Chemical Import Customs Clearance Services

Chemical import customs clearance services at Nasa Logistics help you simplify complex legal procedures and optimize operating costs. This article provides a comprehensive overview, from the legal framework and HS code-based tax determination to a detailed 5-step customs clearance process. You can have complete peace of mind when transporting goods to your warehouse safely and in full compliance with standards.

What is the Concept of Chemical Import?

Chemical importing is understood as the trade and transportation of chemical commodities from international markets into Vietnamese territory to serve industrial production, commercial business, scientific research, or other specialized purposes. This entire process must be strictly controlled based on human health safety and environmental protection standards in accordance with current laws.

Common classifications of imported chemicals include:

  • Raw material chemicals: Applied in industrial sectors, agricultural processing, and healthcare.
  • Commercial chemicals: Used for trading and distribution activities in the market.
  • Research chemicals: Used specifically in laboratories or for testing new products.

Regulations on Policies and Labeling of Imported Chemicals:

The process for chemical import procedures is regulated in the following documents:

  • Law No. 69/2025/QH15 dated June 14, 2025;
  • Decree No. 24/2026/ND-CP dated January 17, 2026;
  • Decree No. 26/2026/ND-CP dated January 17, 2026;
  • Decree No. 28/2026/ND-CP dated January 19, 2026;
  • Circular No. 01/2026/TT-BCT dated January 17, 2026;
  • Circular No. 02/2026/TT-BCT dated January 17, 2026;
  • Decision No. 87/QD-BCT dated January 17, 2026;
  • Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC dated March 25, 2015; amended and supplemented by 39/2018/TT-BTC dated April 20, 2018, and 121/2025/TT-BTC dated December 18, 2025.
  • Decree No. 37/2026/ND-CP dated January 23, 2026.

Legal Framework for Chemical Import

Enterprises bringing chemicals into Vietnam should note the following points:

  • Products must not be on the list of chemicals prohibited from import.
  • For hazardous or specialized chemical groups, importers must obtain permits from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or relevant specialized management agencies.
  • Items subject to chemical declaration must be fully registered on the National Single Window (NSW) system before the goods arrive at the port.

Labeling Rules for Imported Goods

Labels on chemical packaging must comply with the spirit of the Decree with specific standards:

Indispensable information on the label:

  • Product name (including scientific identity and commercial name).
  • Chemical formula and detailed composition of ingredients.
  • Global chemical identification code – CAS Number (Chemical Abstract Service).
  • Hazard warnings: Use of warning symbols, images, and descriptions of hazardous properties.
  • Specific instructions for use and safe storage conditions.
  • Origin information: Manufacturer’s name and country of supply.
  • Responsible entity information: Name and address of the importing enterprise in Vietnam.

Language standards:

  • Mandatory content must be presented in Vietnamese.
  • The manufacturer’s original label may be kept, but it must not obscure the supplementary Vietnamese content.

Other technical requirements:

  • For mixed chemicals, the list of main ingredients and their corresponding ratios must be clearly listed.
  • Labels of hazardous chemical groups must strictly comply with the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals).
  • HS Code lookup for chemical items
  • The HS Code (Harmonized System) is a global standardized code set used to identify goods in international trade. It is important to note that the first 6 digits of the HS code are the same worldwide; the difference lies only in the suffix digits according to the classification regulations of each country.
  • Nasa summarizes the reference HS code table for some common chemical groups as follows:

How to Calculate Chemical Import Taxes

Main types of taxes include:

1. Import Duty: Determined based on the HS code of each chemical type and the country of origin.

Formula: Import Duty = CIF Value × Import Tax Rate (%)

(In which, CIF value includes the price of goods at the factory plus international freight and cargo insurance fees).

2. Import Value Added Tax (VAT): Calculated on the total value of the goods after adding the import duty.

Formula: VAT = (CIF Value + Import Duty) × VAT Rate (%)

Dossier to be prepared for import procedures

Enterprises need to complete the following documents to present to the Customs authority:

  • Sales Contract.
  • Commercial Invoice.
  • Packing List.
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Certificate of Origin (C/O – if any, to enjoy tax incentives).
  • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
  • Specialized import license (if required for the item).

Detailed Chemical Import Process

Chemical customs clearance procedures are carried out based on the instructions in relevant Circulars with the following basic steps:

Step 1: Electronic Customs Declaration Submission

Based on the prepared document set, the customs declarant submits data to the VNACCS/VCIS system. Note that the declaration must be submitted within 30 days from the date the goods arrive at the border gate to avoid administrative penalties.

Step 2: Chemical Declaration Registration

For chemicals on the regulated lists for each item, enterprises must perform declaration procedures through the National Single Window and wait for confirmation from the competent authority.

Step 3: Procedures at the Customs Branch

Based on the declaration’s classification result (Green, Yellow, or Red channel), the enterprise will proceed with the following steps:

  • Green Channel: Goods are cleared immediately.
  • Yellow/Red Channel: Paper documents must be presented or physical inspection of goods is required.

The deadline to open the declaration is no more than 15 days after the electronic declaration is submitted.

Step 4: Clearance and Tax Payment

After customs officers approve the dossier, the enterprise proceeds to pay relevant taxes and fees. When the declaration status changes to “Cleared,” the goods are officially allowed to be released.

Step 5: Inland Transportation and Warehousing

The enterprise coordinates with the carrier to bring the goods to the warehouse, ensuring safe storage conditions according to the specific characteristics of each chemical type.

Mastering the chemical import process not only helps businesses save time but also minimizes the risks of incurred costs. Accurate declaration, full preparation of documents, and correct performance of tax obligations are the keys to success.

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