Customs Formalities for Live Goats

Import Procedures and Customs Formalities for Live Goats by IPOLOGISTICS

1. Introduction

Customs Formalities for Live Goats – Importing live animals, particularly live goats, requires a deep understanding of legal regulations, trade policies, and strict quarantine procedures. IPOLOGISTICS, with many years of experience in logistics and customs, has supported hundreds of businesses in efficiently completing the live goat import process.

In this article, we will provide a detailed, professional, and comprehensive guide, from determining HS codes, preparing documents, to completing quarantine procedures and customs declarations.

2. HS Code, Customs Duties, and Legal Requirements

2.1. HS Code and Classification of Live Goats

HS Code (Harmonized System) is a crucial factor in determining the tariff and import policy for live goats. According to the goods import and export list, live goats are classified as follows:

• HS Code: 0104.20.00
• Product Name: Live Goats
• Category: Animals of the Bovidae family

2.2. Applicable Customs Duties

When importing live goats into Vietnam, the following duties must be paid:

• Import Duty:
  • 5% if importing under the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate.
  • 0% – 5% if importing from countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Vietnam (eligible for preferential tariffs with a Certificate of Origin – C/O).
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): 5% on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the shipment.

2.3. Relevant Legal Documents

The import of live goats is governed and regulated by the following legal documents:

1. Customs Law No. 54/2014/QH13: Regulates customs procedures, inspections, and customs control.
2. Decree 08/2015/ND-CP (amended by Decree 59/2018/ND-CP): Provides detailed guidance on customs procedures for imports and exports.
3. Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT: Regulates animal quarantine and animal product import procedures.
4. Circular 23/2019/TT-BNNPTNT: Lists animals and animal products requiring quarantine upon import.

3. Detailed Import Process for Live Goats

3.1. Step 1: Check Import Conditions

Before proceeding, businesses must ensure:

• Live goats are not on the restricted or prohibited import list according to current regulations.
• The supplier in the exporting country has a valid veterinary certificate and no history of disease outbreaks.

3.2. Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

The import documentation for live goats includes the following key documents:

1. Commercial Invoice: Proof of the transaction value between the buyer and seller.
2. Bill of Lading: Shipping document confirming the goods have been transported to the import port.
3. Animal Health Certificate: Issued by the veterinary authority in the exporting country, certifying that the goats are free from diseases.
4. Certificate of Origin (C/O): Certifies the origin of the live goats, necessary for tariff preferences under FTAs.
5. Import Quarantine Permit: Issued by Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health, certifying that the shipment is eligible for quarantine.

3.3. Step 3: Register Quarantine with the Department of Animal Health

Businesses need to submit quarantine registration documents to the Department of Animal Health or the Regional Animal Health Sub-Department for approval. The registration package includes:

• Quarantine registration form provided by the Department of Animal Health.
• A copy of the import quarantine permit.
• Detailed list and description of the imported goats’ quantity, weight, and breed.

3.4. Step 4: Customs Declaration

Customs declaration is done through the VNACCS/VCIS electronic system as follows:

1. Login to the system: Use the registered account to access the declaration system.
2. Fill out the customs declaration: Provide detailed information on the HS code, product name, quantity, value, and the exporting country.
3. Attach required documents: Upload necessary documents such as the invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and quarantine permit.
4. Confirmation and tax payment: Once the declaration is accepted, the system will automatically calculate the duties, and the business must pay the taxes promptly.

3.5. Step 5: Quarantine Inspection at the Port of Entry

Once the shipment arrives at the port of entry, the veterinary authority will conduct quarantine inspections to ensure the live goats meet health and safety standards:

1. Document review: This includes the Animal Health Certificate, quarantine permit, and other related documents.
2. Sample testing: If necessary, veterinary authorities will take samples for testing for infectious diseases.
3. Issuance of quarantine certificate: If the inspection results are satisfactory, a quarantine certificate will be issued, allowing the shipment to clear customs.

3.6. Step 6: Receive Goods and Arrange Domestic Transport

After completing customs and quarantine procedures, the business can receive the goods at the port of entry and arrange domestic transportation to the designated location.

4. Taxes, Fees, and Associated Costs

4.1. Import Taxes and Fees

• Import Duty: Varies depending on applicable customs policies.
• VAT: 5% on the CIF value of the shipment.
• Quarantine Fees: Determined by the veterinary authorities based on the number and type of animals.

4.2. Additional Costs

• International Transport Costs: Includes shipping and insurance fees.
• Port Handling and Storage Fees: Costs incurred during the handling and storage of goods at the port.
• Domestic Transport Costs: From the port of entry to the destination warehouse or farm.

5. Special Considerations when Importing Live Goats

1. Disease Control: Ensure that the live goats are free from transmissible diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, and tuberculosis.
2. Transportation Conditions: Live goats must be transported in safe, clean, and ventilated conditions to ensure their health during the journey.
3. Environmental Protection Compliance: Proper management of waste during transport and quarantine to avoid environmental contamination.

6. Conclusion

Importing live goats is a complex process that requires careful preparation and strict adherence to regulations. IPOLOGISTICS is committed to assisting businesses from the initial stages through to the completion of customs procedures, ensuring a smooth import process that saves time and costs.

If you need advice or assistance with importing live goats, please contact us for the most optimal solution.