IMPORTING MATCHA POWDER AT SMARTLINK

Matcha powder is a widely used ingredient in both the beauty industry and the food & beverage sector. Made from green tea leaves, it undergoes a strict production process to retain its vibrant color and beneficial nutrients. Currently, matcha powder is primarily imported from Japan, China, South Korea, India, and Sri Lanka. So, what are the requirements for importing matcha powder? Is product quality certification necessary? Smart Link Logistics will provide the answers in this article.

1. HS Code and Import Taxes for Matcha Powder

Reference HS Code

Matcha powder falls under HS Code 0902 – Tea, whether or not flavored.

Detailed HS Code: 21012020 – Other types.

Import Taxes

Value-added tax (VAT): 8% (According to the 2024 VAT tax incentive policy).
General import tax: 30%.
Preferential import tax: 0% (If a special preferential Certificate of Origin (C/O) is available from certain countries such as the EU, South Korea, China, and ASEAN).

2. Import Procedures for Matcha Powder

Self-Declaration of Product Quality

According to Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP, businesses trading in matcha powder must conduct a self-declaration of product quality to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Required Documents for Self-Declaration:

Business Registration Certificate.
Product Self-Declaration Form (Form No. 01, Appendix I of Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP).
A test report of the product within the last 12 months, issued by an accredited testing laboratory.
Product label or an actual product image.

Self-Declaration Process:

Consultation and preparation of the declaration documents.
Submission to the relevant authority.
Payment of fees at the Department of Food Safety & Hygiene or the Ministry of Health.
Monitoring the review process and obtaining the declaration confirmation.

Smart Link Logistics ensures quick and efficient support for businesses, with processing times typically ranging from 7 to 15 working days, depending on the test results.

3. Customs Documents for Importing Matcha Powder

Businesses must prepare a complete set of import documents, including:

Customs declaration form.
Commercial invoice.
Bill of lading.
Packing list.
Sales contract.
Quality inspection registration documents.
Certificate of Origin (C/O), if available.
Product catalog (if applicable).

4. Import Process for Matcha Powder

Step 1: Submit the customs declaration electronically after preparing all necessary documents.

Step 2: Customs clearance assessment

The system will classify the declaration into green, yellow, or red channels for corresponding levels of inspection.

Step 3: Customs clearance approval

If the documentation is valid, customs officers will approve the clearance of the shipment.

Step 4: Storage and distribution

Once cleared, the goods will be transported to storage facilities for proper handling and distribution.

5. Food Safety Inspection

According to Circular 52/2015/TT-BYT, imported matcha powder must undergo food safety inspections before being marketed.

Required Documents for Food Safety Inspection:

4 copies of the food import inspection registration form.
Product self-declaration.
Food safety test results of the last 3 imported batches.
Product list, commercial invoice, and bill of lading.
Authorization letter from the importer (if applicable).

Processing time: 3 – 7 working days from the date of document submission and sample collection.

6. Labeling Requirements for Imported Matcha Powder

Imported matcha powder must have labels that comply with regulations, including:

Product name.
Importer’s name and address.
Country of origin.
Net weight/volume.
Manufacturing and expiry dates.
Nutritional information.
Usage and storage instructions.
Warnings (if applicable).

Conclusion

We hope this article provides you with a clearer understanding of the import procedures for matcha powder. If you need legal support or assistance with customs procedures in import-export activities, please contact Smart Link Logistics for fast and efficient consultation. With over 14 years of experience in the transportation field, we are proud to accompany you throughout your journey.

Hotline: + 84 902 964 982 to know more about our services

If you require assistance with international import and export of goods, please contact our team at Smartlink Logistics. We are available to provide you with professional guidance on our services and the necessary customs procedures.

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