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Importing sunscreen into Vietnam in 2025 offers a valuable growth opportunity for international skincare and cosmetic companies. As Vietnamese consumers grow increasingly aware of the harmful effects of UV rays, sun protection has become a critical step in their daily skincare routines—especially in Vietnam’s hot, humid, and high-UV tropical climate. This rising demand has made sunscreen one of the most in-demand cosmetic products across retail and e-commerce channels.
However, to import sunscreen into Vietnam legally, international brands and their local partners must comply with the country’s strict cosmetic regulations. These include completing the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) with the Ministry of Health, using the correct HS Code for sunscreen classification, preparing the required customs documentation, and following Vietnam’s cosmetic labeling laws.
Is Sunscreen Considered a Cosmetic Product in Vietnam?
Yes. According to Vietnamese cosmetic regulations, sunscreen products are classified as cosmetics — whether in the form of creams, lotions, sprays, gels, sticks, powders, or BB/CC creams with sun protection properties.
This means every sunscreen product must undergo Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health (MOH) before being imported, distributed, or sold in the Vietnamese market.
Without a valid CPN number, sunscreen products cannot be legally imported, marketed, or circulated in Vietnam.
This requirement applies regardless of the product’s SPF rating, country of origin, or formulation (e.g., chemical vs. mineral sunscreen).
Legal Basis for Importing Sunscreen into Vietnam
To import sunscreen into Vietnam in full compliance, businesses must adhere to the following key legal documents:
- 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: Provides detailed guidance on the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) process, including application format, dossier components, and online submission via the DAV portal.
- Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT: Updates regulations on CPN validity, mandatory labeling for cosmetic products (including sunscreen), and compliance inspections.
Who Can Apply for the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Sunscreen?
Under Vietnamese law, only a local Vietnamese legal entity is permitted to submit the CPN application for sunscreen products.
There are two accepted roles:
Vietnamese Distributor
A locally registered company that has been authorized by the foreign sunscreen brand to distribute the product in Vietnam.
Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH)
A third-party service provider based in Vietnam that acts as the legal representative of the foreign brand for regulatory matters. The CNH is appointed via a notarized and consular legalized Power of Attorney (POA).
Important: Foreign companies cannot directly register sunscreen products themselves.
They must either:
– Partner with a licensed Vietnamese distributor, or
– Appoint a Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) to complete the process on their behalf.
Why CPN Is Mandatory to Import Sunscreen into Vietnam
The Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) serves as the official approval from Vietnam’s Ministry of Health allowing a sunscreen product to:
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Be legally imported
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Be marketed and advertised
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Be distributed in physical and online stores
Failure to obtain a valid CPN before attempting importation can lead to:
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Customs rejection
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Fines or legal penalties
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Confiscation of goods
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Suspension of business operations
As sunscreen falls under regulated cosmetics in Vietnam, the CPN is the most critical first step for international brands planning market entry.
Required Documents to Import Sunscreen into Vietnam: CPN Application Checklist
To import sunscreen into Vietnam, all foreign products must first be registered through the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) system under the Ministry of Health (MOH), administered by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). This step ensures the sunscreen product meets all safety, labeling, and compliance requirements under Vietnamese and ASEAN cosmetic laws.
Below is the full list of documents required to complete the CPN application for sunscreen products:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Online CPN Form | Submitted via the DAV’s official CPN portal. Must include product name, brand, intended use, full ingredient list, country of origin, manufacturer, packaging type, and importer/distributor details. |
| Power of Attorney (POA) | Issued by the brand owner or manufacturer, authorizing the Vietnamese applicant (distributor or CNH) to submit the CPN on its behalf. Must be notarized and consular legalized, unless exempt under specific Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). |
| Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) | Issued by a competent authority in the country of origin, confirming that the sunscreen is legally sold and circulated in that market. |
| INCI Ingredient List | A complete ingredient list formatted according to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) using INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) standards. |
| Product Information File (PIF) | Must be kept on file in Vietnam by the local legal entity (not submitted during notification). Includes formula, safety assessments, and GMP documentation. Required during post-market inspections by the MOH. |
| Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) | The Vietnamese business license of the local applicant (importer or Cosmetic Notification Holder). Proves legal entity status in Vietnam. |
Pro Tip: All documents must be consistent with each other. Brand names, product names, and ingredient details must match exactly across the CPN form, POA, CFS, and INCI list.
HS Code and Import Duties for Sunscreen in Vietnam
To import sunscreen into Vietnam, importers must classify the product under the correct Harmonized System (HS) Code, which determines applicable import tax rates and VAT.
Most sunscreen creams and lotions fall under the following HS Code:
| HS Code | Description | VAT (%) | MFN Duty (%) | Normal Import Duty (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3304 | Cosmetic or make-up preparations and skin care preparations (excluding medicaments), including sunscreen or sun tan preparations; manicure or pedicure preparations. | |||
| 33049930 | – – – Creams and lotions for the face or other skin applications | 10% | 18% (WTO members) | 27% (non-WTO nations) |
Import Sunscreen into Vietnam at Preferential Tariff Rates Under FTAs
Vietnam is a member of multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that reduce or eliminate import duties on sunscreen products, provided that the importer submits a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) using the correct form (e.g., Form E, AK, CPTPP).
Here’s an overview of preferential import duties for sunscreen under Vietnam’s FTAs:
| Exporting Country | Import Duty on Sunscreen into Vietnam | Trade Agreement(s) |
|---|---|---|
| China | 0% or 12% | ACFTA or RCEP |
| India | 5% | AIFTA |
| United States | 18% | MFN (Most Favoured Nation – Preferential Duty) |
| ASEAN Countries | 0% or 12% | ATIGA or RCEP |
| South Korea | 5%, 0%, or 12% | AKFTA, VKFTA, or RCEP |
| Japan | 0% or 12.7% | AJCEP, VJEPA, CPTPP, or RCEP |
| United Kingdom | 5% | UKVFTA |
| European Union (EU) | 5% | EVFTA |
| Australia | 0% or 12% | AANZFTA or RCEP |
| Russia | 0% | VN-EAEUFTA |
| Canada | 0% | CPTPP |
| Mexico | 0% | CPTPP |
Tip: To benefit from these preferential tariffs, ensure the Certificate of Origin (C/O) is correctly issued and accompanies the shipment. Without a valid C/O, the full MFN or normal import duty applies.
Customs Clearance Process to Import Sunscreen into Vietnam
Once a sunscreen product has successfully obtained Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) approval, the next critical step to import sunscreen into Vietnam is completing customs clearance through the official Vietnamese electronic system: VNACCS/VCIS (Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System).
To ensure a smooth importation process, importers must prepare and submit a complete set of required documents that confirm both product compliance and shipment legitimacy.
Required Documents for Sunscreen Customs Clearance in Vietnam
| Document | Purpose & Notes |
|---|---|
| Import Declaration Form | Filed online through the VNACCS/VCIS portal. Must include the correct HS Code (3304.99.30), product description (e.g., sunscreen lotion SPF50+), CIF value, country of origin, and importer’s details. |
| Commercial Invoice | Issued by the exporter; lists unit price, total value, quantity, currency, and product description. Crucial for import tax calculation. |
| Packing List | Details product packaging specifications, number of units per carton, total volume, and net/gross weight. |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB) | Serves as proof of shipment and cargo ownership. Required for customs release. |
| CPN Certificate | Confirms that the sunscreen product has been registered with the Ministry of Health and is legally allowed for import and sale in Vietnam. |
| Certificate of Origin (C/O) | Required to claim preferential import tariffs under Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Must match the exporter’s country and be in the correct form (e.g., Form E, Form AK, CPTPP, etc.). |
Customs Clearance Timeline for Sunscreen Imports
| Scenario | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard clearance (no inspection) | 2–3 business days |
| With document clarification or physical inspection | 5–7+ business days |
Vietnamese Labeling Requirements for Imported Sunscreen
To legally distribute or sell imported sunscreen in Vietnam, products must comply with both Vietnamese labeling regulations and the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD), which Vietnam has fully adopted.
These labeling requirements are designed to ensure consumer safety, product transparency, and regulatory compliance for all imported cosmetics.
Key Legal References
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Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP – Primary regulation on goods labeling in Vietnam.
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Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP – Updates rules on imported product labeling.
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ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) – Regional framework adopted by Vietnam for cosmetics.
Mandatory Label Elements for Imported Sunscreen Products
| Label Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name & Brand | Must include full commercial name and brand (e.g., “SunSafe SPF 50+ by ABC Skincare”). |
| Intended Use | Description such as “Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection,” “Daily sunblock for face and body,” etc. |
| Usage Instructions & Warnings | Directions for use, frequency of reapplication, avoid eye contact, keep out of reach of children, etc. |
| Full Ingredient List | Listed in INCI format according to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. |
| Net Weight or Volume | Displayed in metric units (e.g., 50ml, 100g). |
| Manufacturing Date & Expiry Date | Clearly printed in day/month/year format. Both dates must be visible and legible. |
| Batch Number (Lot No.) | For product traceability in case of quality issues or recalls. |
| Country of Origin | Clearly stated (e.g., “Made in Korea”, “Made in France”). |
| Manufacturer Information | Name and address of the overseas manufacturer. |
| Vietnamese CNH information | Full name, address, and contact info of the Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) or authorized importer. |
Language & Format Rules
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All mandatory information must be in Vietnamese or displayed on a Vietnamese-language sticker.
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Vietnamese text must be the most prominent on the label.
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Labels must be durable, waterproof, and clearly legible throughout the product’s shelf life.
Tip: If labeling is incorrect or incomplete, your sunscreen shipment may be delayed or rejected at customs. Double-check compliance before shipping to avoid issues.
7. Conclusion: Import Sunscreen into Vietnam Successfully in 2025
To import sunscreen into Vietnam in 2025, international brands must follow key regulatory steps:
- Register with the Ministry of Health via Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN)
- Classify under HS Code 33049930 to determine correct import tax
- Obtain a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) to enjoy FTA tariff reductions
- Submit full customs documents through the VNACCS system (CPN, invoice, B/L, etc.)
- Ensure sunscreen labels comply with Vietnamese and ASEAN regulations
Need Help to Import Sunscreen into Vietnam?
Green NRJ offers end-to-end support:
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CPN registration
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HS code & tax advice
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C/O preparation
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Customs clearance
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Label compliance
📩 Contact Green NRJ today to streamline your sunscreen import into Vietnam’s booming skincare market.
