Importing lipsticks into Vietnam in 2025 offers global beauty brands and cosmetic distributors a promising opportunity—driven by the country’s rapidly growing cosmetics market and strong demand for high-quality makeup products. However, bringing lipsticks into Vietnam involves navigating a complex set of regulatory requirements, from securing a Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) to complying with the correct HS Code classification, import taxes, labeling regulations, and documentation procedures.

In this 2025 step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to import lipsticks into Vietnam, including legal requirements, licensing procedures, product notification processes, tariff rates, and proper cosmetic labeling standards—ensuring full compliance with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health regulations.

1. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) – The First Step to Import Lipsticks into Vietnam

To legally import lipsticks into Vietnam, you must complete a Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN)— a mandatory pre-customs approval issued by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health (MOH). Lipsticks are classified as cosmetic products under current Vietnamese regulations.

Regulatory Framework:

• Decree 110/2017/NĐ-CP on cosmetics management remains the primary legal foundation for cosmetics, covering product classification, safety, and circulation.

• Circular 29/2020/TT-BYT provides detailed guidance on cosmetic product notification and registration, effective from January 1, 2021.

• Circular 32/2019/TT-BYT supplements notification procedures and required documentation.

Important: No shipment of lipsticks can clear Vietnamese customs without a valid and active CPN number.

Who Can Apply for a CPN in Vietnam?

Only a Vietnam-based legal entity can apply for the Cosmetic Product Notification on your behalf. This entity is officially known as the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH). It can be either:

• A Vietnamese company with a valid business registration, or

• A foreign-invested company in Vietnam that has been granted import and distribution rights.

If you are a foreign brand or manufacturer, you must appoint such an entity to act as your local representative in Vietnam.

Responsibility of the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH):

The CNH is legally responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) data, ensuring Vietnamese-language labeling compliance (including supplementary Vietnamese labels), and promptly addressing any regulatory violations related to the cosmetic products in the Vietnamese market. Failure to comply may result in administrative sanctions, product recalls, or suspension of market circulation rights as per the Ministry of Health’s regulations.

Required Documents for CPN Application

To obtain a CPN for importing lipsticks into Vietnam, the following documents must be submitted through the Vietnam National Cosmetic Notification Portal:

1. Online Notification Form
   – Must follow the format under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

2. Power of Attorney (POA)
   – A signed and consular-legalized authorization letter from the foreign manufacturer or brand owner, allowing the Vietnamese entity to submit the application.

3. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
   – Issued by a competent authority in the country of origin, certifying that the lipstick product is freely sold in the domestic market.

4. Full Product Formula
   – Including all ingredients and their concentrations, in line with ASEAN cosmetic safety standards.

5. Intended Use and Product Description
   – Clearly indicating that the product is a cosmetic (e.g., lipstick for aesthetic use).

6. Enterprise Registration Certificate
   – A copy of the Vietnamese company’s valid business license.

CPN Validity and Usage

Once approved, the Cosmetic Product Notification number is valid for 5 years. You must present the CPN number on all customs declarations when importing lipstick into Vietnam. The same CPN can be used for multiple shipments of the same product within its validity period.

Tip: Make sure your product labeling and documentation match the details declared in the CPN to avoid customs delays or rejection.

2. HS Code and Applicable Import Duties

When importing lipsticks into Vietnam, assigning the correct HS code (Harmonized System Code) is a critical step in the customs clearance process. It determines the applicable import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and the eligibility for preferential tariff rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

HS Code for Lipstick in Vietnam:

⚠️ Note: Final HS code confirmation is subject to Vietnam Customs’ evaluation during clearance. Incorrect classification may result in fines or delays.

Taxes Applicable in Vietnam

To calculate the total landed cost when importing lipstick into Vietnam, you must consider the following taxes:

1. Import Duty (Customs Tariff)

• Varies based on the country of origin and FTA participation

• Importers can enjoy preferential duty rates if they present a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O Form)

2. Value-Added Tax (VAT)

• A 10% VAT is applied to most imported cosmetic products, including lipsticks

Preferential Import Duty by Country of Origin

To benefit from reduced import tariffs, your lipstick shipment must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O). Below is a breakdown of preferential import duties under key FTAs:

Reminder: Preferential rates are not automatic. Ensure your shipment includes a valid C/O with the correct format and country code.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures

Once your Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) is approved by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), you are legally allowed to proceed with the customs clearance process for importing lipsticks into Vietnam. Ensuring full compliance with customs regulations and submitting the correct documentation is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or shipment holds.

Standard Customs Documents Required to Import Lipsticks into Vietnam:

To successfully clear Vietnamese customs for lipstick products, importers must prepare and submit the following documents:

1. Import Customs Declaration (Electronic Form)

   • Filed through Vietnam’s VNACCS/VCIS system (National Single Window)

2. Commercial Invoice

   • Issued by the foreign supplier, clearly stating product details, quantity, unit price, and total value

3. Packing List

   • Detailing how the goods are packed, including quantity per carton, gross/net weight, and dimensions

4. Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)

   • Acts as proof of shipment and is used to release the cargo at the port or airport

5. Cosmetic Product Notification Number (CPN)

   • Issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and must match the product name and description

6. Certificate of Origin (C/O) (if claiming preferential tariff)

   • Must be in the correct format (e.g., Form E, Form AK, EUR.1, CPTPP, etc.) and issued by an authorized body in the exporting country

How Long Does Lipstick Customs Clearance Take in Vietnam?

Under normal conditions, customs clearance for lipstick imports in Vietnam typically takes 1 to 3 working days, assuming:

• All documents are accurate and complete

• HS code and product classification are correct

• No additional inspection or testing is required

However, customs may extend the process if there are issues such as:

• Mismatched product names or CPN details

• Missing or invalid Certificate of Origin

• Suspicion of non-compliant ingredients or labeling

Pro tip: Work with a local customs broker or logistics provider familiar with cosmetic import procedures in Vietnam to streamline the clearance process.

4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Lipsticks

Under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 111/2021/ND-CP), all imported cosmetics must have Vietnamese-language labels before market circulation.

Imported goods may have original foreign labels, but must be supplemented with a Vietnamese sub-label upon import.

Required Label Information:

• Product name
• Brand name
• Intended uses
• Usage instructions, warnings
• List of ingredients
• Net content/volume
• Manufacturing and expiry dates
• Country of origin
• Name and address of manufacturer
• Name and address of the Cosmetic Notification Holder in Vietnam

Conclusion

Importing lipsticks into Vietnam in 2025 requires strict adherence to the latest cosmetics regulations, especially the Cosmetic Product Notification under Decree 110/2017/NĐ-CP and Circulars 29/2020/TT-BYT, proper HS classification, accurate customs documentation, and Vietnamese sub-labeling in compliance with Decree 43/2017/ND-CP.

Leveraging Vietnam’s extensive network of FTAs with valid Certificates of Origin can significantly reduce import duties and improve market competitiveness.

Need support with lipstick import procedures in Vietnam?
Green NRJ offers comprehensive services, including product notification, C/O consultation, labeling compliance, and full customs clearance support. Contact us today for tailored assistance.

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