How to Import Hair Dye into Vietnam (2025): Requirements, Procedures & Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Brands

Importing hair dye into Vietnam in 2025 offers a lucrative opportunity for foreign cosmetic brands, international manufacturers, and global distributors. As personal grooming trends continue to rise and Vietnamese consumers increasingly embrace premium hair coloring products influenced by K-beauty and J-beauty, the demand for imported hair dye is growing rapidly.

However, successfully importing hair dye into Vietnam requires strict compliance with local cosmetic regulations. Foreign companies must follow a detailed process that includes Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN), accurate HS code classification, Vietnamese labeling compliance, and customs clearance procedures.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we provide a step-by-step overview of how to import hair dye into Vietnam, covering essential requirements such as product registration, labeling rules, import duties, and the full set of customs documentation needed for legal market entry.

1. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Hair Dye in Vietnam

Before importing or distributing hair dye in Vietnam, foreign brands must register their products through the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) system regulated by the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH). This is a mandatory step for all cosmetic products, including hair coloring items, to ensure compliance with Vietnamese cosmetic regulations.

Why is CPN Required for Hair Dye?

Obtaining a valid CPN certificate is a legal requirement under Vietnam’s cosmetic law. The CPN process ensures that imported hair dye products comply with:

• Ingredient safety standards under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)

• Vietnamese labeling regulations, including proper translations and usage instructions

• Health and safety requirements to protect Vietnamese consumers from harmful substances

Important: Hair dye products without a valid CPN will be rejected by Vietnam Customs at the border, regardless of shipping documents or import contracts.

Legal Framework for Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam

The regulatory basis for the Cosmetic Product Notification process includes:

• Decree No. 110/2017/NĐ-CP – Governs the management of cosmetics in Vietnam

• Circular No. 29/2020/TT-BYT – Provides detailed procedures for CPN submission and approval

• Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT – Updates on cosmetic notification rules and modifications

Who Can Apply for the CPN in Vietnam?

Only a Vietnamese legal entity is permitted to submit the CPN dossier to the Ministry of Health. Foreign companies cannot apply directly. Eligible Cosmetic Notification Holders (CNH) include:

• Vietnamese distributors or trading companies licensed to deal in cosmetics

• Foreign-invested companies (FIEs) in Vietnam with cosmetic trading in their business license

• Local compliance agents or service providers offering cosmetic registration services

Foreign hair dye brands must appoint a Vietnamese CNH to act as their legal representative for the CPN process.

Required Documents for CPN Application

Below is a list of mandatory documents for registering hair dye through the CPN system:

CPN Validity for Hair Dye Products

• A CPN certificate is valid for 5 years from the approval date

• The same CPN can be used for multiple imports of the identical product

• If there are changes to the formulation, packaging, product name, or label, a new CPN application is required

If you’re a foreign brand looking to import hair dye into Vietnam, the CPN registration is your first and most critical step to market entry. Failure to comply can result in delayed shipments, fines, or rejection at customs.

2. HS Code and Import Duties for Hair Dye

Understanding the correct HS code and applicable import duties is crucial for foreign brands planning to import hair dye into Vietnam in 2025. Accurate tariff classification not only ensures proper customs clearance but also determines whether you can benefit from Free Trade Agreement (FTA) preferential rates.

Suggested HS Code

Hair dye products are typically classified under the following Harmonized System (HS) code:

• VAT (Value Added Tax): 10% applies to all cosmetic products upon import.

• MFN (Most Favored Nation) Tariff: 20% if no FTA applies.

• General Duty: 30% for imports from non-WTO or non-preferential countries.

Preferential Import Duty Rates under FTAs

Vietnam is part of numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which may significantly reduce or eliminate import duties for hair dye. To apply for these rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) must be submitted.

Note: Always submit a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) at customs to enjoy reduced tariffs under the applicable trade agreement. Without a C/O, the full MFN (Most-Favored-Nation) import duty of 20%–30% may apply.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures for Hair Dye

To legally import hair dye into Vietnam, companies must follow a multi-step customs clearance procedure. Below is a breakdown of required documents and estimated processing timelines.

Required Documents for Hair Dye Import

Note: All documents must match the product information declared in the CPN to avoid delays or rejections.

Clearance Timeline

Tip: Engage an experienced Vietnamese customs broker to avoid delays, especially if you’re importing cosmetics for the first time.

4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Hair Dye

Vietnam enforces strict labeling regulations for all imported cosmetic products, including shampoo. Compliance with these rules is critical to avoid customs rejection, fines, or product seizure.

Legal Basis for Shampoo Labeling in Vietnam

• Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP on labeling goods in Vietnam

• Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP amending labeling regulations specifically for imported goods

Mandatory Elements:

Label Format and Placement Requirements

• Labels must be applied on retail packaging (not just shipping cartons or outer boxes)

• Labels can be either printed directly on packaging or affixed as durable stickers resistant to moisture and abrasion

• Sub-labels or stickers must not cover batch numbers, expiry dates, or QR/barcodes

• Labels must be legible, clear, and in Vietnamese language to meet MOH regulations

 Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet Vietnam’s shampoo labeling regulations may result in:

• Customs clearance delays or rejection

• Administrative fines imposed by customs or market surveillance agencies

• Seizure or forced removal of shampoo products from the market

• Damage to brand reputation and business operations

5. Conclusion

Importing hair dye into Vietnam in 2025 involves navigating regulatory compliance, CPN registration, HS code classification, FTA-based duty optimization, customs clearance procedures, and labeling rules.

To streamline the process, foreign brands are strongly advised to partner with local import-export service providers or legal compliance agents who understand Vietnam’s cosmetic import landscape. This ensures full legal compliance and minimizes costly delays at customs.

Need help importing shampoo into Vietnam?

Green NRJ offers end-to-end services, including:

• CPN registration support
  
• HS code consultation
  
• Certificate of Origin (C/O) preparation
  
• Customs clearance assistance
  
• Label translation and compliance checks
  

📩 Contact us today to simplify your shampoo importation into Vietnam.

Related Articles:

• How to Import and Sell Cosmetics in Vietnam
• Guide to Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) in Vietnam
• Labeling Compliance for Imported Skincare Products in Vietnam