Import License Vietnam: When Do You Need One?
Vietnam does not require one universal “import license” for every product. Before shipping, check who will import the goods, whether that entity has the relevant import rights, and whether the specific product needs a permit, another approval or specialised inspection. Customs clearance is a separate step for the shipment.
What Does “Import License” Mean in Vietnam?
People use “import license” to describe three different questions:
Requirement | What it answers | When to check |
The company’s right to import | Can the Vietnam-based entity carry out the planned import activity? | Before choosing the importer or setting up the trading structure. |
Product-specific permit or approval | Do these particular goods need a permit, declaration, certification or inspection? | Before committing to shipment. |
Customs clearance | What must the importer declare and provide for this shipment to enter Vietnam? | When preparing and clearing each shipment. |
A Company’s Right to Import Goods
A foreign-invested company should distinguish importing from wholesaling or retailing the goods after arrival. Those activities may involve different rights and licensing checks. VINEX explains this distinction in its Business License in Vietnam guide.
A Product-Specific Import Permit or Approval
Some products require an import permit or must satisfy particular conditions. Others may require a declaration, certification or specialised inspection instead. The answer depends on the goods’ characteristics, intended use and applicable rules.
Customs Documents for an Individual Shipment
The importer must make a customs declaration and provide the documents required for the goods and transaction. When a product-specific permit or approval applies, the importer must coordinate it with the customs dossier. Import rights do not replace customs clearance.
Does Your Product Need a Separate Import Permit?
It depends on the exact product. A broad label such as “equipment,” “food” or “chemicals” is not enough to decide. Products in the same broad group can have different requirements.
Identify the Product and Its Intended Use
Start with the manufacturer’s description and technical documents. Record what the product contains, what it does and how it will be used in Vietnam. Note whether it is new or used where that affects the applicable rules.
Check the HS Classification and Product Rules
Identify the likely HS code and check that it matches the goods. Then review whether the product is prohibited, subject to a permit, subject to import conditions or covered by specialised inspection.
Identify the Authority and Required Procedure
If a requirement applies, identify the responsible authority and the document it issues. Confirm when the document must be obtained and whether it applies to the product generally or to a particular shipment.
VINEX’s view: Start with the exact product and the entity that will import it. These two facts determine separate checks: whether the importer can carry out the planned activity and whether the goods need a permit or another approval. Complete both checks before confirming the shipping date.
Product check before shipping:
Full product name, specifications, composition and intended use.
Manufacturer documents, images or a catalogue identifying the goods.
Proposed HS code and reasons for that classification.
Name of the Vietnam-based importer.
Planned use or sale after import.
Applicable permit, inspection or product-document requirements.
A check completed for one product should not automatically be reused for a different model or specification.
Who Will Import the Goods into Vietnam?
The Singapore seller and the Vietnam-based importer may be different companies. Agree on their roles before preparing the commercial and shipping documents.
Importing Through a Vietnam-Based Company
If your group has a company in Vietnam, check whether it can carry out the proposed import activity. Assess the product requirements separately. If the company will sell the goods in Vietnam, also review the relevant wholesale or retail activity.
Working with a Vietnam-Based Importer or Distributor
A Singapore company may sell to a Vietnam-based buyer or work with a local importer without necessarily setting up its own subsidiary. The parties should agree who will:
Act as importer and make the customs declaration.
Obtain any required product approval.
Hold the import and product records.
Handle the goods’ subsequent sale in Vietnam.
The contract and shipment documents should reflect that arrangement.
How Do You Apply If an Import Permit Is Required?
There is no single application process for every product. Follow the procedure that applies to the goods and the authority responsible for them.
Confirm the procedure and authority. Identify the required permit, issuing authority and point at which approval is needed. Check these before committing to a shipping date.
Prepare company and product documents. The dossier may need information about the importer, goods and intended use. Documents, fees and processing times vary by procedure.
Coordinate approval with shipment documents. Once approval is issued, check that its product description, quantities and conditions match the planned shipment. Share the details with the importer and customs team.
Import Permit vs. Customs Clearance: What Happens After Approval?
An import permit addresses a specific legal requirement for the goods. Customs clearance addresses the entry of a shipment into Vietnam. Approval to import a regulated product does not clear the shipment by itself.
The importer still needs the applicable customs declaration and supporting records. These may include commercial, transport and product documents. The permit or inspection result joins that dossier when required. Keep product descriptions and HS classifications consistent across the permit, invoice and customs declaration. For broader record and declaration controls, see VINEX’s Vietnam Customs Compliance 2026 guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming company registration covers product approvals. A registered company may still need approval for the goods it imports.
Checking requirements after shipping. Resolve permit and inspection questions before dispatch.
Using a broad product description or inaccurate HS code. Identify the actual goods and keep technical, commercial and customs records consistent.
Confusing a Business License with an import permit. A Business License may concern a foreign-invested company’s commercial activities; a product permit concerns the goods; a customs declaration concerns the shipment.
Our Services
How VINEX Can Help
VINEX can help foreign investors and traders review the proposed importer structure, identify licensing questions and coordinate preparation for customs compliance. Send VINEX the product description, technical documents, intended use, proposed importer and expected shipping date for an initial review.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Every Product Imported into Vietnam Need an Import License?
No. There is no universal product permit for all imports. Check whether your goods require a permit, another approval, import conditions or specialised inspection. The shipment still requires the applicable customs procedure.
Is a Vietnam Business License the Same as an Import Permit?
No. A Business License, where required, relates to specified activities of a foreign-invested company. An import permit relates to regulated goods. A company may need to review both.
Can a Singapore Company Sell Goods to Vietnam Without Setting Up a Subsidiary?
Potentially, yes. It may sell to or work with a Vietnam-based importer or distributor. Confirm which party will act as importer and who will handle product approvals, customs and subsequent sales.
How Do I Check the Requirements for My Product?
Prepare a precise product description, technical documents, intended use and proposed HS code. Identify the Vietnam-based importer, then check the current product rules and competent authority before shipping. Recheck the result if the product specification changes.
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