How to Import Hair Serum into Vietnam: Import Regulations & Step-by-Step Guide 2025

If you want to legally import hair serum into Vietnam, this guide is your perfect starting point. It reveals the essential steps to navigate Vietnam’s cosmetic import regulations, duties, product notification, customs clearance, and label requirements—all in one place. Whether you’re a foreign brand, distributor, or logistics partner, you’ll learn how to complete Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN), classify under the correct HS code, calculate import duty & VAT, prepare customs documents, and comply with Vietnamese labeling laws. Keep reading to discover clear, actionable guidance and avoid costly delays or shipment rejection.

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

Before importing, distributing, or selling hair serum (also known as hair mist or leave-in hair conditioner) in Vietnam, businesses must complete the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) process. This mandatory legal requirement, regulated by the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH), applies to all cosmetic products, including hair care and styling sprays.

Why is CPN Mandatory for Hair Serum in Vietnam?

Under Vietnamese law, hair serum is classified as a cosmetic product. The CPN ensures that imported hair serums comply with strict safety and quality standards, including:

• Ingredient safety compliance according to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)

• Proper labeling and language requirements to meet Vietnamese regulations

• Protection of consumer health by prohibiting harmful or banned substances in cosmetic formulations

 Important: Any shipment of hair serum imported into Vietnam without a valid CPN certificate will be rejected by Vietnamese Customs, regardless of other import documentation.

Legal Framework Governing CPN for Hair Serum

• 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: Details procedures for cosmetic product notification

• Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT: Provides updates on cosmetic product registration and notification

Who is Eligible to Apply for Hair Serum CPN?

Only a Vietnamese legal entity can submit the CPN application to the Ministry of Health. Foreign cosmetic brands and manufacturers must appoint a local Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) to act as the official applicant. Eligible CNHs include:

• Licensed Vietnamese importers or distributors

• Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) with cosmetic trading rights in Vietnam

• Authorized service providers specializing in cosmetic product registration and notification

Required CPN Documents

CPN Validity

• The CPN certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance

• It covers multiple imports of the same hair serum product during the validity period

• A new CPN application is required if there are any changes in the product formulation, packaging, or product claims

2. HS Code and Import Duties for Hair Serum

When importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair conditioners into Vietnam, selecting the correct Harmonized System (HS) code is essential. It directly affects your customs clearance process, import tax rates, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. Misclassification can lead to delays, penalties, or overpayment of duties.

Suggested HS Code

Tax Components for Importing Hair Serum into Vietnam

1. Value Added Tax (VAT):

   • 10% VAT is uniformly applied to all cosmetic imports, including hair serum.

2. MFN (Most Favored Nation) Import Duty:

   • 20% applies if your country has WTO membership but no preferential trade agreement with Vietnam.

3. General Import Duty:

   • 30% is applied when importing from non-WTO member countries or without trade agreement privileges.

FTA-Based Preferential Duty Rates

Vietnam is a member of several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that offer preferential import duty rates for eligible countries. These rates can significantly reduce the cost of importing hair serum if the shipment is accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O).

Important Note on Certificate of Origin (C/O)

To apply preferential import duty rates, importers must submit a valid Certificate of Origin (Form E, AK, AJ, CPTPP, etc.) issued in accordance with the relevant trade agreement. If no valid C/O is provided, the shipment will be taxed based on the MFN or General rate, even if the exporting country is part of an FTA.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures for Hair Serum

Successfully importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair conditioners into Vietnam requires strict compliance with Vietnamese customs regulations. To ensure smooth customs clearance, importers must prepare a full set of documents and follow the correct steps through the VNACCS/VCIS e-customs system.

Required Documents

Important: All product descriptions, ingredient lists, and brand details must exactly match the information declared in the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN). Discrepancies may result in customs delays or rejection of the shipment.

Customs Timeline

4. Labeling Requirements for Import Hair Serum into Vietnam

Proper product labeling is a mandatory legal requirement when importing hair serum, hair mist, or leave-in hair conditioners into Vietnam. Failure to comply with Vietnam’s labeling laws can result in customs delays, administrative penalties, or even confiscation of goods.

Legal Framework for Cosmetic Labeling in Vietnam

• Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP: Governs labeling for all goods circulated in Vietnam

• Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP: Amends and supplements regulations specific to imported products, including cosmetics

Mandatory Label Elements

Vietnamese law requires the following details to appear on the retail packaging of hair serum:

Packaging and Label Format Requirements

• Labels must be written in Vietnamese. Foreign languages may appear alongside but cannot replace Vietnamese.

• Information must be printed directly on the retail packaging or applied as a sticker (sub-label). Outer cartons alone are not sufficient.

• Labels must be:

  • Durable and resistant to smearing or peeling

  • Waterproof and legible under normal handling

  • Securely attached and not easily removed

Important: Sub-labels are allowed, but they must not cover:

• Expiration dates

• Product barcodes

• Batch or lot numbers

Penalties for Non-Compliant Hair Serum Labels

• Delayed customs clearance or shipment detainment

• Fines and administrative sanctions imposed by market surveillance authorities

• Seizure or forced recall of products from the Vietnamese market

• Brand reputation damage, negatively affecting future import approvals

5. Conclusion

If you’re planning to import hair serum into Vietnam, follow the easy steps outlined above—from completing your Cosmetic Product Notification to paying correct duties and ensuring compliant labeling. The key lies in CPN approval, correct HS code & Certificate of Origin, and smooth customs clearance. To save time and avoid costly mistakes, consider partnering with an experienced local expert. Green NRJ can support you throughout the entire process, including CPN registration, customs declaration, and label compliance review. With deep regulatory insight and on-the-ground presence, we help foreign brands enter Vietnam’s competitive cosmetic market with confidence.

Ready to launch your hair serum product in Vietnam?

📩 Contact Green NRJ today for full support.