IMPORTING HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS AT SMART LINK LOGISTICS

Functional foods for health are products processed from ingredients beneficial to human health. These medical functional foods occupy an intermediary position between conventional foods and medicines. They are primarily used by individuals with poor health, those seeking to improve their condition, or prevent diseases. According to Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT, importing health supplements requires product declaration. Let’s explore the detailed procedures for importing food supplements with Smart Link.

1. Import license for food supplements

Food supplements are under the specialized management of the Ministry of Health. When importing, businesses must declare the product and register for a food safety quality inspection to clear customs.

According to Decree No. 38/2012/ND-CP dated April 25, 2012, detailing the implementation of several provisions of the Food Safety Law: “All types of food, food ingredients, food additives, processing aids, tools, packaging materials, and containers of food imported into Vietnam must be inspected at state inspection agencies authorized by the sectoral management ministries.” This regulation mandates food safety inspection when the shipment arrives in Vietnam.

Health Supplements import from South Korea at Smart Link Logistics

Exemptions from State Inspection for Imported Food Safety (except in cases of food safety warnings): According to Decree 15/2018/ND-CP:

Products granted a Certificate of Product Registration.
Products carried by individuals entering the country, sent before or after the trip for personal use or as gifts within duty-free import limits as stipulated by tax laws.
Products imported for personal use by individuals with diplomatic privileges and immunities.
Products in transit, transshipment, temporary import, re-export, sent to bonded warehouses.
Products for testing or research with quantities appropriate for the purpose, confirmed by the organization or individual.
Products for exhibition at fairs.
Products and raw materials imported solely for the production and processing of export goods or for internal production use by organizations or individuals and not sold in the domestic market.
Products temporarily imported for sale in duty-free shops.
Goods imported for urgent needs as directed by the Government or the Prime Minister.

2. Procedures for declaring health supplements

To ensure quality, hygiene, and safety for consumers, businesses, and processing facilities for functional foods must declare the product quality with the Ministry of Health (Department of Food Safety) before market release.

Documents Required for Food Supplements Declaration:

Business registration license.
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) or Certificate of Exportation (CE) and Health Certificate (HC).
Documents proving the product’s efficacy.
Product testing results from authorized agencies in Vietnam.
HACCP certification or ISO 22000/2005 certification (if available).

3. HS Code for importing health supplements

Functional foods fall under Part IV, Chapters 21 and 22 in the HS code classification.

2106 – Food preparations, n.e.s.
2202 – Waters, incl. mineral waters and aerated waters, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavored, and other non-alcoholic beverages (excl. fruit, nut or vegetable juices and milk).

The above information provides an overview of the import procedures for food supplements. We hope it offers you the necessary insights. At Smart Link, we specialize in consulting on the import and handling of functional foods in various markets with numerous successful shipments. We are committed to providing services and solutions to help your goods reach global markets, with a promise of dedication and customer partnership. We pride ourselves on over 13 years of experience in the transportation sector.

Hotline: + 84 903 354 157 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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