How to Import Shampoo into Vietnam (2025): Step-by-Step Guide

Importing shampoo into Vietnam in 2025 presents a lucrative opportunity for international shampoo brands, personal care manufacturers, and global distributors. With Vietnam’s rapidly expanding urban middle class, increasing demand for premium hair care products, and the growth of e-commerce, the country is becoming a key destination for imported shampoo.

However, to import shampoo into Vietnam legally and efficiently, businesses must comply with Vietnam’s regulatory framework. This includes obtaining a Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN), determining the correct HS code, fulfilling labeling requirements, paying applicable import duties and taxes, and completing customs clearance procedures.

In this 2025 step-by-step guide, we provide a detailed overview of all legal requirements and procedures for importing shampoo into Vietnam — from product registration to labeling regulations and import tax rates — to help you enter the Vietnamese market smoothly and compliantly.

Table of Contents

• 1. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Shampoo in Vietnam
• 2. HS Code and Import Duties for Shampoo
• 3. Customs Clearance Procedures for Shampoo
• 4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Shampoo
• 5. Conclusion

1. Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Shampoo in Vietnam

Before importing or distributing shampoo products in Vietnam, businesses must complete the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) process with the Ministry of Health (MOH). This is a mandatory legal requirement under Vietnamese cosmetic regulations for all imported and domestic cosmetic products, including hair care items like shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatments.

Why is CPN Required?

The CPN process is essential to ensure that imported shampoos comply with Vietnamese laws regarding:

• Consumer safety and product quality

• Proper labeling and language requirements

• Permitted cosmetic ingredients under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive

Without a valid CPN number, imported shampoo will be denied customs clearance and cannot be legally distributed or sold in Vietnam.

Legal Basis

The legal framework governing the cosmetic product notification process in Vietnam includes:

• Decree No. 110/2017/NĐ-CP – Governs the management of cosmetics and outlines MOH authority

• Circular No. 29/2020/TT-BYT – Provides detailed procedures and document requirements for CPN applications

• Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT – Supplements and updates regulations on cosmetic product notification and importation

Who Can Apply for CPN?

Only a Vietnamese legal entity is allowed to act as the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) and submit the shampoo notification dossier to the MOH.

Eligible CNH entities include:

• A Vietnamese distributor or domestic trading company

• A foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) legally registered to trade in cosmetics

• A licensed third-party representative, such as a local compliance service provider

Foreign manufacturers or exporters cannot directly apply for a CPN without appointing a local Vietnamese CNH.

CNH Responsibilities

The CNH is fully responsible for regulatory compliance during and after the importation process. Key obligations include:

• Ensuring shampoo products meet all ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and MOH standards

• Maintaining full technical documentation, safety assessments, and related records

• Verifying labeling compliance (e.g. Vietnamese language, correct claims, no banned ingredients)

• Cooperating with Vietnamese authorities in the event of a market recall, inspection, or complaint

Required Documents for Shampoo CPN

To submit a complete and valid CPN dossier for shampoo in Vietnam, the following documents are required:

Validity of the CPN Certificate for Shampoo

Once approved, the Cosmetic Product Notification for shampoo in Vietnam is:

• Valid for 5 years from the date of approval

• Reusable for multiple shipments of the same product during its validity period

• Must be re-applied if there are any changes to product name, formula, packaging, or usage

2. HS Code and Import Duties for Shampoo

Accurate classification of shampoo products under the Harmonized System (HS) Code is a crucial step when importing shampoo into Vietnam. The correct HS code not only ensures smooth customs clearance, but also determines the applicable import tax rates, including Value-Added Tax (VAT), Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty, and preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Suggested HS Code

Note: The HS codes and tax rates provided above are for informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Always verify with the latest official regulations before importing.

Importance of Correct HS Classification

Misclassifying shampoo under an incorrect HS code can lead to:

• Customs delays

• Fines or back taxes

• Incorrect tax calculation

• Inability to access preferential tariff rates under FTAs

Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to work with an experienced customs broker or import consultant to ensure proper classification.

Preferential Tariff Rates

Vietnam is part of multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that provide reduced import duty rates for shampoo products, provided a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) is submitted.

To apply preferential tariff rates, importers must submit a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O Form E, AK, D, EUR.1, etc.) at the time of customs clearance.

Key Notes on Shampoo Import Taxation

• VAT for shampoo imports in Vietnam is consistently 10%, regardless of origin.

• MFN rates apply to WTO members without specific FTAs.

• General duty rates apply to non-FTA and non-WTO countries or in cases of missing documents.

• FTA rates only apply if documentation is valid and submitted on time.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures for Shampoo

After successfully obtaining the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) certificate, companies can legally import shampoo products into Vietnam. However, all imported shampoos must still undergo the strict customs clearance procedures governed by Vietnamese customs authorities.

Documents Required

To ensure a smooth customs clearance process for shampoo imports, prepare and submit the following key documents:

Estimated Timeline

Note: Shampoo is generally classified as low-risk goods by Vietnamese customs, but authorities still carefully review:

• Proper HS code classification

• Label compliance, including language and content

• Alcohol content in the formula (if applicable)

4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Shampoo

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 shampoo into Vietnam in 2025 requires careful planning, legal registration through CPN, proper HS code classification, customs clearance, and full labeling compliance. Following these steps can help foreign brands tap into Vietnam’s growing demand for hair care products.

Working with a licensed Vietnamese importer or cosmetic consultant is often the most efficient way to ensure compliance and reduce risk.

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