How to Import Facial Cleansers into Vietnam (2025): Step-by-Step Guide for Cosmetic Brands

Importing facial cleansers into Vietnam in 2025 offers significant opportunities for international skincare brands and cosmetic distributors seeking to enter a fast-growing beauty market. As demand for high-quality facial cleansers rises among Vietnamese consumers—especially for trusted foreign skincare products—Vietnam has become a key destination for global cosmetic expansion.

However, successfully importing facial cleansers into Vietnam requires strict compliance with the country’s cosmetic import regulations. From product notification with the Ministry of Health to accurate HS code classification, labeling requirements, and import licensing, each step must be properly handled to avoid delays or rejections.

This step-by-step guide explains how to import facial cleansers into Vietnam in 2025, covering legal procedures, required documents, labeling standards, import duties, and registration tips to ensure your cosmetic products meet all regulatory requirements.

1. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) – The First Step to Import Facial Cleansers into Vietnam

Before you can legally import facial cleansers into Vietnam, the product must go through the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) process with the Ministry of Health (MOH). This is a mandatory step for all cosmetics, including facial cleansers, and failure to obtain an approved CPN number will result in customs clearance refusal.

Why CPN Is Essential for Importing Facial Cleansers to Vietnam

Under Vietnam’s cosmetic regulations, any skincare or beauty product, including facial cleansers, must be notified through the CPN system before distribution, marketing, or importation. Without CPN approval, shipments will be blocked at customs and considered illegal.

Legal Basis for Cosmetic Product Notification

The CPN process is governed by the following legal documents:

• Decree 93/2016/ND-CP: This decree establishes the comprehensive legal framework for managing cosmetic products in Vietnam, including import processes and the mandatory cosmetic notification Vietnam requirements.

• Circular No. 29/2020/TT-BYT: Details procedures for cosmetic product notification

• Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT: Provides updates on cosmetic product registration and notification

 Who Is Eligible to Apply for CPN in Vietnam?

Only certain entities are legally allowed to submit CPN applications to the Ministry of Health:

• A Vietnamese company with a valid enterprise registration (local distributor or importer)

• A foreign-invested company (FIE) legally authorized to import and distribute cosmetics in Vietnam

Note: The entity that submits the CPN becomes the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) and bears legal responsibility for the product in Vietnam.

Responsibilities of the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH)

The CNH must:

• Ensure the product complies with Vietnamese cosmetic safety and labeling regulations

• Keep the CPN information updated (e.g., formula or label changes)

• Respond to MOH inspections, inquiries, or enforcement actions

Documents Required for CPN Application:

Validity of CPN in Vietnam

• Duration: 5 years from the date of approval

• Reusable: The CPN number can be used for multiple import shipments, as long as there are no changes to product formula, packaging, or labeling

This CPN process is the foundation for legally importing facial cleansers into Vietnam. Once approved, you can proceed to customs clearance, labeling compliance, and distribution. In the next section, we’ll cover how to obtain import licenses and navigate Vietnam’s customs procedures for cosmetic products.

2. HS Code and Import Duties for Facial Cleansers

Correctly classifying your facial cleanser products under the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) code is a critical step when importing cosmetics into Vietnam. The HS code determines the applicable import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and whether your product qualifies for preferential tariff rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Suggested HS Code for Facial Cleansers in Vietnam:

🛑 Note: Final HS code confirmation is made by Vietnam Customs during import clearance. Always consult with a licensed customs broker or submit a classification ruling if in doubt.

Taxes and Duties When Importing Facial Cleansers to Vietnam

When importing facial cleansers, the following taxes may apply:

• Import Duty: Based on the HS code and country of origin

• VAT (Value-Added Tax): Fixed at 10% for all cosmetic products

• Preferential Duty Rate: Applied only if a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) is provided under an eligible FTA

FTA-Based Preferential Duties:

Vietnam is a member of several FTAs that offer reduced or 0% import duties on cosmetics, including facial cleansers. Below is a summary of common trade partners and their preferential duty rates:

Pro Tip: Always submit a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) at customs to enjoy reduced tariffs under the applicable trade agreement. Without a C/O, the full MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) import duty of 27%–40.5% may apply.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures

After successfully obtaining a valid Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) number from the Ministry of Health, your facial cleanser products are officially eligible for importation into Vietnam. The next critical step is completing Vietnam customs clearance, which ensures your goods are legally allowed to enter and circulate within the Vietnamese market.

Required Customs Documents:

To clear your facial cleanser shipments through Vietnamese customs, you must prepare and submit the following documentation:

Note: All documents must match the product information declared in the CPN to avoid delays or rejections.

Customs Clearance Timeline in Vietnam

• Standard Processing Time: Typically 1 to 3 working days if all documents are accurate and complete.

• Fast-track clearance may be possible for compliant, low-risk importers or shipments under authorized economic operator (AEO) status.

Common Reasons for Customs Delays

Even with a valid CPN, customs delays can occur due to:

• Incorrect or mismatched HS code

• Discrepancy between CPN details and actual product label or packaging

• Missing or invalid Certificate of Origin (C/O) – leads to higher duty rates

• Suspicion of banned or non-compliant ingredients – may trigger testing or inspection

Pro Tip for Smooth Facial Cleanser Imports

To minimize risks and avoid delays, it is strongly recommended to:

• Work with a licensed Vietnamese customs broker experienced in cosmetic product imports

• Ensure all documents match the CPN and actual product specifications

• Pre-verify the HS code and tariff classification

• Double-check the Certificate of Origin (C/O) format and authenticity

4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Facial Cleansers

To legally distribute imported facial cleansers in Vietnam, cosmetic products must comply with the country’s Vietnamese labeling regulations, as outlined in Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP. These rules apply to all cosmetic products—including liquid, cream, or foam-based facial cleansers—before they can be sold in the Vietnamese market.

Important: Products lacking proper Vietnamese labeling will not be allowed for circulation and may be subject to fines or forced withdrawal from the market.

Mandatory Vietnamese Label Contents for Facial Cleansers

According to current regulations, the outer packaging or container of imported facial cleansers must clearly display the following information in Vietnamese:

Foreign Language Labels and Vietnamese Sub-Labels

• Foreign-language labels (e.g., English, Korean, Japanese) are allowed only if accompanied by a complete Vietnamese sub-label.

• The Vietnamese sub-label must contain all mandatory information listed above and must be firmly affixed to the product before customs clearance or market distribution.

• Sub-labels should be clearly legible, durable, and resistant to damage during handling or transport.

🧾 Tip: Ensure consistency between the Vietnamese sub-label and the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) data. Any discrepancies may lead to customs delays or MOH sanctions.

✅ Labeling Compliance Is Essential for Market Entry

Failure to comply with Vietnam’s cosmetic labeling regulations may result in:

• Customs clearance delays or rejections

• Fines or administrative penalties

• Product seizure or forced recall from the market

• Suspension of the product’s Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN)

Proper labeling is not only a legal requirement but also a key factor in building consumer trust and ensuring your facial cleanser products are market-ready in Vietnam. In the next section, we’ll cover common compliance mistakes and how to avoid regulatory issues when importing cosmetics.

Conclusion

Importing facial cleansers into Vietnam in 2025 requires navigating Vietnam’s complex regulatory framework—including the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN), correct HS Code classification, complete customs documentation, and strict labeling compliance.

By preparing the proper paperwork and working with a trusted Vietnamese partner (CNH), foreign skincare brands and distributors can smoothly enter Vietnam’s growing cosmetics market.

Need help importing facial cleansers into Vietnam?

Green NRJ provides end-to-end services, including product notification, Certificate of Origin (C/O) consultation, customs brokerage, and labeling compliance tailored to cosmetic imports.

👉 Contact us today for expert guidance.

Related Articles

• How to Import and Sell Cosmetics in Vietnam
• Guide to Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) in Vietnam
• Labeling Compliance for Imported Skincare Products in Vietnam