How to Import Facial Cleansers into Vietnam (2026): Success Step-by-Step Guide for Cosmetic Brands

What procedures are required to import facial cleansers into Vietnam in 2026? Is it mandatory to notify cosmetics before import? What documents are required for customs clearance, and what are the labeling regulations to avoid problems during distribution? If you are looking for clear answers to each step, the content below will help you fully understand the process.

Cosmetic Product Notification – A Mandatory Step Before Import

To allow the import of facial cleansers into Vietnam, businesses must complete the cosmetic product notification procedure with the Drug Administration of Vietnam. This is a prerequisite and a legally mandatory requirement for all cosmetic products; without it, customs clearance will be impossible.

Only businesses with legal status in Vietnam, including domestic companies or foreign-invested enterprises, are allowed to carry out the notification. This entity will become the cosmetic notification holder and must ensure that the product fully complies with safety standards, ingredients, and label information.

The notification dossier includes an electronic declaration form according to ASEAN standards, authorization letter from the manufacturer or brand owner, a free sale certificate, a detailed ingredient list, and information on the product’s intended use. After receiving the acceptance number, its validity lasts for 5 years and can be used for multiple batches if there are no changes related to the product.

HS Code and Import Duties for Facial Cleansers

In most cases, facial cleansers fall under HS code 34013000. This category covers organic surface-active products used for washing the skin, typically in liquid or cream form and packaged for retail sale. With this classification, the standard VAT is 10%. The MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) import duty is usually 27%, while the general import duty can go up to 40.5% if no preferential treatment applies.

That said, the final HS code is always confirmed by Vietnam Customs during the clearance process. If there’s any uncertainty, it’s a good idea to consult a licensed customs broker or request an official classification in advance to avoid unexpected issues.

In terms of taxes, import duty is calculated based on both the HS code and the product’s country of origin. VAT remains fixed at 10% for all cosmetic products. Preferential duty rates, however, are only available if you submit a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) under an applicable FTA.

Vietnam is currently part of several trade agreements that offer reduced or even zero import duties for cosmetics, including facial cleansers.

To make the most of these preferential rates, it’s essential to submit a valid C/O at the time of customs clearance. Without it, your shipment will likely be subject to the full MFN duty, which can range from 27% to 40.5%.

Customs Clearance Procedures

After completing the cosmetic product notification, businesses can proceed with import procedures at customs. This is the final confirmation step to allow the goods to circulate in Vietnam.

The declaration process is carried out electronically, accompanied by documents such as commercial invoices, packing slips, bills of lading, and the cosmetic product declaration number. To benefit from preferential tax rates, businesses need to supplement with a suitable certificate of origin.

With complete and accurate documentation, customs clearance usually takes 1 to 3 working days. However, if there are discrepancies between the actual information and the declared documents, or if important documents are missing, the shipment may be subject to further inspection or extended processing time.

In some cases, authorities may suspect the product’s composition, leading to testing or physical inspection of the goods. Therefore, preparing consistent and accurate documentation is crucial for a smooth customs clearance process.

Labeling Requirements for Imported Facial Cleansers

Besides import procedures, product labeling is a mandatory requirement before facial cleansers can be marketed. This regulation is clearly stated in Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP.

Product labels must display complete information in Vietnamese, including product name, uses, instructions for use, ingredients, weight or volume, production date, expiration date, batch number, origin, information of the responsible unit in Vietnam, manufacturer information, and warnings when using the product.

For products with original labels in foreign languages, businesses need to add a supplementary label in Vietnamese before distribution. The content on the supplementary label must match the information already declared and be presented clearly and legibly.

Failure to comply with labeling regulations may result in penalties, recall, or prohibition from market circulation. Therefore, this step needs to be carefully checked before distribution.

Conclusion

Importing facial cleansers into Vietnam in 2026 requires businesses to fully comply with regulations from cosmetic product notification, HS code determination, customs documentation preparation to product labeling before distribution. When each step is followed correctly, the import process will proceed smoothly and minimize unnecessary risks. Green NRJ provides comprehensive support services, from cosmetic product declaration and Certificate of Origin (C/O) consulting to customs declaration and label inspection. Contact Green NRJ for consultation and prompt implementation.