As Vietnam's automotive market continues to grow, the demand for replacing, upgrading, and repairing vehicle lighting systems is increasing significantly. However, importing automotive lights requires businesses to understand Vietnam's import regulations, HS classification, and customs procedures to avoid unnecessary risks related to taxes and customs clearance.

Below is a comprehensive guide to importing automotive lights into Vietnam, helping you complete customs procedures efficiently and compliantly.

1. HS Code and Import Duties for Automotive Lights

Determining the correct HS code is the first and most important step, as it affects applicable import duties and regulatory requirements.

Reference HS Code: 8512.20 – Electrical lighting or visual signaling equipment of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles.

Applicable Taxes

• Value Added Tax (VAT): Generally 10%.

• Most Favored Nation (MFN) Import Duty: Depends on the specific HS subheading, typically ranging from 10% to 20%.

• Preferential Import Duty under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): If the goods originate from countries that have signed FTAs with Vietnam and are accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (such as Form E, Form D, Form VJ, etc.), the import duty may be reduced significantly, even to 0%, depending on the applicable agreement.

2. Import Policy and Specialized Management

Brand-new automotive lights are not listed as prohibited imports in Vietnam and may be imported through normal customs procedures.

Important Note:

Certain automotive lighting products, including headlights, fog lamps, turn signal lights, and similar vehicle lighting equipment, are classified as products that may pose safety risks and are subject to specialized management by the Vietnamese authorities.

Accordingly, these products are generally required to undergo Conformity Certification (CR Certification) and Declaration of Conformity in accordance with applicable Vietnamese National Technical Regulations before they can be distributed in the domestic market.

3. Customs Documentation Required

According to Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC, the standard customs dossier includes:

• Import Customs Declaration

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading (B/L)

• Certificate of Origin (C/O) (if applicable, to enjoy preferential tariff treatment)

• Quality Inspection Registration and/or Conformity Certification documents (for products subject to mandatory conformity assessment)

• Other supporting documents (if required)

4. Customs Clearance Procedure

Step 1 – Prepare Documents and Register for Quality Inspection

Prepare the required import documentation and register for state quality inspection with the competent authority, where applicable.

Step 2 – Submit the Electronic Customs Declaration

Declare import information through the Vietnam Customs electronic system (VNACCS/VCIS or ECUS software) based on the shipping documents.

Step 3 – Complete Customs Procedures

Submit the customs declaration to the Customs Branch.

• Yellow Channel: Documentary inspection.

• Red Channel: Documentary inspection together with physical inspection of the cargo.

Step 4 – Customs Clearance and Product Certification

After import duties and taxes have been paid, the goods may be released for storage or customs clearance in accordance with applicable regulations.

For products requiring conformity assessment, samples may be taken for testing. Once the Conformity Certificate is issued, the required documents are submitted to complete the import procedure and allow the products to be legally distributed in Vietnam.

STREAMLINE YOUR IMPORT PROCESS WITH SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

Importing automotive parts, especially vehicle lighting products, involves multiple procedures, including HS classification, duty calculation, customs clearance, and specialized regulatory compliance.

Partnering with Songwin International Logistics allows your business to save time, reduce costs, and minimize customs risks.

Why Choose Songwin?

Extensive Industry Expertise

Our experienced customs specialists stay up to date with the latest Vietnamese regulations, decrees, circulars, and specialized import requirements.

Accurate HS Classification & Duty Consultation

We provide professional HS code classification and advise on Certificates of Origin (C/O) to help optimize import duty costs.

One-Stop Logistics Solution

Our comprehensive services include:

• International freight forwarding (FCL, LCL, Air Freight)

• Customs brokerage

• Conformity certification support

• Domestic transportation and warehouse delivery

Fast, Transparent & Reliable

We process documents efficiently, provide transparent quotations, continuously update shipment status, and ensure timely customs clearance.

Contact Songwin International Logistics Today

Contact us today for professional consultation and the most competitive quotation for your upcoming shipment.

SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD

📍 Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

📞 Hotline: +84 83 681 3969 | +84 373 262 105

📧 Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com

Songwin Logistics – Building Trust Through Reliability, Delivering Success Through Professionalism.