Import Procedures for Electric Irons into Vietnam
1. Determine the Product Code
- HS Code: Electric irons are typically classified under HS Code 8516.10.00. This code is specified in the Export-Import Tariff as per Circular 65/2017/TT-BTC dated June 27, 2017, by the Ministry of Finance.
2. Company Registration
- Business License: Ensure that the company has a valid business license and tax identification number. This is required for conducting import and export activities in compliance with legal regulations.
- Certificate of Business Eligibility: Some goods require the company to have a certificate of business eligibility, especially for products related to safety and quality.
3. Prepare Import Documentation
a. Commercial Invoice
- Requirements: Must clearly state information about the product (name, description, quantity, value), the seller and buyer, delivery terms (Incoterms), and payment methods.
- Legal Basis: As per Article 37 of the Commercial Law 2005, the commercial invoice must be signed and stamped by the exporter.
b. Bill of Lading
- Requirements: Should include information about the shipper, consignee, product description, quantity, and transportation route.
- Legal Basis: Must be issued by the shipping company, serving as proof of ownership and transport of the goods.
c. Packing List
- Requirements: Detailed description of packaging, dimensions, weight, and quantity of packages.
- Legal Basis: According to Article 38 of the Commercial Law 2005, the packing list is necessary for verifying the goods and ensuring compliance with the customs declaration.
d. Certificate of Origin
- Purpose: Verifies the origin of the product and may help apply preferential tariff rates under international trade agreements.
- Legal Basis: According to Circular 11/2020/TT-BCT by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the certificate of origin must be issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.
e. Certificate of Conformity
- Requirements: Confirms that the product meets the technical and safety standards required by Vietnam.
- Legal Basis: According to Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN by the Ministry of Science and Technology, electrical products must have a Certificate of Conformity before importation.
f. Quality Inspection Certificate
- Requirements: Depends on the regulations of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the General Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality.
- Legal Basis: As per Circular 20/2015/TT-BKHCN, the quality inspection certificate must be issued by a recognized inspection body.
4. Verify Technical and Safety Requirements
- Technical Standards and Safety: Electric irons must meet technical and safety standards such as TCVN (Vietnamese Standards) or international standards like IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
- Certificate of Conformity: The product must have a Certificate of Conformity from a recognized certification body in Vietnam, such as the Center for Standards and Quality Measurement.
5. Customs Clearance Procedures
a. Customs Declaration
- System: Use the VNACCS/VCIS system to submit electronic customs declarations. The declaration must be completed accurately with information from accompanying documents.
- Legal Basis: According to Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC by the Ministry of Finance, the electronic customs declaration must be submitted within the prescribed timeframe.
b. Taxes and Fees
- Import Duty: Calculated based on the HS code and the applicable tariff rate at the time of import. The import duty rate may vary depending on international trade agreements.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT must be paid as per regulations, usually at 10% according to the Value Added Tax Law 2008.
- Other Fees: May include management fees, quality inspection fees, and other fees as required by customs authorities.
c. Goods Inspection
- Physical Inspection: Customs may require a physical inspection of goods to verify compliance with the declaration and documents. Goods may be held for inspection if there are suspicions of non-compliance or violations.
- Legal Basis: As per Circular 128/2013/TT-BTC by the Ministry of Finance, customs authorities have the right to inspect goods to ensure the accuracy of declarations.
6. Receiving and Transporting Goods
- Receiving Goods: After completing customs clearance, goods can be received at the port or warehouse and transported to storage or sales locations.
- Legal Basis: According to Customs Law 2014, the company must fulfill its declaration and tax payment obligations on time to receive the goods.
7. Post-Import Compliance
- Document Retention: Keep all relevant documents and records related to the import for future inspections, audits, and management purposes.
- Warranty and Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s warranty and maintenance requirements and comply with Vietnamese regulations.
Notes:
- Update Regulations: Import regulations may change, so regularly check with customs authorities and relevant organizations to ensure full compliance.
- Legal Support: Seek advice from customs service companies or lawyers specializing in import-export law to ensure that all procedures are properly followed.
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