How to Import Hair Dye into Vietnam (2025): Requirements, Procedures & Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Brands

May 20, 2025

How to Import Hair Serum (Hair Mist) into Vietnam: Import Regulations & Step-by-Step Guide 2025

Published by admin at May 21, 2025

1. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Hair Serum in Vietnam

Before importing, distributing, or selling hair serum (also known as hair mist or leave-in hair conditioner) in Vietnam, businesses must complete the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) process. This mandatory legal requirement, regulated by the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH), applies to all cosmetic products, including hair care and styling sprays.

Why is CPN Mandatory for Hair Serum in Vietnam?

Under Vietnamese law, hair serum is classified as a cosmetic product. The CPN ensures that imported hair serums comply with strict safety and quality standards, including:

Ingredient safety compliance according to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)
Proper labeling and language requirements to meet Vietnamese regulations
Protection of consumer health by prohibiting harmful or banned substances in cosmetic formulations

Important: Any shipment of hair serum imported into Vietnam without a valid CPN certificate will be rejected by Vietnamese Customs, regardless of other import documentation.

Legal Framework Governing CPN for Hair Serum

Decree No. 110/2017/NĐ-CP: Governs cosmetic product management in Vietnam
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 Hair Serum CPN?

Only a Vietnamese legal entity can submit the CPN application to the Ministry of Health. Foreign cosmetic brands and manufacturers must appoint a local Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) to act as the official applicant. Eligible CNHs include:

Licensed Vietnamese importers or distributors
Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) with cosmetic trading rights in Vietnam
Authorized service providers specializing in cosmetic product registration and notification

Required CPN Documents

Document	Description
Online CPN Form	Submitted via Vietnam’s official Cosmetic Notification Portal
Power of Attorney (POA)	Notarized and legalized authorization from the brand or manufacturer
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)	Proof that the hair serum is legally sold in the country of origin
Ingredient List	Complete INCI names with exact concentrations or concentration ranges
Product Description	Details such as texture, usage instructions (e.g., leave-in, anti-frizz), fragrance, etc.
CNH Business License	Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) of the Vietnamese entity acting as CNH

CPN Validity

The CPN certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance
It covers multiple imports of the same hair serum product during the validity period
A new CPN application is required if there are any changes in the product formulation, packaging, or product claims

2. HS Code and Import Duties for Hair Serum

When importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair conditioners into Vietnam, selecting the correct Harmonized System (HS) code is essential. It directly affects your customs clearance process, import tax rates, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, or overpayment of duties.

Suggested HS Code

HS Code	Description	VAT (%)	MFN Duty (%)	Normal Import Duty (%)
3305	Preparations for use on the hair
33059000	– Other types	10%	20%	30%

Tax Components for Importing Hair Serum into Vietnam

Value Added Tax (VAT):
- 10% VAT is uniformly applied to all cosmetic imports, including hair serum.
MFN (Most Favored Nation) Import Duty:
- 20% applies if your country has WTO membership but no preferential trade agreement with Vietnam.
General Import Duty:
- 30% is applied when importing from non-WTO member countries or without trade agreement privileges.

FTA-Based Preferential Duty Rates

Vietnam is a member of several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that offer preferential import duty rates for eligible countries. These rates can significantly reduce the cost of importing hair serum if the shipment is accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O).

Exporting Country/Region	Preferential Duty	Applicable Trade Agreement(s)
South Korea	5% or 0% or 12%	AKFTA (5%), VKFTA (0%), RCEP (12%)
China	0% or 12%	ACFTA (0%), RCEP (12%)
United States	20%	Not eligible – No FTA between Vietnam and USA
ASEAN Countries	0% or 12%	ATIGA (0%), RCEP (12%)
Japan	0% or 12.7%	AJCEP (0%), VJEPA (0%), CPTPP (0%), RCEP (12.7%)
European Union (EU)	5%	EVFTA (5%)

Important Note on Certificate of Origin (C/O)

To apply preferential import duty rates, importers must submit a valid Certificate of Origin (Form E, AK, AJ, CPTPP, etc.) issued in accordance with the relevant trade agreement. If no valid C/O is provided, the shipment will be taxed based on the MFN or General rate, even if the exporting country is part of an FTA.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures for Hair Serum

Successfully importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair conditioners into Vietnam requires strict compliance with Vietnamese customs regulations. To ensure smooth customs clearance, importers must prepare a full set of documents and follow the correct steps through the VNACCS/VCIS e-customs system.

Required Documents

Document	Purpose and Notes
Import Declaration	Submitted electronically via VNACCS/VCIS; initiates the customs clearance process
Commercial Invoice	Lists product value, quantity, HS code, buyer/seller details; must match CPN
Packing List	Provides detailed description of the shipment’s packaging and content
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill	Proof of international shipment by sea or air
CPN Certificate	Confirms that the hair serum is legally notified with the Ministry of Health (MOH)
Certificate of Origin (C/O)	Required to apply for preferential duty rates under FTAs

Important: All product descriptions, ingredient lists, and brand details must exactly match the information declared in the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN). Discrepancies may result in customs delays or rejection of the shipment.

Customs Timeline

Step	Estimated Duration
E-Declaration Submission	Same day (within a few hours if documents are ready)
Document Verification	1–2 business days (depends on completeness and accuracy)
Physical Inspection (if triggered)	Additional 1 business day (random or risk-based selection)
Goods Release & Delivery	Approximately 3 business days in total

Note: Shipments flagged for physical inspection or missing documents may take longer.

Tips to Expedite Hair Serum Customs Clearance

Hire a licensed customs broker in Vietnam who specializes in cosmetic imports. They can handle e-declarations, liaise with customs officers, and reduce processing time.
Pre-check all documentation (commercial invoice, HS code, product label, CPN) for consistency and compliance before shipment.
Ensure your Certificate of Origin (C/O) is properly issued and formatted according to FTA rules to enjoy reduced duty rates.
Avoid manual labeling errors—Vietnamese labeling regulations are strict for cosmetics, and non-compliant labels may result in fines or seizure.

4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Hair Serum

Proper product labeling is a mandatory legal requirement when importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair conditioners into Vietnam. Failure to comply with Vietnam’s labeling laws can result in customs delays, administrative penalties, or even confiscation of goods.

Legal Framework for Cosmetic Labeling in Vietnam

Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP: Governs labeling for all goods circulated in Vietnam
Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP: Amends and supplements regulations specific to imported products, including cosmetics

Mandatory Label Elements

Vietnamese law requires the following details to appear on the retail packaging of hair serum:

Label Element	Description
Product Name	The name under which the hair serum or mist is marketed (e.g., “Nourishing Hair Serum”)
Brand Name	Official trademark or brand name of the product
Usage Instructions & Warnings	Example: “Leave-in hair serum. Do not rinse. Avoid direct contact with eyes.”
Full Ingredient List	INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) format, listed in descending order
Net Content	Volume or weight in metric units (e.g., 100ml, 150ml, 200ml)
Manufacturing Date / Expiry Date	Must be in dd/mm/yyyy or mm/yyyy format
Country of Origin	Clearly state “Made in [Country]” (e.g., “Made in Japan”, “Made in Italy”)
Manufacturer & CNH Details	Full name and address of both the foreign manufacturer and the Vietnam-based CNH

Packaging and Label Format Requirements

Labels must be written in Vietnamese. Foreign languages may appear alongside but cannot replace Vietnamese.
Information must be printed directly on the retail packaging or applied as a sticker (sub-label). Outer cartons alone are not sufficient.
Labels must be:
- Durable and resistant to smearing or peeling
- Waterproof and legible under normal handling
- Securely attached and not easily removed

Important: Sub-labels are allowed, but they must not cover:

Expiration dates
Product barcodes
Batch or lot numbers

Penalties for Non-Compliant Hair Serum Labels

Delayed customs clearance or shipment detainment
Fines and administrative sanctions imposed by market surveillance authorities
Seizure or forced recall of products from the Vietnamese market
Brand reputation damage, negatively affecting future import approvals

5. Conclusion

Importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair care products into Vietnam in 2025 requires strict compliance with Vietnamese cosmetic import regulations. From obtaining a valid Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) to selecting the correct HS code, preparing a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O), meeting labeling requirements, and completing customs clearance procedures—every step must be executed with accuracy to ensure success.

To avoid delays, penalties, or shipment rejection, foreign cosmetic brands are strongly advised to work with a trusted local partner who understands Vietnam’s regulatory landscape.

Need Support with Hair Serum Importation into Vietnam?

Green NRJ is your reliable partner for hassle-free cosmetic imports into Vietnam. We provide end-to-end support tailored for international brands looking to enter the Vietnamese beauty market.

Our specialized import services include:

Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) registration with the Ministry of Health
HS code classification and duty consultation
FTA-based Certificate of Origin (C/O) preparation
Customs clearance support via VNACCS/VCIS
Vietnamese label compliance, design, and translation services

📩 Contact Green NRJ today to simplify your hair serum import process and ensure full compliance with Vietnamese cosmetic laws.

Let us handle the paperwork—so you can focus on growing your brand in Vietnam.