Recently, due to ongoing changes in the global trade landscape, the Vietnamese government has implemented a series of adjustments to export documentation requirements. To ensure the smooth progress of your export business, we have compiled the latest Vietnamese export documentation requirements for your reference. Please also refer to the latest notifications or emails from the shipping companys documentation service to guarantee the smooth operation of your export business.

We hope that these compiled requirements will help you better understand the documentation requirements for exporting to Vietnam and avoid unnecessary issues and troubles in your export business. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact our service team.

Shipper and consignee information

• Complete company name and address: Both shipper and consignee must provide complete company names and addresses, which must appear on the Bill of Lading.
• To Order Bill of Lading: If the consignee is ,To Order, thenNotify Partymust also provide complete company name and address.

Requirements for consignee or notify party

• Vietnamese local company or individual: The consignee or notify party must bea locally registered Vietnamese company or individual.

Specific requirements for destination port

• Designated terminal name: Except forHai Phong,Ho Chi Minh City (port codes HCM07/HCM28) and Cai Mep(port codes VGT04, VGT05, VGT03, VGT08, VGT01),Other destinations must clearly display the specific terminal name on the bill of lading.

Discharge port requirements

• Final port of discharge: Port of discharge must be shownFinal port of discharge, cannot be vague or omitted.

Cargo description and marks

• Specific Description: Cargo description and marksCannot usePhrases such as As per attached list, See Attachment or As per attached mustDescribe the goods specifically and in detail.

Import declaration content

• Placement position: Import declaration content must be placedWithin the first 35 lines of the cargo description, to avoid incomplete declaration information.
• Character limit:
  • Each cargo descriptionCannot exceed1050 characters(30 characters per line, 35 lines in total).
  • Total characters for all cargo descriptions on the bill of ladingCannot exceed4000 characters, to ensure complete declaration information.

Prohibited import goods

• Export of Used Vehicles: Not acceptedUsed vehicles over 5 years oldFor import.

Special cargo requirements

• Scrap, waste, and recyclable items: For imports to Vietnam of Scrap, Waste, Recycles and similar goods, the bill of lading must display the following information:
  • ConsigneesTax Identification Number (Tax Code)
  • Import license number
  • Deposit certificate number
  • Customers completeCompany name and address
  • 8-digit HS Code

HS code requirements

• Goods transshipped and transferred through Cai Mep Port, Cat Lai Port and SP ITC:
  • Must provide at least6-digit HS code.
  • If involving mixed cargo loading, mustProvide cargo information separately according to HS Codesto avoid incomplete declaration.

HS codes for intermodal cargo

• Goods transported via truck or barge intermodal:
  • All shipments to Vietnam, when final port intermodal is viatruck or barge transportationmust provide at least4-digit HS codeand display on the Bill of Lading.
  • If involving mixed cargo loading, mustProvide cargo information separately according to HS Codes.

Transshipment clause restrictions

• Transshipment clauses on Bill of Lading:
  • Only acceptDisplayed on the Bill of LadingTransshipment via Vietnam to Cambodia, Laos or Chinaclauses.
  • Not allowedWithin VietnamsTransshipment between ports and terminals, i.e. discharge port and final destination must be consistent.

Goods prohibited from transshipment

• Transshipment restrictions for specific cargo:
  • Do not accept the following goods transshipped via Vietnam to third countries: Used/Second-hand/Waste/Scrap items.

Seal number requirements

• Declaration of seal numbers:
  • If provided in the Bill of Lading sampleMultiple Seal Numbers, need to place the Seal Number requiring declaration on the Bill of Lading at theSealposition to ensure information accuracy.

Other considerations

• Accuracy of declaration information: Must ensure all declaration information isaccurate and completeto avoid customs clearance delays or fines due to incomplete or incorrect information.
• Maintain communication with importers: It is recommended to work closely with Vietnamese importersmaintain close communicationto understandthe latest customs policies and requirementsin order to adjust declaration content promptly.

Export trade businesses need to comply with the above requirements to ensure smooth completion of export customs clearance procedures to Vietnam.

Friendly reminder: As policies may be updated at any time, exporters are advised to regularly checkVietnam Customsand the official websites of relevant authorities, or obtain the latest information through official channels.

Reference resources

• Official website of Vietnam Customs:https://www.customs.gov.vn/
• Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam:https://moit.gov.vn/
• Vietnam shipping and port information: The latest terminal and port regulations can be obtained through the official websites of major shipping companies or ports.