How to Effectively Import Whitening Cream into Vietnam in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide for Global Brands

Import Whitening Cream into Vietnam in 2025 is an increasingly attractive move for foreign skincare and cosmetic brands seeking entry into Southeast Asia’s booming beauty market. As Vietnamese consumers grow more focused on achieving radiant, even-toned skin, whitening creams have become a staple in daily skincare routines for both women and men. Today, whitening products dominate cosmetic sales across retail stores, beauty clinics, and online platforms throughout the country.

Yet, before foreign brands exporting to Vietnam can access this market, they must fully comply with Vietnam cosmetic import regulations. The import procedure for cosmetics in Vietnam involves strict steps, including cosmetic notification Vietnam (CPN), proper HS code classification, customs clearance, and meeting all labeling requirements for cosmetics in Vietnam, in accordance with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and Vietnamese law on whitening cream.

Is Whitening Cream a Cosmetic Product Under Vietnam Cosmetic Regulations?

Yes. According to Vietnam cosmetic regulations, whitening creams are officially classified as cosmetic products. This means that all products designed to be applied externally to enhance skin tone, texture, or brightness—such as:

• Whitening face creams

• Tone-up creams

• Brightening moisturizers

• Night creams with whitening effects

—are regulated under the same legal framework as other imported cosmetics.

For companies looking to import Whitening Cream into Vietnam, this classification carries important legal responsibilities. Every product must complete the cosmetic notification Vietnam process—also known as whitening cream registration in Vietnam—with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). Without a valid CPN number, the product cannot be legally imported, distributed, or sold in Vietnam, regardless of SPF content, ingredients, or country of origin.

This is a critical step in the import procedure for cosmetics in Vietnam, especially for foreign brands exporting to Vietnam that must comply with both Vietnam cosmetic import regulations and CFDA / ASEAN Cosmetic Directive compliance.

Note: Failing to meet CPN requirements may result in denied customs clearance, penalties, or product recalls—making full regulatory compliance essential for accessing the growing whitening cream market in Vietnam.

Legal Basis for Importing Whitening Cream into Vietnam in 2025

To import whitening cream into Vietnam in full compliance with Vietnam cosmetic import regulations 2025, businesses must strictly follow key legal documents that govern the import procedure for cosmetics in Vietnam. These 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: This circular provides detailed guidance on the whitening cream registration in Vietnam through the Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) system, specifying the application steps and dossier documentation needed.

• Circular No. 32/2019/TT-BYT: Updates the validity period of cosmetic notifications and strengthens regulations on post-market surveillance and labeling requirements for cosmetics in Vietnam to ensure ongoing compliance.

Following these regulations is essential for foreign brands exporting to Vietnam to navigate the legal landscape and successfully access the growing whitening cream market in Vietnam.

Who Can Apply for Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) for Whitening Cream in Vietnam?

To import whitening cream into Vietnam, only a Vietnamese legal entity can apply for the cosmetic notification Vietnam on behalf of foreign brands. There are two types of eligible applicants under Vietnam cosmetic import regulations 2025:

• Vietnamese Distributor: A company legally registered in Vietnam, authorized to import and distribute whitening cream products within the Vietnamese market.

• Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH): A third-party legal entity in Vietnam appointed to act as the brand’s regulatory representative and handle the whitening cream registration in Vietnam.

Important: Foreign brands exporting to Vietnam cannot apply for CPN themselves. They must appoint either a Vietnamese distributor or CNH via a notarized and legalized Power of Attorney (POA), in compliance with Vietnamese law on whitening cream.

Why Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) Is Mandatory to Import Whitening Cream into Vietnam?

Obtaining a valid CPN issued by the Ministry of Health is the essential first step in the import procedure for cosmetics in Vietnam. Without a valid Cosmetic Product Notification, whitening cream products cannot be:

• Legally imported through customs

• Advertised or promoted in Vietnam

• Distributed in retail stores or on online platforms

Importing whitening creams without a valid CPN leads to serious consequences under Vietnam cosmetic regulations 2025, including:

• Customs rejection or seizure of goods

• Administrative fines for non-compliance

• Possible suspension or revocation of business licenses

Ensuring compliance with CFDA / ASEAN Cosmetic Directive compliance and meeting all required documents for cosmetic import into Vietnam safeguards foreign brands exporting to Vietnam and facilitates smooth market entry into the lucrative whitening cream market in Vietnam.

CPN Application Checklist: Required Documents to Import Whitening Cream into Vietnam

To legally import whitening cream into Vietnam, foreign brands must partner with a Vietnamese legal entity to complete the cosmetic notification Vietnam process through the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV). This procedure is a vital step under Vietnam cosmetic import regulations.

Required Documents for Cosmetic Import into Vietnam:

Tip: All submitted documents must match exactly in brand name, product name, and ingredient list to avoid delays or rejections.

HS Code and Import Duty for Whitening Cream in Vietnam

Under Vietnamese law on whitening cream, the typical HS Code used for whitening creams in cream or lotion form is:

Note: The above HS Code and import duties are for reference only and may vary depending on specific product classification and customs regulations at the time of import.

Reduce Import Duties with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Vietnam’s participation in multiple FTAs can significantly lower the import tax on cosmetics in Vietnam, especially if a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) is presented at customs. This makes how to import cosmetics into Vietnam more cost-efficient.

Examples of FTA Tariffs for Whitening Cream:

Customs Clearance Process to Import Whitening Cream into Vietnam

Once the cosmetic notification Vietnam (CPN) is approved, the next critical step in the import procedure for cosmetics in Vietnam is customs clearance. To successfully import whitening cream into Vietnam, the shipment must go through the VNACCS/VCIS customs system using accurate documentation that proves product compliance and origin.

Required Documents for Cosmetic Import into Vietnam:

Estimated Customs Clearance Time in Vietnam:

Vietnamese Labeling Requirements for Whitening Cream

To sell whitening cream in Vietnam, the product must meet strict labeling requirements for cosmetics in Vietnam, as outlined in the Vietnamese law on whitening cream and the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). Proper labeling is also a key part of post-market compliance under Vietnam cosmetic regulations 2025.

Mandatory Label Elements:

Conclusion

Successfully importing whitening cream into Vietnam in 2025 requires foreign brands and their local partners to follow strict cosmetic regulatory procedures. To ensure full compliance with Vietnam cosmetic regulations 2025, companies must:

• Complete Cosmetic Product Notification (CPN) with the Ministry of Health (MOH)

• Use the correct HS Code 33049930 to determine the applicable import tax on cosmetics in Vietnam

• Secure a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) to enjoy FTA tariff benefits

• Submit all required documents for cosmetic import into Vietnam via the VNACCS customs system

• Ensure product packaging meets all labeling requirements for cosmetics in Vietnam and the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive compliance standards

Foreign companies planning to bring whitening creams into Vietnam must ensure that all regulatory procedures, including product notification and import execution, are carried out through a registered Vietnamese entity.

Need Expert Help to Import Whitening Cream into Vietnam?

At Green NRJ, we specialize in supporting foreign brands exporting to Vietnam. Our end-to-end services make your market entry simple and compliant:

• Whitening cream registration in Vietnam (CPN service)

• Cosmetic notification Vietnam compliance consulting

• HS Code classification and import tax advisory

• C/O and FTA tariff planning to lower your import duty

• Full-service customs clearance

• Product label review based on Vietnamese law on whitening cream

📩 Contact Green NRJ today for a customized consultation. Let us help you enter the growing whitening cream market in Vietnam with speed, efficiency, and regulatory confidence.