Essential Guide to Successfully Import Facial Masks into Vietnam in 2025

Importing facial masks into Vietnam in 2025 is a highly promising opportunity for international skincare brands looking to expand into Southeast Asia’s fast-growing beauty market. With Vietnamese consumers increasingly focused on advanced skincare routines—especially for hydration, brightening, and anti-aging—facial masks such as sheet masks, clay masks, gel masks, and overnight masks have become essential products in both retail and online channels.

To import facial masks into Vietnam legally and efficiently, foreign companies must strictly follow the country’s cosmetic regulations. These include completing the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) with the Ministry of Health, classifying the product under the correct HS Code, preparing the required customs documentation, and ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese labeling and safety standards for cosmetics.

Are Facial Masks Considered Cosmetic Products in Vietnam?

Yes. According to Vietnamese cosmetic regulations, facial masks are officially classified as cosmetic products. This applies to all forms, including sheet masks, gel masks, clay masks, cream-based masks, and overnight masks.

As a result, any company that wants to import facial masks into Vietnam must complete the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) procedure with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), under the Ministry of Health (MOH).

A valid CPN number is mandatory before any facial mask can be legally imported, distributed, or sold in the Vietnamese market—regardless of the product’s country of origin or its skincare function (e.g., hydrating, whitening, or anti-aging).

Failing to obtain a valid CPN will result in the shipment being blocked at customs or facing legal penalties.

Legal Basis to Import Facial Masks into Vietnam

To legally import facial masks into Vietnam, businesses must follow Vietnam’s regulatory framework on cosmetics, which is defined by the following legal documents:

• Decree 93/2016/ND-CP: This decree establishes the comprehensive legal framework for managing cosmetic products in Vietnam, including import processes and the mandatory cosmetic notification Vietnam requirements.

• Circular No. 29/2020/TT-BYT – Offers detailed guidance on preparing and submitting the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) dossier via the official DAV portal.

• Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT – Regulates the CPN’s validity, mandatory cosmetic labeling rules, and outlines inspection procedures by the Ministry of Health.

Who Can Submit the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) to Import Facial Masks into Vietnam?

To import facial masks into Vietnam, the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) must be submitted to the Ministry of Health—but only by a Vietnamese legal entity. Foreign companies are not allowed to directly register cosmetic products in Vietnam.

If you’re an international skincare brand looking to import facial masks into Vietnam, you have two main options:

1. Vietnamese Distributor

A locally registered company that is officially authorized to distribute your facial mask products in the Vietnamese market. The distributor will act as the legal entity responsible for submitting the CPN and handling regulatory matters.

2. Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH)

A third-party service provider based in Vietnam that serves as your legal representative for regulatory compliance. The CNH must be appointed through a notarized and legalized Power of Attorney (POA) issued by your company.

Important: Foreign brands cannot directly submit the CPN or handle regulatory filings. To legally import facial masks into Vietnam, you must either work with a licensed Vietnamese distributor or appoint a trusted CNH.

Why Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) Is Mandatory to Import Facial Masks into Vietnam

The Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) is a mandatory regulatory requirement for any company planning to import facial masks into Vietnam. Obtaining a valid CPN number from the Ministry of Health legally authorizes your facial mask products to:

• Be imported legally into the Vietnamese market

• Be marketed and advertised both online and offline

• Be distributed through retail stores and e-commerce platforms in Vietnam

Failing to secure the required CPN before attempting to import facial masks into Vietnam can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Rejection of customs clearance for your shipment

• Fines and administrative penalties imposed by Vietnamese authorities

• Confiscation of facial mask products at the border

• Suspension or revocation of your business operations in Vietnam

Therefore, obtaining the CPN is a critical first step to ensure smooth, legal entry of facial masks into Vietnam’s booming skincare market.

CPN Application Checklist to Import Facial Masks into Vietnam

To successfully import facial masks into Vietnam, obtaining the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) is essential. Below is a complete checklist of documents required to prepare a CPN application for facial mask products:

Pro Tip: All documents must be consistent with each other. Brand names, product names, and ingredient details must match exactly across the CPN form, POA, CFS, and INCI list.

HS Code & Import Duties to Import Facial Masks into Vietnam

When you import facial masks into Vietnam, understanding the correct HS Code and applicable import duties is crucial for smooth customs clearance.

Preferential Import Duty Rates under Vietnam’s FTAs for Facial Masks

Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) offer reduced import duty rates for facial masks imported into Vietnam, provided a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) is submitted:

Customs Clearance When You Import Facial Masks into Vietnam

Once the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) is approved, importers must complete customs procedures to import facial masks into Vietnam via the VNACCS/VCIS electronic system operated by Vietnam Customs.

Required Documents for Customs Clearance:

Clearance Timeline:

Labeling Requirements to Import Facial Masks into Vietnam

When you import facial masks into Vietnam, ensuring the product labeling complies with both Vietnamese regulations and the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is essential for successful customs clearance and market entry.

Mandatory Label Elements for Imported Facial Masks:

Language & Presentation:

• All labels must be in Vietnamese or carry a Vietnamese sticker translation.

• Vietnamese text must be clear, legible, and more prominent than foreign languages.

• Labels must be durable and waterproof, retaining quality throughout the product’s shelf life.

Important: Incomplete or incorrect labeling is one of the most common reasons for customs rejection when you import facial masks into Vietnam. Always verify compliance before printing and applying labels.

Conclusion: Import Facial Masks into Vietnam Smoothly in 2025

To import facial masks into Vietnam smoothly and legally in 2025, international beauty brands and exporters must follow a strict regulatory pathway. Compliance is key to avoiding customs delays, fines, or product bans.

Here’s a final checklist for a successful facial mask importation process:

• Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN):
  Register every facial mask product with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health.
• Use the Correct HS Code:
  Ensure accurate product classification to determine the right VAT and import duties.
• Obtain a Certificate of Origin (C/O):
  Take advantage of Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to reduce import tariffs for facial masks.
• Prepare All Required Customs Documents:
  Include the CPN certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and C/O in your customs file.
• Comply with Labeling Regulations:
  Facial masks must be properly labeled in Vietnamese, in line with national laws and ASEAN Cosmetic Directive standards.

By meeting all these requirements, your brand can import facial masks into Vietnam successfully, unlock growth opportunities, and gain access to one of Southeast Asia’s most promising skincare markets.

Need Help Importing Facial Masks into Vietnam?

Green NRJ provides end-to-end support for international skincare brands:

• CPN registration

• HS Code and tax classification

• Certificate of Origin preparation

• Customs clearance services

• Vietnamese labeling compliance

📩 Contact Green NRJ today to streamline your facial mask import process and capture Vietnam’s fast-growing beauty market.