Import Procedures for Electric Kettles

1. Determine HS Code

HS Code for electric kettles typically falls under Chapter 85, specifically code 8516.10.10: “Electric kettles and devices for heating water.”
Legal Basis: Circular 65/2017/TT-BTC, which publishes the list of export and import goods.

2. Check Import Policies

National Technical Standards: Electric kettles must comply with safety standards according to the National Technical Regulation QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN on electrical and electronic safety.
Quality Inspection Procedures: Products must be inspected for quality before clearance. Companies need to send sample products to testing organizations designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Legal Basis:

Decision 3810/QD-BKHCN on the issuance of National Technical Regulations.
Decree 74/2018/ND-CP amending and supplementing Decree 132/2008/ND-CP.

3. Prepare Import Documents

Customs Documents:
- Customs Declaration: In the format specified by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance.
- Sales Contract: A legal document confirming the transaction.
- Commercial Invoice: Details of price, quantity, and characteristics of the goods (Article 16 Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC).
- Packing List: Lists quantity and weight of the goods (Article 17 Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC).
- Bill of Lading: Transport document (Article 18 Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC).
- Certificate of Origin (C/O): Proof of the origin of the goods (Article 19 Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC).
- Certificate of Conformity: Certification that the product meets standards.

4. Quality Inspection Procedures

Register for Quality Inspection: Submit documents and sample products to the Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality.
Quality Testing: Products must be tested at organizations designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology. A Certificate of Conformity will be issued if the product meets the requirements.
Certificate of Conformity: Certification that the product complies with technical and safety standards.

Legal Basis:

Law on Product and Goods Quality No. 05/2007/QH12.
Circular 07/2017/TT-BKHCN guiding the quality inspection of Group 2 goods.

5. Customs Clearance Procedures

Submit Customs Documents: Provide all required import documents, including the quality inspection results, to the customs authorities.
Physical Inspection: Customs authorities may conduct a physical inspection of the goods to ensure they match the declared information.
Customs Clearance: Once the documents and goods are approved, customs authorities will issue a clearance certificate for the goods.

Legal Basis:

Customs Law No. 54/2014/QH13.
Decree 08/2015/ND-CP guiding the implementation of the Customs Law.

6. Pay Import Taxes

Import Duty: The applicable duty rate for electric kettles is typically 20%. Companies need to pay import duties according to the Import-Export Duty Schedule in Decree 125/2017/ND-CP.
VAT: 10% according to the Law on Value Added Tax No. 13/2008/QH12 and its amendments.
Tax Payment: Taxes must be paid promptly after completing customs procedures.

Legal Basis:

Decree 125/2017/ND-CP on Import-Export Duties.
Law on Value Added Tax No. 13/2008/QH12.

7. Register Trademarks and Barcodes (If Necessary)

Trademark Registration: Register with the National Office of Intellectual Property to protect the brand in Vietnam.
Barcode Registration: Register with the General Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality for product management.

Legal Basis:

Law on Intellectual Property No. 50/2005/QH11 and its amendments.
Circular 16/2011/TT-BKHCN on managing and using barcodes.

8. Special Considerations

Origin of Goods: Verify the Certificate of Origin (C/O) to ensure that the imported goods comply with regulations and avoid legal issues.
Compliance with Safety Regulations: Ensure that electric kettles meet electrical and thermal safety standards according to QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN.

Conclusion

Importing electric kettles requires companies to complete several steps, including determining the HS code, preparing documents, quality inspection, paying taxes, and handling other related procedures to ensure a smooth and legal import process. Companies should be well-versed in legal regulations to avoid potential issues and ensure compliance with the law.

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