Penalty for Importing Cosmetics Without Notification Certificate: Complete Guide 2026

Introduction

What will be the penalties for importing cosmetics without notification into Vietnam in 2026? Will businesses only face fines or more serious legal risks? In reality, many businesses are still unclear about the regulations regarding product notification before bringing goods to market. In this article, Green NRJ will delve into current legal regulations, clarify specific penalties, and guide you on how to comply with the regulations to avoid unnecessary risks.

Cosmetic Product Notification: An Indispensable Requirement When Importing

In Vietnam, the notification of cosmetic products is not a mere formality but a mandatory requirement before a product can be marketed. According to Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and its most recent amendments, Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT, all imported cosmetic products must have a Notification Certificate issued by the Drug Administration of Vietnam.

This Notification Certificate acts as a legal “passport” for the product on the market. The entity making the notification is responsible for the quality, safety, and intended use of the product. This helps regulatory agencies closely monitor factors related to consumer health.

Furthermore, the notification process ensures that the product complies with common ASEAN standards. Without this step, goods have virtually no chance of being cleared through customs and may even be subject to immediate penalties at the border.

Penalties for Importing Cosmetics Without Notification

Violations related to cosmetics, including the failure to notify products, are currently governed by Decree 117/2020/ND-CP and its amendments, as well as Decree 124/2021/ND-CP.

Specifically, if a business brings cosmetics to market without a valid product notification certificate, it will be subject to quite severe administrative penalties. Individual violators will be fined from 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 VND. For organizations, the fine will double, ranging from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 VND.

It is noteworthy that this penalty level does not depend on the size of the shipment. Regardless of the quantity, as long as the product notification form is missing, the business will still be subject to the prescribed penalty.

Beyond Fines: The Consequences Businesses Often Underestimate

In reality, fines are only the most visible part. When violating regulations, businesses face many long-term consequences. Authorities may suspend the cosmetics business for 3 to 6 months. This means the entire business plan is disrupted, and cash flow is directly affected.

In addition, the infringing products will be recalled and destroyed. The costs incurred from handling, storing, transporting, or destroying the goods are all borne by the business. Not to mention, stricter inspections on subsequent shipments are almost certain.

More importantly, brand reputation can be affected long-term. Once trust from partners and customers is shaken, restoring it will take much more time and cost significantly more than complying from the start.

How Businesses Can Proactively Avoid Risks

To avoid penalties, preparing the notification dossier from the outset is essential. The dossier must be submitted and approved before the goods are imported into Vietnam. During the process, businesses need to pay special attention to declaring ingredients correctly according to regulations, ensuring compliance with the ASEAN list. Product labels must also display complete information, especially the ingredient list according to international standards.

Keeping complete notification certificate is necessary for inspection and customs clearance. However, not all businesses have enough experience to correctly and completely carry out these steps. That is also why many brands choose to partner with Green NRJ. With experience in the field of cosmetic product notification in Vietnam, Green NRJ will support businesses from the preparation of dossiers, processing procedures to the completion of the notification, helping to save time and minimize errors.

Conclusion 

Importing cosmetics without proper notification in Vietnam in 2026 will not only result in fines of up to VND 60,000,000 for businesses but also lead to many consequences such as product recalls and business suspension. To avoid these risks, completing all cosmetic notification procedures is mandatory. Green NRJ will accompany businesses throughout the entire process, from consultation to document completion, helping you bring your products to market legally and safely. Contact Green NRJ today for quick and effective support.