Import procedures for glass cleaner

1. Introduction to Glass Cleaner

Import procedures for glass cleaner – Glass cleaner is a widely used product for cleaning glass surfaces, effectively removing dust, smudges, and grease. Its main ingredients typically include organic solvents like alcohol and ammonia, which leave glass surfaces spotless and streak-free.

Import demand for glass cleaner has risen due to high-quality international products with enhanced cleaning capabilities, including anti-dust and water-repellent properties.

2. Determining the Accurate HS Code for Glass Cleaner

• To accurately classify glass cleaner, it’s essential to understand the product’s chemical composition and specific purpose. Generally, glass cleaner falls under Chapter 34 in the Harmonized System (HS), which covers cleaning agents and detergents. The relevant HS Codes are:
  • HS Code 3402.20.90: For “organic surface-active agents, liquid or cream detergents not containing soap,” which includes glass cleaners and other surface cleaning products.
  • HS Code 3402.90: Covers cleaning preparations not specifically classified elsewhere.
• Note: The precise HS Code can vary depending on the specific formulation of the glass cleaner and current customs regulations. For the most accurate HS Code, consider:
  • Consulting with local customs: Use the VNACCS system or customs advisory services to verify the exact HS Code.
  • Checking with the glass cleaner manufacturer: International suppliers often use a specific HS Code that can assist in choosing the most accurate classification for import to Vietnam.

3. Legal Requirements for Import procedures for glass cleaner

• Relevant legal framework:
  • Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP: Provides detailed guidance on imported goods under the Law on Foreign Trade Management, including cleaning and detergent products.
  • Circular No. 10/2021/TT-BCT: Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, covering goods requiring specialized inspection, including regulations on quality and safety for chemical products.
• Chemical safety and quality inspection:
  • According to the Law on Chemicals and environmental safety regulations, glass cleaners with volatile or flammable solvents may require chemical safety checks.
  • Importers must provide a Certificate of Quality and Composition (COCQ) and chemical composition report following national standards.
• Required permits and documents:
  • Special import permit (if needed): For glass cleaners containing regulated chemicals, special permits may be required from regulatory authorities.
  • Certificate of Conformity or Quality Inspection Certificate from the Ministry of Health: For products subject to inspection, quality testing before clearance may be necessary.

4. Import Procedure for Glass Cleaner

• Preparation of import documents:
  • Essential documents include:
    • Import customs declaration form.
    • Sales contract.
    • Commercial invoice.
    • Packing list.
    • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.
    • Import permit (if needed).
    • Certificate of Origin (C/O) if preferential tariffs apply.
    • Certificate of specialized inspection if required.
• Customs declaration:
  • File the customs declaration through VNACCS/VCIS, the customs clearance system in Vietnam.
  • Include detailed information such as the HS Code (e.g., 3402.20.90), product name, consignment value, importer code, and chemical composition.
• Specialized inspection (if needed):
  • If glass cleaner falls under the required chemical safety inspection, an agency will test samples to analyze the composition, chemical hazards, and safety levels.
  • Products from countries with high safety standards (e.g., EU, Japan, USA) might have a simplified inspection process with recognized international certification.
• Import tax and VAT payment:
  • Import duty: Based on the HS Code, typically 5-10%.
  • VAT (Value-Added Tax): Applied at 10% for cleaning products.
  • Tax calculation formula:
    • Import Duty = CIF Value x Import Duty Rate.
    • VAT = (CIF Value + Import Duty) x 10%.
  • Timely tax payments are essential for smooth customs clearance.
• Clearance of goods:
  • After completing inspection and tax payments, the shipment will be cleared.
  • ipologistics offers transportation services from the port to the warehouse or designated address, ensuring safe and timely delivery following regulatory requirements.

5. Important Notes When Importing Glass Cleaner

• Chemical safety assessment: Be mindful of the chemical composition of glass cleaner. Products containing flammable or volatile substances require full chemical safety documentation and quality checks.
• Stay updated on import regulations: Cleaning and chemical-based products are frequently regulated under chemical safety laws by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health, so staying current with relevant legal updates is essential.
• Optimize transportation costs: Leveraging ipologistics’ logistics services can help streamline transportation, reducing costs and ensuring timely delivery.

6. Conclusion

• The glass cleaner import process requires careful adherence to legal procedures, particularly regarding chemical safety and quality standards. Understanding the steps from HS Code classification, customs procedures, import taxes, and quality inspection is essential to ensure legal compliance and product quality.
• ipologistics, with its professional team, can assist with document preparation, customs declaration, clearance, and transportation, enabling businesses to import glass cleaner efficiently, promptly, and in compliance with regulations.