Importing Seafood into Vietnam is a mandatory specialized management procedure subject to strict control by veterinary authorities. Even a small mistake during the licensing process may cause the shipment to be held at the port, resulting in high storage and container detention costs.

The article below will help businesses understand the procedures, documentation, and important notes when applying for a seafood import permit, while also introducing the all-in-one solution from Songwin Logistics.

I. AUTHORITY RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING SEAFOOD IMPORT PERMITS

Department of Animal Health – Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

Procedures are carried out through the National Single Window (NSW) System.

👉 The permit is issued electronically and can be used directly for customs clearance procedures.

II. CASES REQUIRING A SEAFOOD IMPORT PERMIT

Businesses are required to obtain an import permit when importing the following products:

• Live seafood

• Fresh or frozen seafood that has not been processed

• Seafood used for food consumption

• Seafood used as raw materials for food production

📌 This requirement applies regardless of whether the goods are for commercial purposes, testing, or samples.

III. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR A SEAFOOD IMPORT PERMIT

1. Application Documents (submitted online via NSW)

• Seafood import registration application (electronic form)

• Health Certificate issued by the exporting country

• Business Registration Certificate

• Information about the foreign manufacturing/exporting facility

• Detailed product description:

  • Scientific name (Latin name)

  • Product form: live / frozen / fillet / whole fish, etc.

  • Purpose of import

2. Important Notes for Businesses

• The product name must match 100% with the Health Certificate (HC) issued by the exporting country.

• One permit may be used for multiple shipments within its validity period.

• The permit validity period is usually 3 months.

IV. PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR A SEAFOOD IMPORT PERMIT

Step 1: Register an account on the National Single Window System

➡️ https://vnsw.gov.vn

Step 2: Submit the import permit application

Select the procedure:
“Issuance of Seafood Import Permit” – Department of Animal Health

Step 3: Application review by the Department of Animal Health

• Processing time: 7–10 working days

• Additional documents may be requested if the information is incomplete.

Step 4: Receive the electronic permit

• The permit is issued directly on the NSW system

• It can be used to open the import customs declaration

V. MANDATORY PROCEDURES AFTER THE SHIPMENT ARRIVES AT THE PORT

In addition to the import permit, businesses must complete the following procedures:

• Register for imported seafood quarantine inspection

• Submit the original Health Certificate (HC)

• Document inspection or physical inspection (depending on the shipment)

• Receive the Quarantine Clearance Notification

• Proceed with customs clearance

VI. COMMON MISTAKES WHEN IMPORTING SEAFOOD

❌ Incorrect scientific name
❌ Foreign manufacturing facility not approved by the Department of Animal Health
❌ Invoice information inconsistent with the Health Certificate
❌ Failure to obtain the import permit before the shipment arrives

➡️ Consequences: shipment held at the port, additional storage and container detention charges, delays in production and business operations.

VII. WHEN SHOULD BUSINESSES APPLY FOR AN IMPORT PERMIT?

⏱️ It is recommended to apply at least 14–25 days before shipment.

⛔ Do not wait until the goods arrive before starting the procedure.

SEAFOOD IMPORT PERMIT & QUARANTINE SERVICES AT SONGWIN LOGISTICS

With extensive experience handling seafood imports through major ports, Songwin Logistics provides a comprehensive service package including:

• Consulting on product classification, HS codes, and legal requirements

• Fast and compliant seafood import permit application

• Pre-checking scientific names, certificates, and manufacturing facilities

• Handling quarantine procedures, customs clearance, and delivery

• Minimizing risks of shipment delays and additional costs

Contact Information

SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD

Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 083.681.3969 – 0373.262.105
Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com

Songwin International Logistics – Accompanying businesses in every import and export procedure.