Import Guide: Acne Care Cosmetics – HS Codes & Taxes

Introduction

Are you planning to import acne care cosmetics in Vietnam but are unsure about the necessary procedures, import taxes, and whether you can take advantage of trade agreement benefits? These are common questions for most businesses when starting out. In this article, Green NRJ will help you understand the entire process, from cosmetic product notification, HS codes, import taxes, FTA benefits, to customs clearance procedures, in the clearest and most practical way.

Cosmetic Product Notification Procedures: Mandatory Requirements Before Market Distribution

For acne care cosmetics, when imported into Vietnam, they are still classified as cosmetics. Therefore, before selling them on the market, businesses must complete the notification procedures as required. Without this step, it is almost impossible to proceed with subsequent stages, especially customs clearance.

Another point to note is that foreign businesses cannot independently register products in Vietnam. The application must be submitted by a domestic legal entity. In practice, this entity could be a distributor, a subsidiary, or a legally authorized representative to handle all procedures. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Health’s regulatory agency, and upon approval, a notification number is issued. This number is typically used during customs declarations and product distribution.

The key point to note is how the product’s intended use is presented. Many cases have resulted in applications being reviewed simply because of inappropriate terminology, such as “acne treatment” or “acne therapy.” When the content emphasizes treatment, the product may be perceived differently, no longer as a regular cosmetic, leading to more complicated procedures. Therefore, when developing the product application and content, it’s advisable to maintain a focus on acne skincare or improving skin condition. Clarifying this from the outset will facilitate the registration process and avoid unnecessary complications during import.

HS Codes & Applicable Taxes

When importing acne care cosmetics into Vietnam, correct HS code classification is the first and most important step. These products fall under Chapter 33 of the Harmonized System (HS), which covers essential oils, resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations.

Below is the detailed classification and applicable tax rates for acne care cosmetics in 2025:

When importing acne care cosmetics, businesses need to be aware of two main types of taxes: value-added tax (VAT) and import tax. The VAT is currently applied at 10% to all imported cosmetics. This is a common tax rate and only changes during short-term tax reduction policies. As for import tax, the rate varies depending on the product type. Acne skincare gels typically have a preferential tax rate of around 10%, while products like serums or essences may have rates as high as 18%.

One of the most cost-effective ways to import acne skincare products is to leverage the trade agreements that Vietnam has signed. Depending on the import market, such as China, South Korea, Japan, ASEAN, or Europe, tariffs can be significantly reduced, even to 0%, if the rules of origin are met.

However, to benefit from this tariff reduction, businesses must have a valid certificate of origin. Without one, the system will automatically apply the higher standard tariff rate. Furthermore, some agreements have a tariff reduction schedule over several years, so regular updates are necessary to ensure the correct tariff rate is applied at the time of import.

Import Customs Clearance Procedure

After completing the cosmetic product notification, businesses proceed with customs declaration for importing goods. The process begins with filling out an electronic declaration form, which requires accurately filling in the HS code, the value of the goods, and especially the cosmetic product notification number. This information is mandatory; its absence will prevent the procedure from being completed. In addition, accompanying documents include a commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and certificate of origin if tax incentives are desired. In some cases, customs authorities may conduct a physical inspection of the goods to compare them with the declared documents. Consistency between the documents and the actual goods is crucial for a quick customs clearance process.

Regulations on Labeling Cosmetics in Vietnam

After completing import procedures, products must comply with labeling regulations before being released to the market.

Product labels must display complete information such as product name, uses, instructions for use, ingredients, volume, responsible entity in Vietnam, manufacturer, origin, and warnings about product use. If the product uses an original label in a foreign language, the business must add a supplementary label in Vietnamese.

It is important to note that the content on the label must not mislead consumers into believing the product is medicine. Therapeutic terms should be replaced with phrases appropriate for cosmetics, such as “supports acne skin care”,  “for acne-prone skin or “helps reduce the appearance of blemishes”. Proper labeling not only ensures compliance with the law but also creates transparency for consumers.

Conclusion

Importing acne care cosmetics into Vietnam requires businesses to have a thorough understanding of everything from HS codes, import taxes, FTA preferences to product notification and labeling. If done correctly from the start, the customs clearance process will be faster and significantly more cost-effective. Green NRJ is ready to accompany you throughout the entire process, from legal consulting to practical implementation, helping businesses confidently bring their products to market legally and effectively.