Nowadays, the demand for imported goods as well as the export of domestic goods from Vietnam to foreign countries is relatively high. However, many businesses often encounter difficulties in completing customs procedures for importing and exporting goods. So, what are these customs procedures? How are they carried out? Let's find out together!

What are customs procedures for importing and exporting goods?

Customs procedures for importing and exporting goods are quite complex.

These are regulations, procedures, and necessary documents for importing or exporting goods from abroad into Vietnam and from Vietnam to foreign countries. Import and export procedures are specifically regulated under the Commercial Law, Customs Law, and related implementing documents.

Purposes of import and export regulations

The import procedures aim to:

• Control, management of goods imported, exported goods, ensure the goods meet the rules of the law on quality, safety, hygiene, environmental protection.
• Protect the rights of consumers, business production in the country and abroad.
• Facilitate favorable conditions for international trade activities.

Entities subject to import and export regulations

Import and export procedures apply to all individuals and organizations that need to import goods from abroad into Vietnam or export goods from Vietnam to foreign countries.

Process and procedures for importing and exporting goods

The import procedures include the following steps:

Step 1: Export preparation

• Identify the goods for import and export.
• Market research
• Find suppliers
• Negotiation and signing of the contract of sale
• Establish an import and export plan

Step 2: Determine goods classification

Classification of goods according to The list of goods exported and imported, Vietnam

Step 3: Determine applicable taxes and fees such as:

Import duties, export duties, value-added tax, special consumption tax, customs fees.

Declare customs declarations, pay taxes, and clear customs.

Step 4: Necessary documents

To carry out import procedures, importers need to prepare the following documents:

• Import license (if available)
• Certificate of origin of goods
• Inspection certificate
• Packing list
• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Import duties and fees

Note on importing goods

Research carefully the legal regulations on exporting and importing goods.

Thoroughly understand the legal regulations on exporting and importing goods to avoid penalties.

Before exporting or importing goods, businesses need to learn the legal regulations on import and export commodity of Vietnam and the country import or export. 

This will help the business avoid the legal risks and ensure the goods to be imported and exported in a legal way.

Correctly identify goods and HS codes

Items and HS code is the important information to calculate taxes, fees and other fees related to import and export goods. 

Businesses need to correctly identify the goods and HS codes to ensure accuracy in the customs declaration process.

Prepare complete and necessary documents

To be able to export or import goods, businesses need to prepare adequate records and documents required under the provisions of the law. 

The records and documents will be used for customs clearance and made the procedure of export and import goods.

Choose reputable suppliers or partners

For export operations, enterprises need to choose a reputable supplier to ensure the goods quality and delivery time. 

For import operations, businesses need to choose reputable partners to ensure the goods quality and reasonable price.

Choose suitable transport methods

Modes of transport will affect the cost, duration and risk of operation export and import goods. Businesses need to choose the method of transportation in accordance with the requirements of the goods and conditions of business.

Participate in cargo insurance

Participation in cargo insurance will help businesses minimize risk in case of damaged goods, loss or lost in the shipping process.

Inspect goods before exporting or importing

Enterprises need to carefully check goods before export or import to make sure the goods meet the quality requirements, standards, and rule of law.

Monitor the status of goods during transportation

It is necessary to closely monitor the condition of goods during transportation.

Businesses need to monitor the status of goods during transportation to promptly address any arising issues.

Pay export and import taxes and fees

Business need pay the tax fee, import and export according to the rule of law.

Prepare export and import reports

Businesses need reports export and import according to the rule of law.

In addition, businesses should pay attention to some issues after exporting or importing goods:

Calculate export and import costs

Business need the calculated cost of export and import to ensure operation export and import with interest.

Ensure security and safety for goods

Businesses need to ensure security and safety for the goods during transport and storage.

Implementation of the provisions on protection of the environment: Business needed to carry out the provisions on protection of environment in the process of export and import goods.

Which company should you choose to handle import and export procedures?

HNT – export company for cargo is more customer trust