Customs Procedures for Importing Walnuts

Import Process and Customs Procedures for Importing Walnuts by IpoLogistics

I. Introduction to IpoLogistics and Walnut Import Services

Customs Procedures for Importing Walnuts – IpoLogistics is a leading logistics service provider in Vietnam, specializing in optimizing import procedures, including transportation, warehousing, customs clearance, and legal compliance. With an experienced team of logistics and customs professionals, IpoLogistics is committed to providing the most effective solutions, helping businesses save costs, minimize risks, and ensure smooth customs clearance for imports.

In the context of growing demand for walnuts in Vietnam, IpoLogistics focuses on providing professional walnut import services from major markets such as the US, Chile, Australia, and other walnut-producing countries. The process of importing walnuts involves not only understanding customs procedures, HS codes, and import duties but also phytosanitary inspections and food safety requirements. Therefore, choosing a professional logistics partner like IpoLogistics will help businesses streamline this process, ensuring fast delivery and cost-effectiveness.

II. HS Code and Customs Tariff Policies Related to Walnut Imports

1. Identifying the HS Code for Walnuts

Under the international goods classification system, walnuts fall under the HS Code 0802 – “Nuts and fruits, with or without shells.” To ensure accurate customs declarations and avoid issues related to duties and procedures, businesses must identify the correct HS code for the product.

The common HS codes for walnut imports include:

• 0802.31.00: Walnuts in the shell.
• 0802.32.00: Shelled walnuts.

Identifying the correct HS code not only helps businesses understand the applicable duties but also helps clarify other legal requirements for importation.

2. Applicable Tariffs for Importing Walnuts

When importing walnuts into Vietnam, the applicable tariffs are as follows:

• Import duties: The typical import duty for walnuts ranges from 5% to 10%, depending on the HS code and trade agreements Vietnam is a part of. If walnuts are imported from countries with free trade agreements (FTAs) with Vietnam, such as the US, the EU, or ASEAN, businesses may qualify for preferential tariff rates.
• Value-added tax (VAT): For imported goods, the VAT rate is currently 5% for walnuts. This helps reduce the input costs for businesses.
• Customs fees: During the declaration and clearance process, businesses are required to pay customs fees. These fees typically range from 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND per declaration.

3. Tax Reduction under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Businesses importing walnuts from countries with FTAs signed with Vietnam can enjoy preferential tariffs. For example:

• EVFTA Agreement: If the walnuts originate from the EU and have a valid EUR.1 Certificate of Origin, businesses may be eligible for import duty exemption.
• CPTPP Agreement: For walnuts imported from countries like Chile or Canada, businesses may apply for reduced tariffs according to the CPTPP guidelines if all necessary documentation is provided.

IpoLogistics assists customers in collecting and preparing the Certificate of Origin (C/O) to ensure that businesses benefit from preferential tariffs and reduce import costs.

III. Walnut Import Process Through IpoLogistics

1. Selecting Suppliers and Contract Negotiation

The import process begins with selecting a suitable supplier and negotiating the contract terms:

• Supplier evaluation: IpoLogistics assists businesses in finding reputable walnut suppliers from major countries such as the US, Chile, and Australia. The supplier selection process considers product quality, supply capacity, price, and compliance with export standards.
• Contract negotiation: After selecting the supplier, businesses need to negotiate the terms of the sales contract. Key terms include:
  • Incoterms (delivery terms): DDP, CIF, FOB, EXW, or FCA. Each term affects the responsibilities for transportation and cost-sharing.
  • Payment terms: Common international payment methods include L/C (Letter of Credit), T/T (Telegraphic Transfer), or D/A (Documents Against Acceptance).

2. Preparing Export Documentation

Once the contract is signed, the business will request the supplier to prepare the export documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance:

• Commercial Invoice: This invoice provides details on the value, quantity, product description, and trade conditions of the goods.
• Packing List: Information about the packaging, weight, dimensions, and quantity of each shipment.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O): This document proves the origin of the goods and helps businesses qualify for preferential tariffs.
• Bill of Lading: For sea freight, this document certifies ownership of the goods.
• Phytosanitary Certificate: For walnuts, this certificate is mandatory to ensure the product is free from diseases or pests.

3. Shipping and Inspection of Goods

IpoLogistics coordinates with international transportation partners to ensure safe, timely delivery:

• Sea Freight: This is the most cost-effective method for large shipments. The transit time from the US, Chile, or other countries can range from 3 to 4 weeks.
• Air Freight: Suitable for urgent shipments. Delivery times are fast, ranging from 3 to 5 days, but air freight is more expensive compared to sea freight.

IpoLogistics tracks the shipment progress and provides real-time updates to the customer.

4. Customs Procedures and Clearance

The customs declaration process is conducted through the VNACCS (Vietnam Automated Customs Clearance System). The specific steps include:

• Filing the customs declaration: IpoLogistics will file the declaration electronically, including all necessary details such as HS codes, product descriptions, and supporting documents.
• Document and physical inspection: The customs authorities will review the documents and may request a physical inspection of the goods if the shipment is flagged for further checks.
• Payment of duties and fees: Once the declaration is approved, businesses are required to pay the import duties and any applicable fees via bank transfer or electronic payment methods.
• Customs clearance and release of goods: After completing the customs procedures and paying duties, the customs authorities will issue a customs clearance certificate, allowing the goods to be imported and delivered to the customer’s warehouse.

IV. Key Considerations in the Walnut Import Process

1. Phytosanitary Inspection:
   • As walnuts are a plant-based product, they must undergo phytosanitary inspections. IpoLogistics assists businesses in liaising with the relevant authorities to obtain the necessary certificates.
2. Food Safety:
   • If the imported walnuts are for direct consumption, businesses must ensure the product complies with food safety regulations, such as obtaining HACCP or ISO 22000 certification.
3. Customs Inspections:
   • Shipments may undergo physical inspection at customs. Therefore, businesses need to ensure that all documentation is complete and cooperate with customs officials to expedite the clearance process.

V. Conclusion

Importing walnuts is a complex process that requires businesses to understand customs procedures, tariffs, and quality control regulations. However, with the support of IpoLogistics, businesses can streamline the process, ensuring fast, efficient, and compliant imports. IpoLogistics is committed to providing end-to-end logistics solutions, from document preparation, transportation, to customs clearance, helping businesses reduce costs, save time, and ensure the legality of their imports.

For more details about walnut import services or other logistics solutions, please contact us for timely advice and support.