Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam 2025: Don’t Risk Delays with Your Imported Products – Read This Powerful Guide!

Cosmetic registration in Vietnam in 2025 is a critical legal requirement for any brand looking to distribute imported beauty products in this rapidly expanding market. In Vietnam, this process is officially known as Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN)—a mandatory step regulated by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). Without a valid CPN, your products may face customs clearance issues, market bans, or costly delays. As the Vietnamese beauty industry continues to grow—fueled by rising disposable incomes and increased demand for global brands—navigating the cosmetic notification system in Vietnam has never been more important. This guide will walk you through the exact steps, requirements, and documents needed to ensure your imported cosmetics are fully compliant and ready for sale in 2025.

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?

Under Clause 1, Article 3 of Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health, businesses are prohibited from circulating cosmetic products in the market without prior approval. Specifically, the law states:

“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.”

This means that obtaining a valid Cosmetic Product Notification in Vietnam is a mandatory legal step before any imported beauty products can be sold or distributed locally.

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) oversees this notification process to ensure all cosmetics meet national safety, labeling, and quality standards.

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 successfully complete the cosmetic product notification process in Vietnam, businesses must prepare a set of documents in accordance with regulations from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). These are the required documents for cosmetic registration to legally register imported beauty products in Vietnam:

1. Cosmetic Product Notification Form
   This form must be completed and digitally signed through the Vietnam National Single Window portal. It includes product information, ingredients, intended use, and manufacturer details.

2. Letter of Authorization (LOA)
   A formal letter issued by the foreign manufacturer or brand owner, authorizing a legal entity or individual in Vietnam to act as the notification holder. The LOA must clearly specify the product scope and be valid at the time of submission.

3. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
   Issued by the competent authority in the country of origin, the CFS confirms that the cosmetic product is legally manufactured and marketed there.

Exemption: The CFS requirement may be waived for products imported from CPTPP member countries, depending on bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.

⚠️ Note: Both the Letter of Authorization and Certificate of Free Sale must be consular legalized before submission.

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

In the context of cosmetic registration in Vietnam, consular legalization is a mandatory step that authenticates foreign-issued documents—such as the Letter of Authorization (LOA) and the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)—so they can be officially recognized and accepted by Vietnamese authorities.

This process is carried out by Vietnamese diplomatic missions or authorized agencies abroad, who certify the authenticity of the signature, seal, and title on the documents issued in the exporting country. It ensures that the documents submitted meet the legal requirements for registering imported beauty products in Vietnam.

Important: Consular legalization must be conducted by your foreign partner (e.g., manufacturer or brand owner) in the country of origin, prior to submission in Vietnam. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the rejection of your cosmetic product notification dossier under Vietnam cosmetic import rules.

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

To legally submit a cosmetic product notification in Vietnam, the designated notification holder must meet several regulatory and technical requirements. This entity acts as the official representative of the imported cosmetic products in dealings with Vietnamese authorities and is responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance.

Here are the key requirements for becoming a cosmetic notification holder in Vietnam:

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

Successfully registering imported cosmetics in Vietnam requires completing the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) process through the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). Below is a detailed breakdown of each step:

Step 1: Verify Ingredient Compliance

Before starting your cosmetic registration process, it’s essential to confirm that all product ingredients comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. This includes:

• Cross-checking each ingredient against Annexes II to VII of the Directive

• Ensuring that restricted substances are used within allowed concentrations

• Avoiding banned ingredients altogether

 This step is critical to avoid rejection or regulatory penalties during or after the cosmetic product notification in Vietnam.

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.