How to Import Perfume into Vietnam in 2026: Procedures, Requirements Proven Guide

Introduction

What are the procedures to Import Perfume into Vietnam in 2026, which documents are required, and what regulations must be followed to ensure smooth customs clearance? These are common questions for businesses entering the Vietnamese market with fragrance products. In this article, we walk you through the full process to import perfume into Vietnam, from cosmetic product notification and HS code classification to customs procedures and labeling requirements under current regulations.

Cosmetic Product Notification – A Mandatory Step Before Importing

Before proceeding with import procedures, businesses need to complete the cosmetic product notification for perfumes. This is a prerequisite; without this step, the goods will not be able to clear customs. It’s important to note that only businesses with legal entities in Vietnam are allowed to make the notification. Therefore, foreign brands usually have to go through an importer or an authorized domestic entity. The entity making the notification will be responsible for all product information on the market, including updating records, handling inspection requests, and ensuring the declared content is consistent with actual circulation. After receiving the acceptance number, this result is valid for 5 years and can be used for multiple imports if there are no changes related to the product.

HS Code and Import Duties for Perfume in Vietnam

When importing perfume into Vietnam, getting the HS code right is not something you want to guess. It directly affects how much tax you pay and whether your shipment can benefit from preferential tariffs under trade agreements.

In practice, perfume is commonly classified under HS code 33030000. With this classification, the value-added tax (VAT) is 10%, while the standard import duty (MFN) is around 18%. If the shipment does not qualify for preferential treatment, the general duty rate can go up to 27%.

That said, these rates are not always fixed. Vietnam participates in multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and if your goods meet the rules of origin, the import duty can be reduced significantly.

The key to unlocking these lower duty rates lies in the Certificate of Origin (C/O). This document must be issued by a competent authority in the exporting country and clearly confirm where the product is made. More importantly, the details on the C/O—such as the HS code and product description—must match what is declared to customs. Even small inconsistencies can lead to the rejection of preferential treatment.

In real-world cases, many importers end up paying higher duties simply because the C/O is missing, submitted late, or contains mismatched information. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to double-check all documents before shipment and make sure the format of the C/O aligns with the relevant FTA (for example, EUR.1, Form D, or Form AK).

If there is any uncertainty about classification, working with a customs consultant or requesting an official HS code ruling in advance can save time and prevent unnecessary costs later on.

Customs Procedures for Imported Perfumes

After completing the cosmetic product notification, businesses can proceed with opening the customs declaration and carrying out customs procedures to bring the goods in. At this step, the most important thing is that the dossier must be complete and the information between the documents must match.

Typically, when importing perfume, businesses need to prepare the following documents: electronic customs declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, the issued cosmetic product notification number, and certificate of origin if they want to apply preferential tax rates.

Regarding processing time, if the dossier is clear and without errors, goods are usually cleared within 1-3 working days. However, if the declaration is classified into the inspection channel (yellow or red), the business may have to provide additional documents or wait for physical inspection of the goods, which will prolong the process.

In reality, many shipments are delayed due to minor but significant errors, such as incorrect HS codes or inconsistent product descriptions between the declaration form and other documents. For perfumes, because they contain alcohol, customs authorities sometimes conduct additional checks on the ingredients to ensure they do not fall under the category of goods subject to special management regulations.

To mitigate risks, businesses should carefully review all documents before declaration, ensuring consistency of information and working with customs declaration agencies experienced in the cosmetics industry. This helps expedite the customs clearance process and avoid unnecessary costs.

Labeling Regulations for Imported Perfumes

Before being released to the market, perfume products must have complete labels in accordance with regulations. The label content must be in Vietnamese and include basic information such as product name, uses, ingredients, instructions for use, volume, production date, expiration date, information of the responsible party, information of the manufacturer, and warnings when using the product.

In cases where the product already has an original label in a foreign language, the business must still add a supplementary label in Vietnamese. This label must be affixed directly to the packaging and must not obscure important information. Proper labeling not only ensures the product is allowed to circulate but also reduces the risk of penalties during post-customs clearance inspections.

Conclusion

Importing perfumes into Vietnam in 2026 requires strict compliance from cosmetic product notification, HS code determination, customs procedures to product labeling. With proper preparation and adherence to regulations, businesses can shorten customs clearance time and minimize unnecessary complications.

If you need assistance importing perfumes into Vietnam, Green NRJ provides a comprehensive service package from cosmetic product declaration, origin certification consulting, HS code determination to customs clearance support and label inspection. Contact Green NRJ for specific advice tailored to your individual case.