Procedures for Importing Thermal Lunch Boxes
Importing thermal lunch boxes into Vietnam requires compliance with various legal, customs, and technical standards. Below is a detailed and professional guide on the necessary steps to import this product:
1. HS Code for Thermal Lunch Boxes
Before proceeding with the import, businesses need to determine the correct HS code for the product. The HS code helps define applicable taxes and management policies for the product. Thermal lunch boxes generally fall under HS code 7323.93.00 (household products made of stainless steel) or 3924.10.90 (other household products made of plastic).
- HS Code 7323.93.00: Thermal lunch boxes made of metal (such as stainless steel).
- HS Code 3924.10.90: Thermal lunch boxes made of plastic.
2. Import Policies
Thermal lunch boxes are not on the list of prohibited or restricted imports in Vietnam. However, products may be subject to safety and quality checks, especially for items that come into direct contact with food.
3. Customs Documents
When importing, businesses need to prepare the following customs documents:
- Customs Declaration (Form HQ/2015/NĐ-108).
- Commercial Invoice.
- Bill of Lading (B/L).
- Packing List.
- Sales Contract.
- Certificate of Origin (C/O), if applicable, for preferential tax treatment under trade agreements.
4. Import Duties and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Import Duty: The import duty rate for thermal lunch boxes varies depending on the material (plastic or metal) and country of origin. Businesses need to verify the specific duty rate based on the HS code and origin of the product.
- The preferential import duty for metal thermal lunch boxes is usually 15%.
- For plastic lunch boxes, the preferential import duty is generally 10%.
- VAT: The VAT rate for thermal lunch boxes is 10%.
5. Conformity Certification
If the thermal lunch boxes come into direct contact with food, businesses must complete the following steps to ensure product safety:
- Declaration of Conformity: According to Circular 41/2018/TT-BCT, products used to store food may require a declaration of conformity to ensure safety for consumers’ health.
- Product Quality Inspection: Imported goods may need to undergo food safety inspections according to regulations set by the Ministry of Health. Businesses can contact quality inspection agencies such as QUATEST for testing.
6. Import Procedures
- Step 1: Register for a Customs Tax Code: Businesses need a customs tax code to carry out customs-related procedures. This code can be registered directly with the General Department of Customs.
- Step 2: Prepare Import Documents: After determining the HS code and related tax policies, businesses must prepare all necessary documents as listed above.
- Step 3: Submit Customs Declaration: The customs declaration is submitted through the VNACCS system of the General Department of Customs, where businesses declare information about the shipment, HS code, quantity, value, and tax rates.
- Step 4: Pay Import Duty and Fees: Businesses must pay the import duty and any other applicable fees.
- Step 5: Quality Inspection and Customs Clearance: Goods may undergo physical inspection or document inspection (depending on green, yellow, or red channel). If everything is in order, the goods will be cleared, and businesses can collect them from the port or warehouse.
7. Product Safety Considerations
According to Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on product labeling, thermal lunch boxes must have proper labels, including:
- Product name.
- Country of origin.
- Manufacturer information.
- Usage, storage instructions, and safety warnings (if applicable).
8. Time and Cost for Import
The time to complete import procedures typically ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the inspection process and customs clearance. Import costs include customs fees, import duties, inspection fees (if any), and shipping and storage fees.
9. Relevant Legal Documents
- Customs Law 2014 and relevant Decrees.
- Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC on customs procedures, inspection, and tax policies for export and import goods.
- Circular 41/2018/TT-BCT on product quality management under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
- Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on product labeling.
Conclusion
Importing thermal lunch boxes is not overly complex but requires businesses to comply with HS code regulations, import duties, declaration of conformity for food contact products, and other customs procedures. Ensuring quality checks and proper product labeling is essential to avoid risks during the import process.