Import Eyeshadow into Vietnam (2026): Full Procedure & Compliance Guide

Introduction

What procedures are required to import eyeshadow into Vietnam? It sounds simple, but when you actually start, you’ll find there are quite a few things to handle, from product documentation to customs clearance. Many businesses encounter situations where goods arrive but are held up by paperwork or labels, requiring additional processing time. In this article, Green NRJ will go through each step, clearly outlining the necessary steps when importing eyeshadow, along with common mistakes to help you prepare correctly from the start.

Cosmetic Product Notification for Eyeshadow in Vietnam

Eyeshadow is considered a cosmetic product according to regulations of the Ministry of Health. Therefore, before importing or selling it on the market, the product must be notified. This is a crucial step for the regulatory agency to confirm that the product meets safety and information requirements. The notification dossier is submitted to the Drug Administration of Vietnam. After approval, the product will have a unique notification number. This number needs to be used during import and distribution. In practice, many shipments are delayed simply because of the lack of this information or inaccurate information.

Foreign businesses cannot notify cosmetic products in Vietnam under their own name. Instead, a domestic business must carry out this procedure. The entity registering the product can be the distributor or an authorized unit. Once the product is granted a notification number, the name of the Vietnamese business will be recorded and will also be responsible if any problems arise during distribution. Choosing the right partner is therefore not just a formality but also directly impacts future business operations.

HS Code and Taxes for Eyeshadow

When preparing import documents, eyeshadow is classified under code 33042000 – the group for makeup products.

Regarding taxes, first, imported products will be subject to a 10% value-added tax (VAT). This tax is calculated on the total value of the goods after adding all related taxes and costs. In addition, there is import tax, commonly 22% under the most-favored-nation (MFN) preferential treatment, applied to goods from countries that do not have trade agreements with Vietnam.

However, in reality, many businesses do not always face such high taxes. If they follow the correct procedures regarding origin documentation, taxes can be significantly reduced.

The key point lies in the certificate of origin. If it is prepared correctly and matches the declared information, businesses will be eligible for a lower tariff rate. Conversely, even a small omission or inaccuracy in details will result in the shipment being charged at the normal rate, as if no preferential treatment had been applied. This is something many businesses overlook initially, but it directly impacts the final cost.

Customs Clearance Procedures for Eyeshadow

After completing the cosmetic product notification, the next step is to bring the goods in and complete customs clearance procedures. At this point, a complete set of customs documents needs to be prepared, usually including the import declaration, commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and valid notification number.

If all documents are consistent and there are no further inspections, the goods are usually processed quite quickly, within a few working days. However, in reality, it’s not always that smooth. Even a small discrepancy between documents, for example, a mismatch in the product description or a difference in quantity, can lead to requests for explanation or even physical inspection of the shipment.

Many businesses encounter difficulties at this stage not because of a lack of documents, but because the information doesn’t match. Therefore, before submitting the application, it’s advisable to review everything thoroughly to avoid wasting time processing it from scratch.

Labeling Requirements for Eyeshadow

Product labels are usually the last thing to be checked once the product is on the market. For eyeshadow, the label needs to clearly display basic information such as product name, uses, instructions, ingredients, and weight.

In addition, information such as the production date, expiration date, batch number, origin, and the responsible party in Vietnam must also be included. Information about the manufacturer should be clearly stated. If the product has usage instructions, this section should also be clearly stated to avoid risks for users.

Regarding language, the product must have content in Vietnamese. If the original packaging from abroad is retained, the business must affix an additional label before releasing the product to the market. The label must be easy to read and not fade or peel off during transportation and use. This is a small detail, but if done incorrectly, it can still be penalized like other violations.

Conclusion

Importing eyeshadow into Vietnam requires businesses to fully comply with regulations from product notification, product code identification, tax obligations, labeling, and customs procedures. Each step needs to be carefully executed to avoid risks.

Green NRJ is ready to support businesses throughout this entire process, making importing simpler and more efficient.

📩 Contact Green NRJ for advice and support in bringing your products to the Vietnamese market.