importing industrial pipe defect inspection machines

Here is a detailed, professional translation of the procedures for importing industrial pipe defect inspection machines by IpoLogistics:

I. Determining the HS Code (Harmonized System Code)

The HS Code is the first and most crucial factor to determine tax rates, specialized inspection regulations, and licensing requirements. For industrial pipe defect inspection machines, the HS code often falls under measuring or industrial inspection machinery.

1. Reference HS Codes:
   • HS 9027: For analytical or testing equipment, including non-destructive testing (NDT) devices.
   • HS 9031: For other measuring, testing, or inspection devices not covered elsewhere.

   Accurate HS code classification affects the applicable duties and quality inspection requirements. Companies can seek consultation from customs authorities or use IpoLogistics’ HS code advisory services.

II. Preparing the Import Dossier

The import dossier must include the following documents:

1. Commercial Contract (Sales Contract): This is the agreement between the buyer (importing company) and the seller (foreign supplier), outlining the terms of the purchase.
2. Commercial Invoice: Provides information on the value of the goods and the terms of delivery (FOB, CIF, DDU…).
3. Packing List: Details how the goods are packaged, including the number of items, weight, and specific content inside each package.
4. Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill): This is the shipping document confirming the transportation of goods from the exporting country to Vietnam, issued by the shipping carrier.
5. Certificate of Origin (C/O): A document certifying the country of origin of the goods. This document can help reduce import duties if the goods are from a country that has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Vietnam, such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), ASEAN, or CPTPP.
6. Product Catalog and Technical Documentation: These documents provide detailed information about the machine’s functionalities, which are crucial when dealing with customs and quality inspection authorities.

III. Specialized Inspection and Import Licensing

1. Specialized Inspection:
   • Register for quality and safety inspection: Industrial pipe defect inspection machines may require quality inspection before importation under Decree 74/2018/ND-CP and Circular 07/2017/TT-BKHCN.
   • Relevant agencies include the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the General Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality, or the Department of Industry and Trade.
2. Import Licensing:
   • Some specialized or high-tech devices may fall under the controlled import goods list as regulated in Decree 69/2018/ND-CP.
   • In this case, the company must apply for an import license from the relevant authorities.

IV. Customs Declaration

1. Electronic Customs Declaration:
   • The declaration is submitted via the VNACCS/VCIS system (Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) of the General Department of Vietnam Customs.
   • The information required includes:
     • Goods information: Name of the goods, HS code, quantity, value, and tax-related details.
     • Document information: Includes the supporting documents such as invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin.
     • Supplier and importer details.
2. Documents accompanying the customs declaration:
   • The supporting document set includes:
     • Customs declaration form.
     • Commercial contract.
     • Commercial invoice.
     • Packing list.
     • Bill of lading.
     • Import license and quality inspection certificate (if applicable).
3. Tax management policies:
   • The system automatically calculates import duties and VAT based on the declared value, product type, and origin.

V. Payment of Customs Duties and Fees

1. Import Duty:
   • The import duty rate depends on the HS code and the origin of the goods. In some cases, preferential duty rates can apply under free trade agreements in which Vietnam is a member.
2. Value-Added Tax (VAT):
   • The current VAT rate for most industrial machinery is 10%.
3. Customs Fees:
   • After a successful declaration, the company must pay customs fees according to regulations (typically 20,000-50,000 VND depending on the type of declaration).

VI. Goods Clearance and Domestic Transportation

1. Goods Clearance:
   • After fulfilling tax obligations and customs documents are approved, the customs authority will grant clearance for the goods.
2. Domestic Transportation:
   • IpoLogistics will assist in transporting goods from the port/airport to the company’s warehouse or the destination for use.

VII. Applicable Legal Regulations

1. Customs Law 2014: Specifies the procedures and the rights and obligations of the parties involved in import-export activities.
2. Decree 187/2013/ND-CP: Governs the list of prohibited and restricted goods for import and export.
3. Decree 69/2018/ND-CP: Pertains to foreign trade management and controlled import goods.
4. Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC and Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC: Provide guidance on electronic customs declaration procedures.
5. Decree 74/2018/ND-CP: Regulates the quality inspection of imported goods.

VIII. Professional Services from IpoLogistics

IpoLogistics offers comprehensive services from legal consultancy, document preparation, customs declaration, quality inspection to domestic transportation. Our team of experts, well-versed in customs and import-export regulations, ensures that the process is carried out efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with the law.