How to Import Toothpaste into Vietnam (2025) – Full Legal Guide

Published by admin at May 22, 2025

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

Is Toothpaste Considered a Cosmetic in Vietnam?

Yes. Under current Vietnamese regulations, toothpaste is classified as a cosmetic product. Therefore, before importing toothpaste into Vietnam, the importer must complete a Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) procedure with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), which is part of the Ministry of Health (MOH). Without a valid CPN number, the product cannot be legally imported, circulated, or sold in Vietnam.

Legal Basis for Cosmetic Notification:

The key legal documents governing cosmetic notification in Vietnam include:

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: Details procedures for cosmetic product notification
Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT: Provides updates on cosmetic product registration and notification

Who Can Submit the CPN Application?

Only a Vietnamese legal entity is authorized to submit the CPN dossier. This entity can be:

A local distributor that has commercial rights to distribute the toothpaste in Vietnam, or
A Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) – a third-party service provider authorized by the foreign brand owner to handle the registration and compliance process.

Foreign companies cannot apply for CPN directly. They must appoint a CNH or partner with a Vietnamese company to complete the notification process.

Documents Required for CPN of Toothpaste:

To successfully register toothpaste as a cosmetic product in Vietnam, the following documents must be prepared and submitted online via the Vietnam Cosmetic Product Notification Portal:

Document	Description
Online CPN Form	Filled out electronically with product details such as name, intended use, presentation, manufacturer, and responsible person in Vietnam.
Power of Attorney (POA)	Issued by the brand owner or manufacturer, authorizing the Vietnamese company or CNH to act on their behalf. Must be notarized and consular legalized if issued abroad.
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)	Issued by a competent authority in the country of origin, confirming the product is legally sold there. Requires consular legalization unless exempted under an FTA.
Full Ingredient List (INCI format)	All ingredients must be listed using the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) and comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.
Product Information File (PIF)	Includes product claims, function, directions for use, packaging images, and labeling content. Not submitted upfront, but must be available for inspection.
Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)	Confirms the legal status of the Vietnamese entity acting as the CNH or importer.

2. HS Code and Import Duties for Toothpaste

HS Code Classification for Toothpaste

In Vietnam, toothpaste is classified under the following Harmonized System (HS) code:

HS Code	Description	VAT (%)	MFN Duty (%)	Normal Import Duty (%)
330610	Dentifrices (Tooth cleaning products)
33061010	– – Powders and pastes for the prevention of dental disease (SEN)	10	20	30
33061090	– – Other types	10	20	30

VAT (Value-Added Tax): Applied at a standard rate of 10% on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value.
MFN Duty (Most Favored Nation): Applied at 20% for countries under WTO commitments.
Normal Duty: 30% is applied when importing from non-WTO member countries or without trade agreement privileges.

Preferential Import Duty Rates Under FTAs

Vietnam is a member of multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), allowing for reduced or zero import duties on toothpaste imported from countries that have valid trade agreements and provide the correct Certificate of Origin (C/O).

HS Code	China	South Korea	ASEAN Countries	Japan	EU Countries	USA
33061010	0% (ACFTA) or 12% (RCEP)	0% (AKFTA or VKFTA) or 12% (RCEP)	0% (ATIGA) or 12% (RCEP)	0% (AJCEP or VJEPA) or 12.7% (RCEP)	5% (EVFTA)	20% (Preferential Import Duty)
33061090	0% (ACFTA or RCEP)	0% (AKFTA or VKFTA or RCEP)	0% (ATIGA or RCEP)	0% (AJCEP or VJEPA or RCEP)	5% (EVFTA)	20% (Preferential Import Duty)

To claim FTA duty rates, the importer must submit a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O Form E, EUR.1, AK, CPTPP, etc.) along with the customs dossier.

For example, if toothpaste is imported from Thailand (ASEAN), the import duty is 0%, while from the EU, it may range from 0–5% depending on the tariff schedule.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures for Toothpaste

Overview of Customs Clearance for Toothpaste

To legally import toothpaste into Vietnam, importers must complete customs clearance by submitting all required documents through the VNACCS/VCIS system — Vietnam’s electronic customs clearance and inspection system. This process ensures your shipment complies with Vietnamese regulations and expedites import processing.

Required Documents for Customs Clearance:

Required Documents for Customs Clearance	Description
Import Declaration Form	Must be filed electronically via the VNACCS (Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) portal, accurately detailing shipment and product information.
Commercial Invoice	Provides detailed information on the value, quantity, and description of the toothpaste shipment.
Packing List	Specifies the packaging details, including the number of cartons, units per carton, and gross/net weight.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB)	Proof of shipment issued by the carrier, evidencing ownership and shipment details.
Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) Certificate	Official approval from the Ministry of Health confirming that the toothpaste is registered as a cosmetic product in Vietnam.
Certificate of Origin (C/O)	Required to claim preferential tariff rates under applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Without a valid C/O, normal import duties apply.

Estimated Customs Clearance Timeline:

Typically, 2 to 3 business days for clearance if the shipment passes initial document checks and no physical inspection is required.
In case of random inspections or additional requests, clearance time may be extended.

Tip: Ensuring all documents are complete and accurate significantly reduces clearance delays and risks of customs penalties.

4. Labeling Requirements for Imported Toothpaste

Regulatory Framework for Toothpaste Labeling

Imported toothpaste must comply with labeling regulations under:

Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP: Governs labeling for all goods circulated in Vietnam
Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP: Amends and supplements regulations specific to imported products, including cosmetics

Failure to comply can result in shipment detention, fines, or refusal of clearance.

Mandatory Label Information on Toothpaste Packaging

All toothpaste products imported and sold in Vietnam must include clear, legible labels in Vietnamese language containing the following information:

Mandatory Label Information on Toothpaste Packaging	Description
Product Name and Brand	Clearly indicate the toothpaste name and the registered brand.
Intended Use	Clearly state the purpose of the toothpaste (e.g., for cleaning teeth, whitening, anti-cavity).
Usage Instructions and Warnings	Provide concise guidance on how to use the toothpaste safely and any necessary warnings.
Full Ingredient List (INCI Format)	List all ingredients according to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) standard.
Net Weight or Volume	Specify the exact weight or volume of the toothpaste inside the packaging.
Manufacturing Date and Expiration Date	Both dates must be clearly printed and easily visible to consumers.
Batch Number	Indicate the production batch number for traceability purposes.
Country of Origin	Indicate where the toothpaste was manufactured.
Manufacturer and Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH) Contact Information	Include the full name and address of the manufacturer as well as the CNH or local importer.

Additional Labeling Requirements:

Labels must be durable and waterproof, capable of withstanding normal handling and transportation without damage.
Labels must not obscure expiration dates, barcodes, or other mandatory information.
The text font should be clear and of sufficient size to ensure readability.

Note: If imported toothpaste packaging contains multiple languages, Vietnamese must be the most prominent.

5. Conclusion

Successfully importing toothpaste into Vietnam in 2025 requires strict compliance with Vietnamese cosmetic regulations. Key steps include:

Completing the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) registration with the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Correctly classifying the product under the appropriate HS code for accurate duty calculation.
Preparing and submitting a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) to benefit from preferential tariffs under Vietnam’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Providing full and accurate customs clearance documentation through the VNACCS system.
Ensuring all labeling requirements are met, with clear Vietnamese-language labels compliant with Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP and related regulations.

Need Professional Support?

Green NRJ specializes in supporting foreign businesses to import cosmetic products into Vietnam, including toothpaste. Our comprehensive services cover:

End-to-end CPN application and approval with the Ministry of Health.
Expert advice on HS code classification and import duty optimization.
Assistance in preparing and verifying Certificate of Origin (C/O) for FTA benefits.
Full support for customs clearance and compliance documentation.
Professional label translation, design, and regulatory compliance checks.

Contact Green NRJ today to ensure a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free toothpaste import process into Vietnam.