OFFICIAL IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AT SMARTLINK

The official importation of dietary supplements requires strict compliance with Vietnamese legal regulations, particularly those concerning food safety and specialized management. To ensure a smooth customs clearance process, businesses must prepare all necessary documentation and complete product registration procedures before the goods arrive at port. So, what exactly are the procedures and conditions for importing dietary supplements into Vietnam? The article below will guide you through the official import process from A to Z.

1. Key Considerations When Importing Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are products that support health enhancement, disease prevention, and the supplementation of essential micronutrients—especially important for children and the elderly. When imported into Vietnam, these products are strictly regulated under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and related legal documents issued by the Ministry of Health.

HS Code and Import Duties

Dietary supplements are generally classified under:

Chapter 21: Other processed food products such as nutritional powders and instant drink mixes.
Chapter 22: Beverages supplemented with vitamins, minerals, or other health-supporting ingredients.

The specific HS code depends on the product’s composition, formulation (tablet, powder, liquid, etc.), and intended use. To avoid risks during customs clearance, businesses are encouraged to request an Advance Ruling on the HS code.

Applicable Taxes and Duties

Depending on the HS code and the country of origin, imported dietary supplements may be subject to the following:

VAT: 10%
Standard import duty: approximately 22.5%–45%
Preferential import duty (for countries with an FTA with Vietnam): 15%–30%

Health Supplements import from South Korea at Smart Link Logistics

2. Legal Regulations for Official Import of Dietary Supplements

2.1. Mandatory Product Registration Before Import

According to Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, all imported dietary supplements must be registered with the Ministry of Health. Only after receiving the Product Registration Certificate are businesses permitted to clear goods through official channels.

Required documents include:

Business registration certificate
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) or Certificate of Exportation (CE)
Product testing certificate (COA)
Scientific documentation supporting product efficacy
Original and translated product labels
Manufacturer’s authorization letter (if the importer is not the official distributor)

2.2. Food Safety Compliance Requirements

As per the 2010 Law on Food Safety, imported products must meet the following criteria:

Scientific evidence of the product’s benefits
Conformity declaration registration
Each shipment must be accompanied by a notice confirming it meets import requirements
Certificate of Free Sale or health certificate from the exporting country

2.3. Business Conditions for Trading Dietary Supplements

Enterprises involved in the sale of dietary supplements must hold a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility, except in certain exempt cases such as:

Selling pre-packaged goods without further processing
Small-scale vendors without fixed business premises
Facilities certified under quality management systems like HACCP, ISO 22000, or GMP

3. Step-by-Step Process for Official Importation of Dietary Supplements

Step 1: Product Registration

Submit the required documentation to the Food Safety Authority under the Ministry of Health either via the online public service portal or in person. Processing typically takes 10–15 business days if the documents are complete.

Step 2: Customs Documentation Preparation

Once the product registration is approved, the importer proceeds with customs declaration using the following documents:

Customs declaration form
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading
Product Registration Certificate
Food safety inspection registration form

Step 3: State Inspection on Food Safety

This mandatory step is carried out before customs clearance. An authorized inspection agency, designated by the Ministry of Health, will assess the product. Results are typically available within a few days.

Step 4: Customs Clearance

Upon receiving satisfactory inspection results, customs authorities will release the goods. The business can then transport the items to storage or distribute them to the market.

Step 5: Record Retention and Post-Clearance Inspection

Importers must keep complete documentation and invoices for potential post-clearance audits by authorities. Additionally, all products must carry Vietnamese supplementary labels clearly indicating usage, intended users, and directions for use.

Additional Notes on Importing Dietary Supplements

Each product must have a separate registration—shared documentation is not allowed.
Products containing new ingredients must undergo safety assessment before registration.
For goods imported for research or testing purposes, product registration may be waived, but must be clearly declared to relevant authorities.
Errors in product registration or incorrect HS code classification can lead to penalties and delays in customs clearance.

Conclusion

Officially importing dietary supplements involves a multi-step process that requires thorough preparation of documentation, regulatory compliance, and a clear understanding of current laws. Adhering to each step—from product registration and food safety inspection to customs clearance—will help businesses minimize risks, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency of their import operations.

If you’re looking for the best import-export solutions, feel free to contact us for detailed consultation. 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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