Imported Cosmetic Product Registration in Vietnam 2025

Cosmetic product registration in Vietnam isn’t something you want to overlook—trust me. I’ve seen brands lose weeks, even months, just because they assumed it was a simple checkbox. It’s not. If you’re planning to import beauty products into Vietnam in 2025, you’d better understand how the system works—and fast. The local term is Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN), and without it, your products won’t get past customs. No exceptions. The process is handled by the Drug Administration of Vietnam, and yes, the paperwork can be confusing. But once you get the hang of it, it’s manageable. This guide doesn’t just list what the law says—it walks you through what actually happens, what documents matter most, and what you really need to prepare if you want your goods on the shelves, not stuck in limbo.

What is Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN)?

In Vietnam, Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) is the official procedure required to legally place cosmetics—especially imported beauty products—on the market. This process is not a traditional approval but rather a regulatory declaration submitted to the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health.

Through the Vietnamese cosmetic notification system, businesses must provide a complete dossier that includes product details, manufacturer information, and documents that meet the local cosmetic requirements in Vietnam. Once successfully notified, your products are authorized for importation and sale in compliance with Vietnam cosmetic import rules.

Understanding the correct procedure for cosmetic registration in Vietnam is essential. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can result in delays, customs rejections, or even a full ban on distribution. For foreign companies looking to register imported beauty products in Vietnam, following the CPN process accurately is a legal necessity—not just a formality.

Why is Cosmetic Product Notification Required in Vietnam?

According to Clause 1, Article 3 of Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT, issued by the Ministry of Health, you’re not allowed to circulate any cosmetic products without official approval. The regulation puts it clearly:

“Traders are only allowed to circulate cosmetics on the market once they have been issued a Cosmetic Product Notification Number by a competent state management authority.”

Put simply, you can’t sell imported beauty products in Vietnam without registering them first. That registration — officially called a Cosmetic Product Notification — isn’t optional. You need to get it done before your products can legally enter the market. The authority in charge of this whole process is the Drug Administration of Vietnam, and they’re the ones who check whether your cosmetics meet all the basic requirements — like proper labeling, safety standards, and product quality.

Who Is Responsible for Cosmetic Product Notification in Vietnam?

Local Vietnamese Companies—also known as Cosmetic Notification Holders—are the only entities legally allowed to submit cosmetic product notification applications on behalf of foreign brands in Vietnam.

According to Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT, the cosmetic notification holder must be a company based in Vietnam and is fully responsible for:

• The accuracy of all information declared in the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) form.

• Ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of the product, in full compliance with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and its Annexes.

Important Note: The CPN receipt number simply confirms that the product has been notified to the authorities. It does not guarantee that the product meets safety standards or regulatory compliance.

Because of these legal responsibilities, choosing a reliable and experienced Vietnamese partner is critical for the success of your cosmetic product registration in Vietnam.

What Are the Required Documents for Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam?

To register an imported cosmetic in Vietnam, you’ll first need to collect some documents. It’s something the DAV (Drug Administration of Vietnam) requires before they process anything.

1. Cosmetic Product Notification Form
   This form is filled and submitted through the National Single Window portal. It asks for the basics: name of the product, list of ingredients, what it’s made for, who made it, and so on. It may sound simple, but mistakes happen — even typos or one wrong word on the label can hold things up.

2. Letter of Authorization (LOA)
   In order to file a cosmetic product notification in Vietnam, a local party must be authorized by the brand owner or the original manufacturer based overseas. This is done through a Letter of Authorization. It should clearly mention which products are being authorized and who is responsible for the notification. Authorities are likely to reject it if the document is vague or out of date — which often happens when brands reuse old templates without review.

3. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
   The CFS is a paper issued by the government authority in the country where the cosmetic is originally made. It shows that the product is allowed to be sold there, meaning it’s gone through that country’s usual checks on quality and safety. But if the product comes from a country that’s part of the CPTPP, you might not need the CFS. This depends on which trade agreements are in place between Vietnam and that country at the time.

Note: Both the LOA and the CFS must be consular legalized before you send them. A lot of applicants forget this step and get delayed.

What is Consular Legalization in Vietnam’s Cosmetic Registration Process?

When registering imported cosmetics in Vietnam, businesses often run into a crucial but sometimes underestimated step: consular legalization. This is required for certain documents that come from outside the country—namely, the Letter of Authorization (LOA) and the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS).

Because these documents are issued abroad, Vietnamese authorities won’t accept them unless they’ve been officially authenticated. This job falls to Vietnamese embassies or consulates in the originating country. What they do is confirm that the signature, seal, and issuing official’s title on the paperwork are real and valid.

Here’s the catch: this step must be completed before you file your registration dossier in Vietnam. And it’s the foreign party—usually the manufacturer or brand owner—who handles it. Skipping this part, or doing it incorrectly, can result in your application being rejected, even if the rest of your documents are flawless.

Requirements from the Brand Owner or Manufacturer

To successfully complete the cosmetic product notification in Vietnam, the brand owner or foreign manufacturer must provide the following essential documents and materials. These are required to ensure regulatory compliance and to register imported beauty products in Vietnam in accordance with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) guidelines.

Requirements from the Cosmetic Notification Holder in Vietnam

If you’re bringing cosmetic products into Vietnam, you’ll need a legal entity here to represent them. This isn’t just a formal title — this company takes on the job of handling all official communication with the government, and making sure your products stay in line with local rules even after they’ve been approved.

But not just any business can be your notification holder. There are specific conditions that need to be checked first, or the submission won’t get through.

Step-by-Step Guide: Cosmetic Product Notification in Vietnam (2025)

Registering imported cosmetics in Vietnam isn’t just a one-click process—it involves multiple regulatory steps that must be completed carefully to avoid delays or legal trouble. Below is a walk-through of what this looks like in practice.

Step 1: Check Ingredient Compliance First

Before putting your application together, take time to go through your product’s full ingredient list. You’ll need to make sure everything complies with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive—especially these parts:

• Annexes II to VII, which outline banned or restricted substances

• Any ingredients with concentration limits — those need to stay within the allowed range

• The total formula — ideally, it should add up to 100%, no more, no less

It may seem tedious, but this step is worth the effort. Many applications get delayed or rejected simply because a single ingredient didn’t meet the standard. Worse, using prohibited substances could lead to penalties long after the product hits the shelf.

Step 2: Compile the Notification Dossier

To begin the registration of imported cosmetics in Vietnam, you must prepare a complete notification dossier, which includes:

• Letter of Authorization (LOA): Consular legalized

• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): Consular legalized

• Product images: Front, back, and full packaging for label verification

• Full ingredient list: Ideally with percentages totaling 100%, matching the label exactly

• Additional certifications: For any restricted or special-use substances

This dossier forms the foundation of your cosmetic registration application and must be accurate and fully compliant with Vietnamese import regulations.

Step 3: Submit the Application via National Single Window

Once your dossier is ready, submit your application electronically through the Vietnam National Single Window portal:

• Create an account and register a digital signature

• Fill out the Cosmetic Product Notification Form

• Upload all required documents from Step 2

This online system is the only accepted platform for cosmetic product notification in Vietnam.

Step 4: Pay the Government Notification Fee

After successfully submitting your cosmetic product notification application through the National Single Window Vietnam, you must proceed to pay the applicable government notification fee.

Fee Amount:
The official fee is 500,000 VND per notification, as regulated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance.

Important Clarification:
This fee is charged per notification, not per individual product.

• For example, if you are notifying multiple shades or variants (e.g., lipsticks in 5 colors) under one product name and formula, they may be grouped into a single notification—resulting in one fee of 500,000 VND.

• However, if you notify multiple distinct products (e.g., a face cream and a serum), each will require a separate notification and fee.

How to Pay:
Payment must be made directly through the Vietnam National Single Window portal, using the digital account registered under your company or authorized representative.

Note: Failure to pay this fee will result in your application not being processed by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV).

Step 5: Receive Notification Receipt Number

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) will evaluate your application. If the dossier is complete and compliant:

• You will be issued a Notification Receipt Number

• This number legally authorizes the product for sale and distribution in Vietnam

Processing times vary but typically range from 30 – 45 working days if no corrections are required.

Step 6: Store Records and Maintain Compliance

After receiving the Cosmetic Product Notification Receipt Number, your company’s responsibility doesn’t end there. To remain compliant with Vietnamese cosmetic regulations, the notification holder must:

• Store all cosmetic notification records securely

• Prepare and maintain a Product Information File (PIF) at their registered address in Vietnam

• Ensure the PIF includes full formula, safety assessment, manufacturing details, labeling, and any supporting test data

Important:
The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) or local health authorities may conduct unannounced inspections at any time.
If the PIF is missing, incomplete, or inaccurate, your product may face penalties such as:

• Suspension of circulation

• Administrative fines

• Revocation of the Notification Number

Maintaining a complete and up-to-date PIF is mandatory for all imported cosmetics in Vietnam.

Why Choose Green NRJ for Your Cosmetic Product Registration in Vietnam?

Navigating Vietnam’s cosmetic product notification process can be challenging—especially for foreign brands. From strict legal requirements to detailed documentation and tight deadlines, one small oversight can result in costly delays or outright rejection.

That’s where Green NRJ comes in.

Let’s Make Your Cosmetic Brand a Success in Vietnam

At Green NRJ, we offer end-to-end cosmetic notification services, tailored for foreign businesses entering the Vietnamese beauty market. Our services include:

• Document preparation and legalization

• Ingredient compliance checks

• Online application submission via the National Single Window

• Ongoing regulatory support

 With Vietnam’s beauty industry booming, now is the perfect time to register your imported cosmetics and gain a competitive edge.

👉 Contact Green NRJ today to get started and ensure a smooth, fast, and fully compliant cosmetic product registration process in Vietnam.