The Ice Cream Import Procedure

In the context of an increasingly diverse and developing food market in Vietnam, ready-to-eat food products, especially imported ice cream, are attracting significant consumer attention. Ice cream is a popular product available in supermarkets, stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, importing ice cream is not a simple process. To help businesses easily carry out the legal and effective importation of ice cream, IpoLogistics provides a detailed consultation service on the ice cream import procedure, helping businesses understand each step of this process.

This article will explain in detail the key steps involved in importing ice cream, the related legal factors and state policies, and how IpoLogistics can support customers from A to Z throughout this process.

1. Ice Cream Import Procedure: Detailed Steps

The ice cream import procedure includes several important steps, from preparing documents, working with suppliers, to customs procedures and transportation. Below are the specific steps that IpoLogistics will assist customers with throughout the process:

1.1. Identify Needs and Product Consultation

To begin the import process, IpoLogistics will consult and closely work with the customer to understand their requirements and goals. This stage includes steps such as:

• Type of ice cream product: The market has many different types of ice cream, including:
  • Soft serve ice cream: Made from milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. This is the most popular type of ice cream.
  • Ice cream bars, ice cream on a stick: Small, convenient ice cream packaged on sticks or bars.
  • Ice cream cups or containers: Ice cream packed in cups or containers, usually sold in portions.

  Identifying the correct type of ice cream helps businesses choose the proper storage and transportation methods since different types of ice cream require different storage standards.

• Country of origin: Each country has different import policies and regulations. IpoLogistics will identify the country of origin to help businesses calculate import taxes and take advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam participates in.
• Quantity and delivery time: The quantity of ice cream and delivery time will determine the choice of transportation methods (sea, air, or land). Costs and delivery time must be carefully considered to avoid product spoilage due to improper temperature control during transportation.

1.2. Select Supplier and Sign Contract

After identifying the requirements, IpoLogistics will help the customer choose a reputable supplier overseas. The company will negotiate and sign contracts with clear terms, including:

• Payment terms: Common international payment methods such as Letter of Credit (L/C) or Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) are typically used to secure both parties’ interests in international transactions.
• Incoterms (Delivery terms): IpoLogistics will explain international delivery terms such as FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) to ensure proper handling and delivery of the goods.
• Delivery time and conditions: This is crucial because ice cream requires storage at low temperatures. IpoLogistics ensures that the agreed-upon delivery terms are followed promptly and that goods are stored in optimal conditions.

1.3. Prepare Documentation and Required Paperwork

To carry out the import procedure, IpoLogistics will assist the customer in preparing all necessary documents, including:

• Commercial Invoice: This is the most important document to determine the value of the imported goods. The invoice must clearly state product information, quantity, value, and origin.
• Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading is proof of the transportation of goods from the exporting country to Vietnam. It serves as the basis for receiving goods at the importing port.
• Certificate of Origin: This certificate confirms the origin of the product and can help apply tax incentives if the ice cream is imported from countries in free trade agreements.
• Food Safety Certificates: As ice cream is a food product, it must have a certification of conformity and food safety certificates from competent authorities in the exporting country or from an international testing organization.

1.4. Perform Customs Procedures and Quality Inspection

Once the documents are prepared, IpoLogistics will assist the customer in completing customs procedures to clear the goods in Vietnam. These steps include:

• Customs declaration: We will help declare important details such as HS code, product value, origin, and related documents to complete customs procedures.
• Quality inspection: Since ice cream is a food product, it must be inspected for food safety. Vietnamese authorities such as the National Food Safety and Quality Department (Nafiqad) will inspect the product according to Vietnam’s food safety standards.
• Import taxes: Ice cream is subject to import duties and value-added tax (VAT) under state regulations. IpoLogistics will calculate the taxes and complete the payment procedure so that the goods can be cleared.

1.5. Transportation and Delivery

After clearing customs, the ice cream will be transported from the port to the customer’s warehouse or distribution point. IpoLogistics uses specialized transportation such as refrigerated containers or refrigerated trucks to ensure the product is kept at the proper temperature during transportation.

Additionally, we provide advice on cold storage solutions for ice cream, ensuring the products are stored in cold environments to maintain their quality before distribution.

2. HS Code for Ice Cream

HS codes are the international classification system for goods that help determine import taxes and quality control regulations. For ice cream, the common HS code is 2105.00. This code applies to prepared food products, including ice cream, cakes, and similar products.

Why HS Code is Important:

• Import taxes: The HS code helps determine the specific import duties for ice cream.
• Customs inspection: It ensures that products are classified correctly during customs clearance.

3. Related Legal and Policy Aspects of Ice Cream Importation

Importing ice cream into Vietnam requires compliance with strict legal regulations and policies to ensure product quality and protect consumer health. Key legal regulations include:

3.1. Food Safety Law (Law No. 55/2010/QH12)

This law outlines the safety standards for all imported food products, including ice cream. It requires conformity certification, quality standards, and clear product origin.

3.2. Decree 38/2012/ND-CP

This decree regulates food safety management and quality inspection procedures for imported food products, including steps such as port inspections, conformity certificates, and food safety certificates.

3.3. Tax Policies

Vietnam has import tax policies for food products, and ice cream is subject to both import duties and VAT. Tax incentives may apply if ice cream is imported from countries in free trade agreements such as ASEAN, EVFTA, and CPTPP.

4. Conclusion

Importing ice cream into Vietnam requires businesses to comply with strict regulations regarding quality, food safety, and customs procedures. IpoLogistics, with its extensive experience in international logistics, is committed to supporting your business throughout every step of the import process from A to Z. We will ensure that all legal procedures, taxes, and food safety requirements are completed accurately and efficiently, helping you successfully bring ice cream to the Vietnamese market in a cost-effective and timely manner.

If your business plans to import ice cream, contact IpoLogistics today for detailed consultation and support throughout the importation process.