PET FOOD IMPORT PROCEDURES AT SMART LINK

With the rising trend of pet ownership, the pet food market has become increasingly vibrant. Most pet owners prioritize high-quality imported pet food products for their beloved animals. This presents a significant business opportunity for pet store owners seeking to import these products to meet customer demand.

However, importing pet food is not as simple as transporting goods from abroad. It is a complex process requiring strict compliance with legal regulations, from preparing the necessary documents to completing animal quarantine and food safety procedures. In this article, Smart Link Logistics will provide a detailed guide on the steps for importing pet food, including required documentation and important considerations. Let’s dive in!

Key Policies for Importing Pet Food

Importing pet food for dogs, cats, and other animals is not straightforward. In addition to the intricate process, you must thoroughly understand the relevant legal policies. Below are key legal documents you should reference:

• Decree 187/2013/ND-CP dated November 20, 2013.
• Decree 77/2016/ND-CP dated July 1, 2016.
• Circular 28/2017/TT-BNNPTNT dated December 25, 2017.
• Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated March 25, 2015, amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated April 20, 2018.
• Decree 69/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018.
• Official Dispatch 6313/TB-TCHQ dated September 25, 2020.
• Decree 15/2022/ND-CP dated January 28, 2022.

Understanding these legal documents will help you grasp the import process, prepare the necessary documentation, and avoid unnecessary legal risks.

Regulations on Labeling

Labeling pet food is a mandatory step in the import process. According to Decree 128/2020/ND-CP, inspections and penalties for violations related to labeling have been tightened.

Labels must include the following information:

• Details of the exporting and importing entities.
• Ingredients, quantity, and usage instructions of the product.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O).
• The label should be in Vietnamese or English to facilitate inspection and verification.

Failure to adhere to labeling regulations can lead to administrative fines, loss of tax incentives, or delays in customs clearance.

HS Codes and Import Taxes for Pet Food

Pet food is classified under HS Code Group 2309. Some specific codes include:

Taxes:

• Standard import tax: 10.5%.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 10%.
• Products imported from countries with trade agreements with Vietnam may have reduced import taxes of 7%.

Required Documents and Import Procedures

To import pet food, prepare the following documents:

• Customs declaration form.
• Commercial invoice.
• Bill of lading.
• Packing list.
• Sales contract.
• Animal quarantine and quality inspection records.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O).

Prepare these documents in advance to avoid delays or additional storage fees.

Animal Quarantine and Product Circulation

If pet food contains animal-based ingredients, quarantine is mandatory. Required quarantine documents include a veterinary certificate from the exporting country, commercial invoices, and the bill of lading. After inspection and sampling, a quality inspection certificate will be issued, which is essential for customs clearance.

To circulate the products in Vietnam, you must submit a registration application to the Department of Animal Husbandry along with documents such as ISO certificates, product composition sheets, and quality test results.

Conclusion

We hope this information helps you better understand the pet food import process and carry it out successfully. If you have any further questions, please contact Smart Link Logistics for detailed support. With over 14 years of experience in the logistics industry, we are proud to accompany you every step of the way.