PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTING KITCHEN HOODS

PROCEDURES FOR IMPORTING KITCHEN HOODS -To ensure that businesses can successfully import kitchen range hoods, it is essential to comply with legal regulations and follow customs procedures. Below is a detailed, professional guide, covering legal requirements, certifications, taxes, and customs procedures for businesses.

I. Determining the HS Code for Kitchen Range Hoods

Kitchen range hoods are classified under Chapter 85: Electrical machines and equipment in the Harmonized System (HS) Code. Based on the current HS code system, the appropriate HS code for range hoods is:

• HS Code: 8516.60.10 – Kitchen extractor hoods or smoke extraction appliances.

Note:

• Accurate HS Code: Accurate determination of the HS code is crucial as it dictates import duties, preferential tax rates (if any), and related procedures.
• Product Classification: Businesses can request the Customs Product Classification Organization to ensure the correct HS code and avoid discrepancies in the customs declaration.

II. Import Conditions and Legal Requirements

1. Import Conditions

• Kitchen range hoods are not on the list of prohibited or restricted imports in Vietnam.
• Range hoods are part of the products subject to quality inspection under the regulations of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

2. Mandatory Import Documents

• Foreign Trade Contract (Contract): This is the contract between the importer and the foreign supplier. The contract should include detailed terms on product value, delivery conditions, payment terms, and dispute resolution.
• Commercial Invoice: This document reflects the value of the goods. The information in the invoice must be accurate and match the customs declaration.
• Packing List: A detailed list of packaging items, including quantity, weight, and dimensions of the packages.
• Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the shipping carrier as proof of transportation.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O): Required to apply for preferential tax rates if the product is imported from countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Vietnam.

III. Certification of Conformity and Import Quality Inspection

1. Certification of Conformity

• Kitchen range hoods must obtain a Certificate of Conformity as they are subject to the National Technical Regulation on Electrical and Electronic Equipment Safety (QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN).
• Businesses must conduct testing at agencies designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology to obtain the certificate.
• Documents for Conformity Certification include:
  • Application for certification.
  • Copies of the contract, invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.
  • Self-declaration of product quality.

2. State Quality Inspection

• Once goods arrive at the port, the importer must conduct state quality inspections.
• Documents for Quality Inspection include:
  • Registration for state inspection at a certified agency.
  • Certificate of Conformity.
  • Shipping and customs documents.

IV. Import Taxes and Other Fees

1. Import Duties

• Regular Import Tax Rate: Import duties for kitchen range hoods range from 10% to 25%, depending on the country of origin.
• Preferential Tax Rates: If the business has a valid Certificate of Origin from countries in Free Trade Agreements (FTA) like EVFTA (EU-Vietnam FTA) or VKFTA (Korea-Vietnam FTA), import duties may be reduced or waived significantly.

2. Value Added Tax (VAT)

• The VAT applied to kitchen range hoods is 10%, calculated based on the total value of goods, including import duties.

3. Other Fees

• Quality Inspection Fees: These are charged by quality inspection agencies depending on the service.
• Warehouse, Storage, and Transportation Fees: These costs may arise at the port if the goods are not cleared promptly.

V. Customs Procedures and Clearance

1. Customs Declaration

• The importer must file an electronic customs declaration via the VNACCS system. The process includes:
  1. Preparing documents.
  2. Submitting the goods’ information into the VNACCS system.
  3. Receiving the result of the customs clearance process:
     • Green channel: Immediate clearance without physical inspection.
     • Yellow channel: Detailed inspection of the documents.
     • Red channel: Physical inspection of goods and documents.

2. Submitting Customs Documents

• Customs Documents include:
  • Printed customs declaration from the system.
  • Commercial Invoice.
  • Packing List.
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Certificate of Conformity and Quality Inspection.
  • Certificate of Origin (if any).

3. Inspection and Goods Clearance

• Physical Inspection of Goods: If the goods are assigned to the yellow or red channel, customs will physically inspect the goods to ensure they match the declaration.
• Once inspection is completed, and the necessary taxes are paid, the goods will be cleared for release.

VI. Labeling Regulations and Consumer Protection

1. Labeling Requirements

• Imported goods must have labels in compliance with Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on labeling of goods. The label must contain:
  • Product name.
  • Name and address of the manufacturer.
  • Country of origin.
  • Technical specifications and instructions (in Vietnamese).

2. Standards of Safety and Consumer Protection

• Range hoods must comply with TCVN safety standards for electrical equipment and the corresponding international standards.
• Businesses must register the product for circulation after importation and ensure that warranty and maintenance services are provided according to customer commitments.

VII. Professional Import Services

Businesses can choose to utilize the services of professional import companies to assist with:

• Consulting to ensure the correct HS Code.
• Handling certification of conformity and quality inspections.
• Assisting with customs declarations and goods clearance.
• Advising and managing legal, tax, and consumer protection procedures.

In summary, importing kitchen range hoods requires thorough preparation across legal requirements and customs procedures. Businesses must understand the process and comply with relevant regulations to ensure timely and lawful goods clearance.