- Inspection charges are your responsibility
- Prescription required for import of medicine
- Duties apply to electrical and electronic items
- Import license required for fax machines and telephones; must also register these items in Vietnam
- Fines and confiscation will result for the unauthorized use of these items
- Photograph all antiques at origin and declare them to customs upon arrival to avoid problems at time of export from Vietnam
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Ammunition and firearms
- Narcotics
- Cultural, politically sensitive or pornographic materials
- Satellite dishes
- Radio transmitters
- Any historical or political books about Vietnam
- The above items will be confiscated if imported
MOTOR VEHICLES
- All vehicles required to be new (less than 100 km) and left hand drive
- May import duty-free if for diplomatic/international organizations, and under terms of foreign investment licenses.
- All other vehicle imports subject to 150% duty; value assessed by customs officials
- Motorcycles strictly limited to 125cc engine size or smaller
- Import permit required
- Certificate of registration
- Vehicle papers
PETS
- May import pets duty-free
- Required documents:
- Health certificate – no more than 7 days old
- Rabies vaccination papers
- Sanitary certificate
- Authorization letter allowing destination agent to handle customs clearance on owners behalf
- Provide destination agent with specific details of pet such as name, sex, breed, size, color, weight and age
- Currently no acceptable kennels for domestic pets in Vietnam, plan accordingly
**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Vietnam customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **
