How to Import Facial Serum into Vietnam in 2026 – Avoid Common Mistake

What procedures are required to legally import facial serum into Vietnam in 2026? This is a question of particular interest to many international cosmetic brands and domestic distributors as the demand for intensive skincare products continues to grow. From cosmetic product notification and commodity code identification to customs procedures and labeling regulations, each step has its own requirements. In this article, Green NRJ will help you clearly understand the entire process of importing skincare essences into Vietnam, from a legal perspective to practical experience, to minimize risks during implementation.

Is Facial Serum Considered a Cosmetic in Vietnam?

According to current regulations, skincare serums, including essences, ampoules, and other intensive care products, are classified as cosmetics. This means that before introducing products into Vietnam, businesses are required to complete the cosmetic product notification procedures as stipulated by the regulatory authority. Without a valid notification number, the product will not be allowed to be officially imported, nor can it be circulated or sold on the market. This regulation applies to all types of essences, regardless of their function or market segment.

A crucial point that many foreign brands often encounter is the issue of the legal entity responsible for the notification. In Vietnam, only domestic businesses are allowed to submit cosmetic product notification applications. Therefore, if you are an international brand, you will need to choose a Vietnamese entity to handle the registration. This could be an official distributor or an authorized service provider. The authorization must be in writing and valid, usually requiring notarization and consular legalization as per regulations. This is a mandatory step for the application to be accepted.

HS Code and Import Tax on Facial Serum in Vietnam

When importing facial serum, correctly identifying the HS code is crucial. Typically, the product is classified as a skincare cosmetic with HS code 3304, and the commonly applied detailed code is 33049930. The common import tax for this group can be up to 18%, plus a 10% value-added tax. However, with a valid certificate of origin, businesses can benefit from preferential tax rates under trade agreements that Vietnam participates in, even reducing them to 0% in some markets.

Customs Clearance Process for Serum Imports

Once the cosmetic product notification procedures are complete, businesses can proceed with importing goods and completing customs clearance procedures as required. At this stage, a complete customs dossier is needed, including the import declaration, commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and a valid cosmetic product notification number.

If the documents are clear, consistent, and no inspections are required, the goods are usually processed quite quickly, taking only a few working days. Conversely, even minor discrepancies between documents or requests for physical inspection by customs authorities can prolong the customs clearance process.

In reality, many businesses encounter difficulties at this stage not due to a lack of documents, but because of inconsistencies in the information between the documents. Therefore, thorough review before submitting the dossier is advisable to avoid wasting time and incurring additional costs.

Labeling Requirements for Facial Serum in Vietnam

Before launching a facial serum onto the market, businesses need to prepare labels that comply with regulations. This is often the last step many companies take, leading to oversight, but it’s a frequently inspected aspect during distribution.

A valid product label should clearly display basic information such as the product name, uses, instructions for use, ingredients, and volume or weight. In addition, information such as the manufacturing date, expiration date, batch number, country of origin, and the responsible entity in Vietnam are also mandatory. Manufacturer information must be fully included. For some specialized product lines, warnings during use should also be clearly displayed to ensure user safety.

Regarding language, the label content must be in Vietnamese. If the product retains its original packaging from abroad, the business must add a supplementary label in Vietnamese before distribution. The information presented must be clear, easy to read, and guaranteed not to fade or peel off during transportation and use.

Conclusion

Importing facial serum into Vietnam is not simply about bringing goods in; it involves complying with various legal regulations. Businesses need to complete cosmetic product declarations, prepare complete documentation, correctly identify product codes, and ensure proper labeling before launching products onto the market.

Green NRJ accompanies businesses through every step of the process, from advising on documentation and handling procedures to assisting with customs clearance and label inspection. If you are looking for an efficient, time-saving, and risk-reducing solution for importing skincare essences, contact Green NRJ for detailed support tailored to your specific situation.