Customs Procedures for Live Cattle Import

I. Introduction

Customs Procedures for Live Cattle Import is a unique trade activity that requires strict adherence to animal quarantine regulations, disease safety standards, and customs procedures. This process necessitates close coordination between the importing company, relevant authorities in the country of origin, and the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that the goods meet necessary standards and do not pose any risks to the local livestock industry.

IPOLogistics is a trusted company providing logistics services and import procedures for live cattle with a professional, efficient process. This article will detail the import process, customs procedures, and the services that IPOLogistics offers to support businesses.

II. HS Code and Import Taxes for Live Cattle

1. HS Code for Live Cattle

According to the Harmonized System (HS) used internationally, live cattle fall under Chapter 01 – Live Animals. Specifically:

• Live buffalo:
  • HS Code: 0102.29.10 (domestic buffalo for breeding or other purposes).
• Live cattle:
  • HS Code: 0102.21.00 (breeding cattle).
  • HS Code: 0102.29.90 (other live cattle not for breeding, typically for meat production or other purposes).

2. Applicable Taxes

The taxes required when importing live cattle include:

• Import Tax:
  • The import tax rate typically ranges from 0% to 5%, depending on the type of cattle and the current tax policies.
• Value Added Tax (VAT):
  • The applicable VAT rate is 5%.
• Environmental Protection Tax:
  • This tax is generally not applied to live cattle, but can be in specific cases.

IPOLogistics assists businesses in determining the correct HS Code, calculating tax rates, and handling any related costs, ensuring accurate customs declarations.

III. Import Conditions for Live Cattle

1. Conditions for Imported Cattle

Businesses intending to import live cattle into Vietnam must meet the following requirements:

• Clear origin:
  • Live cattle must have a certificate of origin issued by the authorities of the exporting country.
• Animal Quarantine Certification:
  • A quarantine certificate issued by the exporting country confirming that the cattle are free of disease.
• Disease Safety:
  • The livestock must be checked to ensure they are free from dangerous diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, rabies, or other contagious diseases.

2. Conditions for Exporting Countries

The exporting country must meet the following criteria:

• Listed as an authorized exporter to Vietnam:
  • The list of authorized countries is published by Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
• Certification from relevant authorities in the exporting country:
  • This certification confirms that the exporting country does not have any major animal diseases and that their livestock meets Vietnam’s safety standards.

IV. Import Process and Customs Procedures for Live Cattle

1. Preparing Import Documents

A complete set of import documents is required to avoid any legal issues or delays at customs. The necessary documents include:

1. Sales Contract: Outlines the number, value, and terms of delivery.
2. Commercial Invoice: Specifies the value of the goods, names of the buyer and seller.
3. Packing List: Provides details on the quantity, weight, and type of cattle.
4. Bill of Lading: This document serves as proof of transport and outlines the shipment’s journey.
5. Animal Health Certificate: Issued by the exporting country’s quarantine authority.
6. Import Permit:
   • Issued by Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health (MARD) for each cattle shipment.

2. Obtaining Animal Quarantine Certificate

Since live cattle are subject to animal quarantine, businesses must obtain a certificate from the Department of Animal Health before proceeding with the importation:

• Quarantine Process:
  • Submit the necessary documents through the National Single Window Portal, including health certification and origin certification.
  • Once approved, the quarantine authority will issue an import permit for the shipment.

3. Customs Clearance Procedures

The customs clearance process for live cattle follows these steps:

1. Customs Declaration:
   • Businesses declare their goods electronically through the VNACCS system, providing complete information about the shipment, including HS Code, quantity, value, and quarantine certificate.
2. Document and Physical Inspection:
   • Customs may physically inspect the shipment to ensure it matches the declared documents.
   • Veterinary authorities will also conduct a health check of the cattle at the border.
3. Tax and Fee Payment:
   • Once the inspection is complete, businesses must pay the applicable import taxes and VAT.
4. Completion of Customs Clearance:
   • After taxes are paid and documents are processed, the goods are cleared for import.

4. Transportation and Delivery

After customs clearance, IPOLogistics ensures safe transportation of the live cattle to the designated destination. The transportation process includes:

• Transport Conditions:
  • Cattle must be transported in accordance with international standards, ensuring they have adequate space, water, and food.
• Health Monitoring:
  • Continuous health monitoring of the cattle during transportation is required to ensure their well-being.

V. Key Considerations When Importing Live Cattle

1. Compliance with Legal Regulations

• All documents and certificates must be accurate and complete to avoid penalties or rejection of the import.

2. Disease Control

• Imported cattle should undergo quarantine and isolation in a safe environment to ensure no risk of transmitting diseases.

3. Risk Management

• Prepare contingency plans for dealing with potential issues such as outbreaks of disease or non-compliant cattle.

VI. IPOLogistics Services for Live Cattle Imports

IPOLogistics offers comprehensive services to facilitate the live cattle import process:

1. Consultation on Import Procedures: Providing legal advice and guidance on the requirements for importing live animals.
2. Customs Procedure Management: Ensuring accurate declarations and efficient customs clearance.
3. Transportation Management: Securing safe and timely transportation of live cattle.
4. Quarantine Assistance: Coordinating directly with quarantine authorities to ensure compliance with regulations.

VII. Conclusion

Importing live cattle is a complex process that requires strict compliance with legal regulations, animal health and disease control measures, and customs procedures. With its experienced team, IPOLogistics is committed to providing businesses with the most efficient solutions for live cattle imports, ensuring that the process is cost-effective and completed on time.

Contact IPOLogistics today for expert advice and professional support in your live cattle import process.