How to Import Hair Dye into Vietnam (2026): Requirements, Procedures & Success Guide for Foreign Brands

What procedures are required to import hair dye into Vietnam in 2026 to ensure a smooth and legal-free import process? This is a common concern for many businesses when starting to introduce cosmetics to the Vietnamese market. In reality, hair dye belongs to a group of products subject to strict regulations, so even a small mistake in notification, labeling, or customs documentation can lead to the shipment being detained. In this article, Green NRJ will guide you step-by-step through the hair dye import process, from document preparation to customs clearance, in an easy-to-understand and practical manner.

Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Hair Dye in Vietnam

The Vietnamese cosmetics market is developing rapidly, especially for high-end hair dye products. However, unlike many ordinary goods, hair dyes belong to the category of cosmetics subject to strict regulations due to their direct impact on user health. Therefore, before importing goods into Vietnam, businesses not only need to prepare commercial documents but also complete the cosmetic product notification procedures. This is a mandatory condition for the product to be legally allowed to circulate in the market. Without this step, goods may be detained or refused customs clearance.

It’s important to note that foreign businesses cannot notify the product themselves. Instead, they need to authorize a legal entity in Vietnam, usually a distributor, trading company, or service provider, to act as the legal entity responsible.

The notification certificate is valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple identical batches. However, if there are changes to the formula, product name, or packaging, the business needs to re-notify the product from scratch.

HS Code and Import Duties to Import Hair Dye into Vietnam

After completing the declaration, the next step is to correctly identify the HS code to apply the appropriate tax. Hair dyes are usually classified as hair care products, with the common code being 33059000. Accordingly, the value-added tax applied is 10%, and the normal import duty is 20%.

However, businesses can significantly reduce tax costs by taking advantage of free trade agreements that Vietnam is a party to. For example, goods from Korea, Japan, ASEAN, or Europe may enjoy lower preferential tax rates, or even 0%, if they have complete and valid certificates of origin.

It is crucial that the documentation is consistent and accurate from the beginning, because even small discrepancies can cause businesses to lose their right to preferential tax treatment.

Customs Clearance Procedures for Hair Dye

Upon arrival at the border, businesses need to complete electronic customs declarations through the customs system. The import documentation includes the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, cosmetic product notification, and certificate of origin, if applicable. All information on the documents must match the previously declared content.

Typically, the processing time for this document takes 1-3 working days. If the shipment is subject to physical inspection, the process may take longer. In practice, new businesses often encounter difficulties with documentation or declarations, leading to unnecessary storage costs. Therefore, collaborating with an experienced agency will help ensure a smooth and time-saving customs clearance process.

Labeling Requirements for Imported Hair Dye

Alongside legal procedures, product labeling is also a frequently scrutinized aspect. Labels not only provide information to consumers but also serve as a basis for regulatory agencies to assess the product’s validity. According to current regulations, products must have labels in Vietnamese with complete information such as product name, uses, instructions for use, ingredients, volume, production date, expiration date, information of the responsible entity in Vietnam, manufacturer information, and warnings when using the product.

Labels can be printed directly or affixed later, but they must ensure that important information such as batch number or expiration date is not obscured. Furthermore, the content must be clear, easy to read, and not misleading. In reality, many shipments are detained or penalized due to minor labeling errors. Therefore, businesses need to carefully check labels before bringing goods to port.

Conclusion

Importing hair dyes into Vietnam requires thorough preparation, from cosmetic product declaration and HS code determination to tax optimization, customs clearance documentation, and labeling. If done correctly from the start, businesses can shorten customs clearance time and minimize legal risks.

Green NRJ provides a comprehensive service to support hair dye imports, from product declaration and tax consulting to customs clearance procedures. Contact Green NRJ today for detailed advice and to bring your products to the Vietnamese market quickly, safely, and in compliance with regulations.