Importer of Record (IOR) & Distribution Structuring in Vietnam
Green NRJ supports foreign brands entering Vietnam through compliant import and distribution models. We begin with Importer of Record (IOR) services and, where required, upgrade to a structured Distribution of Record (DOR) commercial framework.
Product Classification & Regulatory Readiness
Distribution structuring in Vietnam starts with product classification. Depending on the category, your goods may require an official holder/registrant, conditional sector compliance, or standard import clearance only.
Regulated Products Requiring an Official Holder
- Cosmetics: Cosmetic Notification Holder (PIF, labeling, advertising compliance)
- Medical Devices: License Holder (classification, registration, post-market obligations)
- Food & Functional Food: Self-declaration / registration pathway + labeling compliance
- Food-contact Packaging: Compliance pathway for materials in direct contact with food
Category-Specific Import Conditions
- Electronics: may require conformity assessment, energy labeling, or sector approvals (depending on product type)
- Machinery / Equipment: may require quality inspection or specialized import conditions
Standard Consumer & Industrial Goods
- Consumer goods not under specialized sector management
- Industrial equipment not listed in regulated product categories
- Standard customs clearance, duties/VAT, and documentation coordination
We Map the Lowest-Risk Model Before Import
- Confirm classification & required approvals before shipping
- Decide whether IOR scope is sufficient or a DOR upgrade is needed
- Align customs, invoicing, and compliance responsibilities to reduce rejection risk
Note: Requirements depend on HS code, intended use, labeling claims, and distribution channel. We confirm the correct pathway before execution.
Industries We Support
Green NRJ supports both regulated and general industries across B2B and B2C distribution models in Vietnam.
Importer of Record (IOR) – Customs & Legal Importation
Importer of Record (IOR) services allow foreign companies to import goods into Vietnam without establishing a local entity.
- Customs documentation & HS classification
- Duties & VAT calculation
- Coordination with customs authorities
- Release and clearance management
For brands requiring invoicing and onshore revenue structuring, a broader Distribution of Record (DOR) model may be more suitable.
Distribution of Record (DOR) – Integrated Commercial Model
Distributor of Record (DOR) is a structured commercial solution where Green NRJ acts not only as importer but also as the onshore distributor and revenue management entity.
- Legal importer of record
- Onshore VAT invoicing
- Revenue collection & remittance structuring
- Tax and accounting compliance
- Regulatory responsibility maintenance
This model allows foreign brands to sell in Vietnam without establishing a local company, while ensuring full compliance with tax, customs, and regulatory requirements.
eCommerce & Marketplace Distribution
Green NRJ supports compliant distribution through online platforms and cross-border channels.
- Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop structuring
- Compliance under Decree 117/2025/NĐ-CP
- Electronic invoicing & VAT reporting
- Cash flow reconciliation
When to Use IOR vs DOR
While many foreign brands initially request Importer of Record (IOR), a broader Distribution of Record (DOR) model may be required depending on your commercial objectives.
Import & Export Execution Support
Beyond structuring IOR/DOR models, Green NRJ also provides execution-layer support for shipment-level compliance and customs coordination — ideal for clients who need practical import/export handling without building an in-house trade operations team.
- Customs dossier preparation & shipment documentation coordination
- HS classification support, duties & VAT calculation alignment
- Authority coordination for inspections (where applicable)
- Issue handling during clearance and release
How We Deliver
A structured delivery model designed to reduce customs friction, compliance exposure, and timeline slippage.
Confirm HS code, regulatory status (regulated / conditional / general), and required approvals before shipment.
Clear decision: IOR scope only vs DOR upgrade, plus required holder/registrant pathway (if applicable).
Where required: set up cosmetic notification holder, medical device license holder, food pathway, or food-contact packaging compliance.
Aligned dossier and compliance checklist to minimize rejection risk at authority review and import stage.
Customs documentation, HS classification support, duties & VAT calculation, and authority coordination for clearance.
Clearance management and issue-handling to keep shipments moving without unnecessary delays.
Onshore VAT invoicing, tax/accounting alignment, revenue collection & remittance structuring.
A compliant structure that supports B2B, B2C, and eCommerce sales channels in Vietnam.
Why Green NRJ
Distribution is not only logistics — it is regulatory responsibility, customs execution, and tax-compliant revenue flow. We structure the full pathway so you can sell in Vietnam with reduced compliance risk.
We confirm classification and regulatory requirements before import to reduce rejection risk and avoid costly rework.
Start with IOR when appropriate, and scale into a DOR commercial model when you need invoicing and revenue management.
We translate regulatory and tax requirements into execution-ready checklists and workflows that teams can actually follow.
FAQ
Common questions we receive from foreign brands and cross-border sellers entering Vietnam.
We only know “IOR”. Can we start with IOR and upgrade later?
Yes. Many clients start with IOR for a limited import scope, then upgrade to DOR when they need onshore VAT invoicing and a compliant revenue flow model.
Do all products require a license holder in Vietnam?
No. Only regulated categories require an official holder/registrant (e.g., cosmetics, medical devices, food/functional food, and food-contact packaging). Many general goods follow standard import procedures.
Can you support eCommerce distribution (Shopee/Lazada/TikTok Shop)?
Yes. We support marketplace structuring, VAT/e-invoicing alignment, and cash-flow reconciliation — depending on your channel and target buyers.
What information do you need to assess our case?
Product description, intended use, photos/specs (if available), HS code (if known), labeling claims, origin country, and your intended distribution channel (B2B/B2C/eCommerce).
Ready to Structure Your Vietnam Market Entry?
Whether you require Importer of Record (IOR), a full Distribution of Record (DOR) model, or category-specific regulatory alignment, our team will design a compliant and scalable pathway.