Procedures for Importing Smoked Salmon into Vietnam
1. HS Code and Product Management Policy
- HS Code: Smoked salmon is generally classified under HS code 0305.20.00, which covers dried, smoked, salted, or otherwise processed fish. This HS code must be accurately determined to ensure the correct application of import duties and relevant government regulations.
- Management Policy: According to Decree 69/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018, on foreign trade management, smoked salmon falls under the category of goods subject to animal quarantine and food safety inspection when imported.
2. Import Conditions
- Import License: The importing enterprise must register for a license to import food products of animal origin with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
- Quarantine Certificate: A quarantine certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country is required, confirming that the product is free from pathogens and meets Vietnam’s food safety standards.
- Food Safety Certification: As per Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, the product must undergo food safety inspection and certification before customs clearance.
3. Import Process for Smoked Salmon
Step 1: Register for animal quarantine and food safety inspection
- Before the shipment arrives at the port, the importer must submit a registration application for animal quarantine at the Regional Animal Quarantine Sub-Department or the port quarantine sub-department.
- The application must include the following documents:
- A copy of the import license.
- Quarantine certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.
- Sales contract, commercial invoice, and bill of lading (B/L).
Step 2: Quarantine inspection and sampling
- Upon arrival of the shipment at the port, the importer must contact the quarantine authority to conduct an actual inspection and sample testing.
- Testing criteria typically include epidemiological examination, microbial analysis, and residue testing for prohibited chemicals and antibiotics per Vietnamese regulations.
- The quarantine process may take 3-7 days, depending on the results of the sample analysis.
Step 3: Submit customs clearance documents
- After obtaining quarantine and food safety inspection results, the importer submits the customs clearance documents at the customs office at the port of entry. The documents include:
- Customs declaration (via the VNACCS/VCIS system).
- Sales contract (Contract).
- Commercial invoice (Invoice).
- Packing list.
- Bill of lading (B/L).
- Certificate of origin (C/O).
- Quarantine and food safety certificates.
Step 4: Customs clearance and receiving goods
- Once all procedures are completed, the importer can proceed with customs clearance. To ensure the quality of smoked salmon, the importer must adhere to storage and transportation conditions as per the prescribed standards.
4. Taxes and Related Fees
- Import Tax: The import tax rate for smoked salmon typically ranges from 10-20%, depending on the country of origin and the free trade agreements (FTAs) Vietnam has signed.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Smoked salmon is subject to VAT at 10%.
- Quarantine Fees: These fees depend on the number of samples and the type of quarantine service, as regulated by Circular No. 286/2016/TT-BTC on fees and charges in the veterinary field.
5. Legal Considerations and Risk Management
- Quality Control: Smoked salmon is a sensitive product in terms of food safety. Therefore, the importer must implement strict quality control measures from the origin, during transportation, and until the product reaches consumers.
- Compliance with Legal Regulations: To avoid administrative penalties or business license revocation, the importer must strictly comply with regulations on food safety and proper storage of goods according to the standards issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
- Financial Risk Management: The importer should have a financial contingency plan for unexpected costs such as warehousing fees, extended quarantine fees, or costs related to re-exporting or destroying goods if they fail to meet the specified standards.
6. Relevant Authorities
- Department of Animal Health – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: Responsible for managing and supervising the quarantine of animals and animal products entering the country.
- Food Safety Department – Ministry of Health: Responsible for inspecting and certifying the food safety of imported smoked salmon.
- General Department of Vietnam Customs: Manages the customs clearance of goods and inspects the related import documents.
7. Conclusion
Importing smoked salmon requires the importer to be well-versed in the regulations regarding quarantine and food safety, as well as to thoroughly prepare the necessary documentation and legal procedures. The importer must carefully plan, from preparing the documentation to managing related risks, to ensure a smooth import process that complies with Vietnamese laws and regulations.
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