The dietary supplement market in Vietnam is rapidly growing due to increasing health awareness. However, dietary supplements are subject to strict specialized management by the Ministry of Health. Importing enterprises often face significant challenges in product declaration, food safety inspection, and customs clearance.
If you are looking for a standard import procedure or a logistics provider with in-depth legal expertise to support you, this article from Songwin Logistics is exactly what you need.
1. Legal Basis for Importing Dietary Supplements
Before starting the import process, enterprises must thoroughly understand the current legal regulations to avoid risks such as cargo detention or forced re-export:
-
Decree No. 15/2018/NĐ-CP: Detailing the implementation of several articles of the Law on Food Safety (the most important regulation).
-
Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC, as amended by Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC: Regulations on customs procedures.
2. Import Procedures for Dietary Supplements
Unlike common goods, dietary supplements must be registered for product declaration before the shipment arrives at the port.
Step 1: Product Declaration Registration
This is the most critical and time-consuming step. Enterprises must submit the dossier to the Vietnam Food Administration (Ministry of Health).
According to Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP, the product declaration dossier for imported products includes:
-
Product Declaration Form as prescribed in Form No. 02, Appendix I of the Decree;
-
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) or Certificate of Exportation or Health Certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin/export, certifying that the product is safe for consumers or freely sold in the exporting country (consular legalization required);
-
Food safety testing results issued within 12 months prior to the submission date by a designated testing laboratory or an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, covering safety indicators regulated by the Ministry of Health or applicable international standards (original or certified copy);
-
Scientific evidence proving the claimed effects of the product or its functional ingredients (original or certified copy). When using scientific evidence for ingredients, the daily dosage of the product must be at least 15% of the dosage stated in the reference documents;
-
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate or equivalent certification for imported health supplements, applicable from July 1, 2019 (certified copy).
Note: Errors in label translation or missing original documents may result in repeated rejection of the application.
Step 2: Customs Declaration & Temporary Storage
After registering for quality inspection, the enterprise proceeds to open the customs declaration.
-
If approved, the shipment may be transported to a private warehouse for preservation while awaiting inspection results (to avoid port storage charges).
-
The goods must not be sold or used during this period.
Step 3: Submission of Inspection Results & Customs Clearance
Once the inspection result is marked “Passed”, the enterprise submits it to the Customs Authority for official customs clearance and legal circulation in the Vietnamese market.
3. HS Code and Import Duties for Dietary Supplements
Correct HS code classification is crucial for cost calculation and avoiding penalties due to incorrect tax declaration.
-
Health supplements made from ginseng: HS Code 2106.90.71
-
Other health supplements: HS Code 2106.90.72
-
Micronutrient mixtures used for food supplementation: HS Code 2106.90.73
-
Liquid-form health supplements may fall under HS Code 2202
-
Import duty (MFN): Typically 15%
With a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O), the duty may be reduced to 0%. -
VAT: 8% (as currently regulated)
Songwin’s Advice: Send us your product ingredient details before importing. Our team will accurately determine the HS code to legally optimize your tax costs.
4. Common Challenges When Importing Dietary Supplements
Why are many shipments delayed? The most common issues include:
-
Incorrect labeling: Original labels do not match the declared dossier.
-
Missing or improperly legalized CFS: Not compliant with consular legalization requirements.
-
Under-declared customs value: Triggering customs price consultation.
5. Songwin Logistics’ Dietary Supplement Import Services
Understanding these risks, Songwin Logistics provides full-service import solutions, helping enterprises eliminate administrative burdens.
Why Choose Songwin Logistics?
-
Strong legal expertise: Extensive experience handling hundreds of dietary supplement declaration dossiers, including complex cases.
-
HS code & tax optimization consulting: Helping clients legally save costs by leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
-
Fast processing: Shortened clearance time, minimizing storage and demurrage/detention charges.
-
End-to-End (Door-to-Door) service: From international transportation, product declaration, specialized inspection to delivery to your warehouse.
Simple Cooperation Process:
-
Client provides shipment information.
-
Songwin reviews and advises on product declaration procedures.
-
Transparent and detailed quotation (no hidden costs).
-
Implementation with continuous progress updates.
Contact Songwin Logistics Today
Do not let complicated customs procedures delay your business plans. Let Songwin Logistics be your trusted partner, bringing your products to the Vietnamese market quickly, safely, and compliantly.
📍 Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
☎️ Hotline/Zalo: +84 83 681 3969 – +84 373 262 105
📧 Email: sales2@songwinlog.com
Songwin Logistics – Strong Connections, Elevated Value.
