Penalty for Importing Cosmetics Without Notification Certificate: Complete Guide 2025

Introduction

Importing cosmetics without notification into Vietnam can lead to severe penalties, including heavy fines, product confiscation, or even suspension of operations. But what exactly are the penalties for importing cosmetics into Vietnam without a valid Product Notification Receipt? Many businesses are unsure about the exact legal consequences, which can include heavy fines, product confiscation, or suspension of operations.

In this article, Green NRJ will walk you through the legal requirements, explain why cosmetic product notification is mandatory, outline the penalties for non-compliance, and show you how to avoid risks in 2025.

Why Cosmetic Product Notification Is Mandatory in Vietnam

Under Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT, together with its amendments in Decree 155/2018/ND-CP and Circular 29/2020/TT-BYT, no cosmetic product can be imported or distributed in Vietnam without first obtaining a valid Product Notification Receipt (Announcement Number) from the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV), Ministry of Health. This number serves as official authorization, and the company that holds it is fully responsible for the product’s safety, quality, and intended use in the Vietnamese market.

The notification procedure is not simply an administrative formality. It ensures that all cosmetics comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, including ingredient restrictions, concentration limits, and labeling requirements.

Vietnamese customs authorities will not permit cosmetics to be imported or distributed unless the importer presents the Product Notification Receipt. Without this document, shipments may be delayed at customs, refused entry, or even confiscated.

Penalties for Importing Cosmetics Without Notification

The penalties for importing cosmetics without a valid Product Notification Receipt are now governed by Decree No. 98/2020/ND-CP, as amended by Decree No. 17/2022/ND-CP. This new legislation has replaced the outdated Decree No. 176/2013/ND-CP and introduced significantly stricter penalties:

Fines are no longer fixed but are tiered based on the value of the non-compliant goods.

1. Administrative Fines

Fines for trading in smuggled cosmetics, products of unknown origin, or products with an expired notification receipt are calculated based on the value of the infringing goods. The following rates apply to individuals:

• For goods valued under VND 3,000,000: a fine from VND 1,000,000 to VND 2,000,000.
• For goods valued from VND 3,000,000 to under VND 5,000,000: a fine from VND 2,000,000 to VND 4,000,000.
• For goods valued from VND 5,000,000 to under VND 10,000,000: a fine from VND 4,000,000 to VND 6,000,000.
• For goods valued from VND 10,000,000 to under VND 20,000,000: a fine from VND 6,000,000 to VND 10,000,000.
• The fines continue to scale up with the value of the goods, reaching a maximum of VND 200,000,000 for individuals.

Important Note: The fines for organizations (such as companies and businesses) are double the amounts listed above.

2. Additional Sanctions

Beyond monetary fines, authorities will impose other direct legal penalties, including:

• Confiscation of Goods: All infringing cosmetic products will be seized.
• Suspension of Business Activities: The company may have its business license and operations related to cosmetics suspended for a designated period.

3. Broader Business Impacts

The long-term damage from non-compliance often outweighs the immediate fines:

• Reputational Damage: Losing the trust of consumers and partners is difficult to regain.
• Increased Scrutiny: Future shipments will likely face significant delays due to heightened inspection.
• Financial Loss: Businesses suffer from the inability to sell confiscated products and the costs associated with resolving legal issues.

How to Avoid Penalties: Compliance Checklist

To ensure smooth market entry and avoid penalties, businesses should:

1. Submit a Product Notification Dossier to the DAV before importing.

2. Accurately declare product ingredients according to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

3. Maintain the Product Notification Receipt for customs clearance and inspections.

4. Ensure all labels meet Vietnamese requirements, including full ingredient list in INCI format.

5. Partner with a reliable local service provider such as Green NRJ to act as Cosmetic Notification Holder and manage the entire process compliantly.

Conclusion 

Importing cosmetics without a valid notification in Vietnam carries severe legal consequences, including fines that can reach hundreds of millions of VND, confiscation of products, and suspension of operations.. To protect your business and reputation, every cosmetic product must have a valid Product Notification Receipt before importation or sale.

At Green NRJ, we specialize in cosmetic product declaration services in Vietnam, helping international brands navigate legal requirements quickly and compliantly. For more details on how to import cosmetics into Vietnam and ensure compliance, visit Green NRJ’s Cosmetic Importation Services.

Contact Green NRJ  today to secure your product notification and enter the Vietnamese cosmetics market with confidence.

Complying with import regulations not only helps you avoid penalties but also ensures that your products meet health safety standards and quality expectations. To protect your business interests, ensure every cosmetic product has a valid Product Notification Receipt before import or sale.