Importing inorganic fertilizers

Importing inorganic fertilizers into Vietnam requires strict adherence to legal regulations and administrative procedures. Below is a detailed guide on the steps necessary to successfully complete this process.

1. Preparation and Business Registration

Business Registration:

• The company must have a Business Registration Certificate that includes activities related to the production, trading, and import of fertilizers.
• The specific industry code must be clearly stated in the Business Registration Certificate, according to the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification (VSIC).

Import Conditions:

• According to Decree No. 108/2017/ND-CP on fertilizer management, the company must have a Certificate of Eligibility for Fertilizer Production and Trading issued by the Plant Protection Department.
• The company must meet the requirements regarding facilities, equipment, and specialized personnel.

2. Registration for Fertilizer Quality Inspection

Import License:

• The company must apply for an import license for fertilizers from the Plant Protection Department or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• The application for the import license includes:
  • An application form for importing fertilizers as prescribed.
  • A notarized copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
  • Import contract (Contract) and commercial invoice (Invoice).
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) of the product from the foreign manufacturer.

Quality Inspection Registration Dossier:

• The required dossier includes:
  • An application form for quality inspection as prescribed.
  • Technical documents on fertilizers (Material Safety Data Sheet – MSDS).
  • Quality certificates from the competent authority of the exporting country.
  • Sample labels and usage instructions.

3. Quality Inspection

Quality Inspection:

• The Plant Protection Department will take samples of the fertilizers for quality inspection at the laboratory.
• The inspection process includes determining nutritional components, additives, and other safety indicators according to national technical standards.
• If the standards are met, the Department will issue a quality inspection certificate.

4. Customs Procedures

Customs Dossier:

• The company must prepare a complete dossier for customs procedures, including:
  • Import customs declaration form as prescribed.
  • Import license for fertilizers issued by the Plant Protection Department.
  • Quality inspection certificate.
  • Import contract, commercial invoice, and other related documents.

Customs Clearance:

• After submitting the dossier and paying import duties, the customs authority will inspect and clear the goods.
• The company can transport the fertilizers to storage or distribution after completing the procedures.

5. Registration for Product Circulation

Circulation Certificate:

• The company must register the product for circulation at the Plant Protection Department or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• The registration dossier includes:
  • An application form for circulation as prescribed.
  • Quality inspection certificate.
  • Quality inspection results.
  • Technical documents and product labels.

6. Storage and Distribution

Storage:

• Imported inorganic fertilizers must be stored in a dry, cool, and safe environment.
• The storage facility must comply with fire safety and product storage regulations.

Distribution:

• The company can distribute the fertilizers to agents or directly to consumers.
• The product must have clear labels, compliant with regulations regarding product information and usage instructions.

Regulatory and Technical Standards

National Technical Standards:

• Imported inorganic fertilizers must comply with national technical standards for fertilizers (QCVN) issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Standards include criteria for nutritional components, heavy metals, harmful microorganisms, and other toxic substances.

Safety and Environmental Protection:

• Inorganic fertilizers must ensure safety for human health and not harm the environment.
• The production, transportation, and use of fertilizers must comply with environmental protection regulations.

Adhering to these procedures will help ensure that the company imports inorganic fertilizers smoothly, maintains product quality, and complies with current legal regulations. Understanding and following these regulations not only helps avoid legal risks but also builds trust and credibility with customers and partners.