Import Supplemented Food in Vietnam and Confidently Distribute Them: Complete 2025 Guide

Import supplemented food in Vietnam requires careful understanding of the country’s strict regulations and legal requirements. With a growing health-conscious population, the demand for dietary supplements is booming, making it essential for businesses to navigate import procedures correctly. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you successfully import and distribute supplemented food in Vietnam while ensuring full compliance with local laws.

1. What Are Supplemented Food?

Supplemented foods are defined by Vietnamese law as regular foods that have been fortified with additional micronutrients (like vitamins, minerals) or other beneficial substances (like amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, or other bioactive compounds) to enhance their nutritional value. These are still fundamentally everyday food products, not intended for therapeutic claims.

Supplemented Foods vs. Medicines

It is essential to differentiate supplemented food from medicines. While medicines are designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases, supplemented food are meant to support general health and well-being. They cannot claim to cure or treat medical conditions. Certain supplements containing high-dose vitamins, hormones, or herbal extracts with medicinal effects may be classified as pharmaceuticals, requiring additional approvals. Mislabeling or making false medical claims can result in strict penalties under Vietnamese law.

2. Understanding Vietnam’s Regulations on Supplemented Food

Before importing and selling supplemented food in Vietnam, it is crucial to understand the country’s legal requirements. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and and local Food Safety Management Authorities regulate supplemented food under the Law on Food Safety (Law No. 55/2010/QH12) and Decree No. 15/2018/NĐ-CP.

Key Regulatory Requirements:

• Product Registration/ Self-Declaration of Products: All supplemented foods must undergo self-declaration of products with the competent local Food Safety Management Authority before distribution.
• Compliance with Labeling Laws: Labels must be in Vietnamese and include details such as ingredients, usage instructions, and expiration date.
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Compliance for Facility: While not a direct product-level requirement for supplemented foods, the manufacturing facility must adhere to general food safety and hygiene standards, which often align with GMP principles for quality production.
• Advertising Regulations: Any health claims must be approved by the authorities and comply with specific advertising laws for food products.
• Import and Distribution Licenses: Companies must obtain the necessary business licenses allowing for import and distribution activities before bringing products into Vietnam.

3. Steps to Import and Distribute Supplemented Food into Vietnam

To successfully import and distribute supplemented food in Vietnam, follow these three key steps:

Step 1: Establish a Legal Business Entity

Foreign investors must set up a legally recognized trading company before importing and distributing supplemented food. This process involves:

• Registering a business: Obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) from the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).
• Determining the business structure: Choose between a 100% foreign-owned company or a joint venture with a local partner.
• Appointing a legal representative: This individual must be a Vietnamese resident or hold a valid work permit and visa.
• Setting up an office: A virtual or physical address is required during registration.
• Defining capital investment: A foreign-owned trading company typically needs a minimum capital of $10,000 – $50,000, depending on its scale and business activities.

A wholesale trading company can sell products to other businesses (B2B). However, to sell directly to consumers (B2C), a Retail License from the Department of Industry and Trade is required.

Step 2: Import Supplemented Food in Vietnam

Once the business entity is established, you can start importing supplemented food by following these steps:

Identify the Correct HS Code

Supplemented Food are generally classified under various HS Codes depending on their base food type (e.g., dairy products, cereal preparations, beverages). While HS Code 210690 is a general category for “food preparations not elsewhere specified,” you’ll need to identify the most specific HS Code for your particular supplemented food product to ensure compliance with import regulations and determine applicable taxes.

Conduct Product Testing and Prepare Self-Declaration Dossier

All supplemented foods must be tested to ensure they meet Vietnamese food safety standards before importation.

• Develop testing indicators: These include mandatory safety indicators (e.g., heavy metals, microorganisms) and quality indicators related to the added nutrients.
• Send samples for testing: Use laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Health or ISO 17025 accredited laboratories.
• Receive testing results: Ensure results are valid (within 12 months).

After testing, compile the self-declaration dossier, which includes:

• The Self-Declaration Form (Form 01, Appendix I of Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP).
• Product testing results.
• Business Registration Certificate.
• Sample label.
• For imported products, any foreign-language documents should be translated into Vietnamese and notarized. While a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) is not strictly mandatory for self-declaration, providing it can add credibility.

Submit the Self-Declaration Dossier

Submit your complete dossier to the competent local Food Safety Management Authority (such as the Provincial Department of Health or Provincial Food Safety Board) where your company is located. The authority will review the dossier. If complete and compliant, they will accept your self-declaration.

Customs Clearance Process

After your product’s self-declaration of products has been accepted by the local authority, importers can proceed with customs clearance:

• Submit an application for customs clearance.
• Provide required documents, including invoices, packing lists, Certificates of Origin (COO), and Bills of Lading.
• Present the Self-Declaration Form (which has been accepted by the local authority) or proof of its submission.
• Undergo random customs inspections (if selected for “Red Line” clearance, which involves physical checks).

Customs clearance typically takes two business days, but additional inspections may cause delays.

Step 3: Distribute Imported Supplemented Food

After successfully importing supplemented food, businesses can distribute them through various channels:

Wholesale Distribution

Wholesale operations allow B2B sales to pharmacies, health stores, and wellness centers.

Retail Sales (B2C)

To sell directly to consumers, businesses must:

• Obtain a Retail License from the Department of Industry and Trade.
• Submit a business plan outlining operations, financial strategies, and liquidity management.
• Provide tax clearance documentation if the company is over one year old.

The Retail License process takes approximately 10 business days but may extend up to three months due to additional document requests.

E-commerce & Digital Marketing

Selling through e-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Tiki) and social media (Facebook, Zalo, TikTok) is a popular strategy in Vietnam. However, all advertisements must comply with Vietnam’s strict marketing and labeling regulations.

Retail Store Setup Considerations

For businesses looking to establish a physical store, consider:

• Selecting high-traffic locations such as shopping malls or health districts.
• Ensuring store compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Training staff on product knowledge and regulatory compliance.

4. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Regulatory Compliance

Navigating complex regulations can be challenging. Partnering with a local consultant or legal expert can help ensure full compliance with self-declaration of products procedures and other requirements.

Market Competition

The Vietnamese supplement market is highly competitive. Differentiating your product through quality, branding, and pricing is crucial.

Consumer Trust & Awareness

Vietnamese consumers are becoming more discerning about health products. Providing transparent information and third-party testing results can build trust.

Supply Chain & Logistics

Ensuring a smooth supply chain involves:

• Partnering with reliable logistics providers.
• Managing inventory efficiently to avoid shortages or overstocking.
• Complying with import tax regulations.

5. Conclusion

The food supplement industry in Vietnam offers significant opportunities for importers and distributors. By understanding regulatory requirements, optimizing distribution channels, and ensuring compliance with marketing laws, businesses can successfully tap into this growing market.

If you’re ready to enter Vietnam’s booming food supplement market, our expert team can help you navigate regulations, streamline imports, and set up distribution channels efficiently. Contact us today to get started!

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