Seafood is a product group that is strictly regulated in Vietnam because it relates to food safety and aquatic animal quarantine. Therefore, when importing seafood, businesses must comply with procedures such as aquatic animal quarantine and import permits.

Understanding the processes, documentation, and legal requirements is essential for businesses to ensure compliance, avoid shipment delays, minimize additional costs, and prevent legal violations.

The article below summarizes the current procedures for importing seafood into Vietnam, applicable to businesses involved in food trading and import–export activities.

1. Conditions for Importing Seafood into Vietnam

1.1. Conditions for Exporting Countries and Facilities

Seafood is only allowed to be imported from countries and processing facilities that are approved by Vietnam. This list is published by the Department of Animal Health or NAFIQAD.

If the exporting facility is not included in the approved list, the shipment may be refused entry or required to be re-exported.

1.2. Conditions for Importing Enterprises

Importing businesses must:

• Have appropriate business registration for trading seafood or food products

• Meet cold storage requirements for frozen seafood

• Comply with product labeling regulations

• Ensure product traceability

2. Seafood Import Documentation

A standard seafood import dossier usually includes:

• Sales Contract

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading

• Certificate of Origin (C/O) (if available)

• Import Permit

• Health Certificate / Quarantine Certificate

• Technical documents or ingredient list (for processed seafood products)

3. Procedures for Applying for a Seafood Import Permit

3.1. Competent Authority

Department of Animal Health – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

3.2. Application Documents

• Import application form

• Health Certificate issued by the exporting country

3.3. Procedure

Businesses submit their application through the Vietnam National Single Window Portal.

The quarantine authority will:

• Review the submitted documents

• Conduct a physical inspection of the shipment if necessary

If the application meets the requirements, the authority will issue a seafood import permit.

4. Quarantine Procedures for Imported Seafood

4.1. Competent Authority

Department of Animal Health – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

4.2. Quarantine Registration Documents

• Application for aquatic animal quarantine

• Health Certificate issued by the exporting country

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading

• Import Permit

4.3. Procedure

Businesses must register for quarantine before or when the shipment arrives at the port of entry.

The quarantine authority will:

• Review the documents

• Inspect the shipment if required

If the shipment meets the requirements, the authority will issue an Import Quarantine Certificate.

Note:
Shipments without a valid Health Certificate cannot be cleared through customs.

4.4. Customs Clearance Procedures

After completing the quarantine procedures, the business will:

• Open a customs declaration

• Follow the customs inspection channel (green/yellow/red lane)

• Pay import taxes (if applicable)

Once the procedures are completed, the shipment can be released and transported to cold storage or distributed to the market.

5. Important Notes When Importing Seafood

Businesses should pay special attention to:

• Checking the approved list of exporting facilities in advance

• Ensuring the Health Certificate is valid and consistent with shipment information

• Preparing complete quarantine and food safety documentation

• Complying with product labeling regulations

• Declaring the correct purpose of use

Failure to meet regulatory requirements may result in shipment delays, extended cold storage time, and significant additional costs.

6. Support Services from Songwin International Logistics

Songwin International Logistics provides comprehensive support services for seafood import procedures, including:

• Consulting on import conditions for different seafood types and HS codes

• Checking the approved list of exporting countries and facilities

• Handling quarantine registration procedures

• Customs declaration and cargo clearance

• Helping businesses reduce legal risks 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, Vietnam
Hotline: 083.681.3969 – 0373.262.105
Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com

Songwin International Logistics – Your partner in every import and export procedure.