A-Z Guide to Cosmetics Import Procedures (Updated 2025)

Detailed instructions on how to import cosmetics into Vietnam in 2025. Step-by-step guidance on Cosmetic Product Notification, obtaining CFS, LOA, Consular Legalization, and customs clearance.

The imported cosmetics market in Vietnam is growing rapidly. However, cosmetics are subject to strict regulatory control by the Ministry of Health (Drug Administration of Vietnam), meaning that import procedures are far more complex than those for general goods.

To legally import and distribute cosmetics (such as skincare creams, lipsticks, shampoos, perfumes, etc.) in Vietnam, businesses must complete the Cosmetic Product Notification procedure.

This article provides a detailed A–Z guide to help your company import cosmetics smoothly and in full compliance with Vietnamese law.

1. Legal Framework for Cosmetics Importation

The importation and management of cosmetics in Vietnam are governed by the following key legal documents:

• ASEAN Cosmetic Harmonization Agreement (ACHD): Vietnam is a member, and all regulations follow this agreement.

• Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT: Regulation on the management of cosmetics — the most important legal basis.

• Decree 155/2018/NĐ-CP: Amends and supplements certain regulations on business conditions under the management of the Ministry of Health.

• Circular 29/2020/TT-BTC: Provides regulations on fees and charges in the field of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

• Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP (amended by Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP): Regulation on product labeling.

Cosmetics are not on the list of prohibited imports, but companies must obtain the Receipt Number of Cosmetic Product Notification issued by the Drug Administration of Vietnam before customs declaration.

2. Cosmetic Product Notification Procedure

This is the most crucial and time-consuming step — determining whether your shipment can be cleared. It must be completed before the goods arrive at the port.

• Submission platform: National Single Window (VNSW) – https://vnsw.gov.vn/

• Authority: Drug Administration of Vietnam – Ministry of Health

a. Required Documents for Cosmetic Product Notification

The importer must obtain the following documents from the foreign manufacturer or brand owner:

1. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS):

   • Issued by the competent authority in the country of manufacture.

   • Must be valid at the time of submission.

   • Must certify that the product is freely sold in the country of origin.

2. Letter of Authorization (LOA):

   • A document from the manufacturer or brand owner authorizing the Vietnamese company to act as the responsible entity for notification and market distribution.

   • Must clearly state information about both parties, product/brand name, scope, and duration of authorization.

Mandatory requirement: Both CFS and LOA must be consular legalized at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the country of issue (unless exempted under international treaties) and translated into Vietnamese with notarized translation.

3. Product Formula:

   • Specifies the percentage of each ingredient in the product.

   • Prepared by the company based on manufacturer documentation (legalization not required).

b. Online Notification Submission Process

1. Register an account on the National Single Window (VNSW) and set up company information.

2. Scan all legalized and notarized documents (CFS, LOA).

3. Create a new notification dossier on the system, filling in details about the product (name, type, intended use, composition, etc.) and upload the files.

4. Digitally sign and submit the dossier.

5. Pay the notification fee as regulated.

6. The Drug Administration of Vietnam reviews the dossier:

   • If valid, the system issues a Receipt Number of Cosmetic Product Notification.

   • If invalid, the authority requests corrections or supplements. The company must revise and resubmit.

7. Receive the official Receipt Number on the system.

Note: Obtaining CFS and LOA often takes the most time — plan ahead.

3. HS Codes and Import Tax Policy

Cosmetics are classified under Chapter 33 of the Vietnam Import–Export Tariff Schedule:

• 3303: Perfumes and toilet waters

• 3304: Beauty/makeup and skincare preparations (excluding medicaments), including sunscreens and nail products

• 3305: Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, hair sprays, etc.)

• 3306: Oral or dental hygiene preparations (toothpaste, mouthwash)

• 3307: Shaving, deodorant, and other body care preparations

Applicable taxes:

• VAT

• MFN import duty

• Preferential import duty under FTAs (0% with valid Certificate of Origin):

  • Form D (ASEAN)

  • Form E (China)

  • Form AK (Korea)

  • Form VJ (Japan)

  • Form EVFTA (EU)

4. Customs Clearance Procedure

Once you have the Receipt Number of Cosmetic Product Notification, customs clearance will proceed smoothly.

Customs dossier includes:

1. Customs declaration form

2. Commercial Invoice

3. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

4. Packing List

5. Certificate of Origin (C/O)

6. Receipt Number of Cosmetic Product Notification

Customs officers will verify the Notification Number via the VNSW system. If all information (product name, manufacturer, importer) matches, the shipment will be cleared after tax payment.

5. Labeling Requirements (Vietnamese Sub-label)

Imported cosmetics must comply with Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP on labeling.

A Vietnamese sub-label must be attached to the product packaging, containing:

• Product name and function

• Full ingredient list (as per notification)

• Usage instructions

• Name and address of the responsible organization/importer

• Country of origin (“Made in…”)

• Net content (e.g., 50ml, 100g)

• Batch number

• Manufacturing date or expiry date

• Safety warnings (if any)

Important: The sub-label content must exactly match the information approved in the Cosmetic Product Notification.

Conclusion

Cosmetics import procedures are complex and require careful preparation — especially for CFS and LOA legalization and submission on the National Single Window.

Do you find the cosmetics import process complicated and time-consuming?
Let Songwin International Logistics handle it for you!

With our in-depth expertise in cosmetics import procedures and direct experience working with the Drug Administration of Vietnam, we provide:

• Free consultation on documents and procedures

• Full-service representation for Cosmetic Product Notification on the VNSW portal

• Guidance on preparing valid CFS and LOA documents

• Fast, cost-efficient customs clearance support

📍 Address: 344 Nguyễn Trọng Tuyển, Tân Sơn Hòa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
📞 Hotline (Zalo): 0373.262.105 – 083.681.3969
📧 Email: Victor.nguyen@songwinlog.com