How to Import Nail Polish into Vietnam Legally in 2025

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How to Import Nail Polish into Vietnam Legally in 2025

Struggling to import nail polish into Vietnam? Get legal steps, tax tips & CPN help in 1 place—start now!

Importing nail polish into Vietnam in 2025 offers tremendous potential for international beauty brands. As Vietnamese consumers increasingly look for quality gel lacquer, eco‑friendly formulas, and trendy colors, understanding how to import nail polish into Vietnam is vital. This article covers every aspect, from Vietnam nail polish import regulations and cosmetic product notification in Vietnam to Vietnam import tax for nail polish and customs procedure for cosmetics.

Is Nail Polish Considered a Cosmetic Product in Vietnam?

Yes, nail polish is officially classified as a cosmetic product under Vietnam cosmetic product registration regulations. This means that before importing or selling it on the market, you are required to complete the cosmetic product notification in Vietnam (CPN) through the Ministry of Health’s Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) portal. Without a valid CPN registration for nail polish in Vietnam, your product cannot pass customs clearance or be legally distributed.

Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) in Vietnam

Completing the cosmetic product notification in Vietnam (CPN) is a mandatory step before importing nail polish or any other cosmetic into the country. According to current cosmetic import regulations in Vietnam, only a Vietnam-registered legal entity—such as your local distributor or a designated Vietnam cosmetic notification holder (CNH)—can legally submit the application. Foreign companies are not allowed to register CPN directly.

 Required Documents for CPN Registration:

Document Description
Online CPN Application Form Submitted via the DAV portal. Must include the product name, brand, intended use, INCI ingredient list, packaging details, country of origin, and Vietnamese importer/distributor information.
Power of Attorney (POA) Issued by the brand owner or manufacturer, authorizing the Vietnam-based cosmetic notification holder (CNH) or distributor to submit the CPN. Must be notarized and legalized, unless exempt under specific free trade agreements (FTAs).
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) Issued by the competent authority in the country of manufacture, confirming that the nail polish is legally sold in its domestic market. Required for all imported cosmetics.
INCI Ingredient List Must comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and follow the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) format.
Product Information File (PIF) Maintained by the Vietnamese applicant (distributor or CNH) for post-market surveillance. Not required at the time of CPN submission, but must be available on request.
Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) A valid business license of the Vietnamese importer or cosmetic notification holder, confirming legal status to register the product.

CPN Validity and Renewal in Vietnam

The Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for nail polish is valid for 5 years in Vietnam. To maintain legal status, the Vietnam-based distributor or cosmetic notification holder (CNH) must reapply before expiry.

HS Code and Import Tax Rates for Nail Polish in Vietnam

When importing nail polish into Vietnam, understanding the correct HS code and applicable taxes is essential to ensure smooth customs clearance for cosmetics.

  • HS Code for nail polish in Vietnam: 3304.3000 – This category includes manicure and pedicure preparations such as nail polish, nail remover, and similar products.

 Standard Import Duties (MFN Rates):

  • Most-Favored Nation (MFN) import duty: 22%

  • Value Added Tax (VAT): 10%

These rates apply when there is no applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or when a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) is not presented.

To maximize benefit, always secure the relevant certificate of origin (Form D, E, CPTPP, VJEPA, VKFTA) for FTA import duty for cosmetics in Vietnam.

Preferential Import Duty Rates Under Vietnam Free Trade Agreements

To benefit from lower tax rates when importing cosmetics, businesses must provide the appropriate C/O form under a relevant free trade agreement. Below are the preferential rates for nail polish imports from key trading partners:

Country / Region Applicable FTA C/O Form Preferential Import Duty
ASEAN ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Form D 0%
China ASEAN – China FTA (ACFTA) Form E 0%
Japan Vietnam – Japan EPA (VJEPA) Form AJ or Form VJ 0–2%
Korea Vietnam – Korea FTA (VKFTA) Form AK 5%

By utilizing these FTAs, companies can significantly reduce import tax for nail polish and improve profitability.

Vietnam Customs Procedure for Cosmetics

After successfully completing the cosmetic product notification (CPN) in Vietnam, your nail polish product becomes eligible for legal importation into the country. This approval allows you to proceed with customs clearance, in accordance with the official cosmetics import procedures in Vietnam, helping you avoid unnecessary delays or regulatory issues at the border.

Required Documents for Vietnam Cosmetic Customs Clearance:

Document Description
Import Declaration (VNACCS) Submitted electronically via the VNACCS system. Must clearly indicate HS code 3304.3000 for manicure/pedicure products.
Commercial Invoice Includes product name, description, unit price, total value, and trading parties.
Packing List Details the quantity, weight, and dimensions of each shipment item.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB) Serves as the official transport document. Required for all shipments by sea or air.
CPN Certificate Issued by the Ministry of Health, proving that the product is registered for cosmetic importation into Vietnam.
Certificate of Origin (C/O) Mandatory if applying preferential import tax rates under FTAs such as ATIGA, ACFTA, VJEPA, or VKFTA.

Customs Processing Timeline in Vietnam:

Scenario Estimated Time
Standard customs clearance 2–3 business days
With physical inspection or labeling issues 5–7+ business days

To avoid delays, ensure consistency across documents, especially in the product name, HS code, and importer details. Discrepancies may trigger customs review or rejection.

Labeling Requirements for Nail Polish in Vietnam

To legally import and distribute nail polish in Vietnam, the product must comply with Vietnam’s cosmetic labeling regulations. Accurate labeling is essential not only for market access but also for post-market surveillance.

The key legal frameworks governing cosmetic labeling include:

Mandatory Label Elements for Nail Polish:

Label Element Requirement
Product Name & Brand Clearly state the full commercial name and brand of the nail polish.
Intended Use For example: “Nail polish” or “Nail color cosmetic.”
Usage Instructions & Warnings Must include guidance for use and safety warnings (e.g., flammable symbol, avoid eye contact).
INCI Ingredient List Must comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients).
Net Content Metric units only (e.g., 10ml, 15ml).
MFG & EXP Dates Clearly displayed in DD/MM/YYYY format.
Batch Number Mandatory for traceability and recall if necessary.
Country of Origin State clearly, e.g., “Made in Korea”, “Made in France”.
Manufacturer Details Full name and address of the foreign manufacturer.
Local Importer / Notification Holder (CNH) Full name, address, and phone number of the Vietnamese entity responsible.
  • All required information must be in Vietnamese, either printed directly on the packaging or added via a Vietnamese translation sticker.

  • Vietnamese text must be clear, legible, and more prominent than any foreign-language content.

  • Labels must be durable and waterproof, remaining intact throughout the product’s shelf life.

Conclusion: Import Nail Polish into Vietnam Smoothly

To import nail polish into Vietnam, you must complete the cosmetic product notification (CPN), apply the correct HS code 3304.3000, and follow all Vietnam cosmetic import procedures.

Need support? Green NRJ helps foreign brands handle CPN, labeling, and customs clearance as your trusted Vietnam cosmetic notification holder (CNH).

👉 Contact Green NRJ today to ensure a fast, compliant launch in Vietnam!

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