I. What Are Customs Procedures?
1. Definition
Customs procedures are a set of administrative and legal activities related to the control of goods, means of transport, and passengers crossing borders to ensure compliance with the provisions of the law on customs, taxes, quarantine, and other regulations of the host country.
Customs procedures in each country have certain differences! It reflects the economic, cultural and policy characteristics of that country. The differences mainly come from:
– List of prohibited and restricted goods
– Tax rate
– Documents and procedures
– Customs clearance time … And much more
But don’t worry too much! Although there is a diversity of customs procedures around the world, they also have certain commonalities and connections:
- International standard customs system: Countries around the world have built a harmonized commodity code system (HS code) to unify the classification and coding of goods, helping to simplify customs procedures.
- Trade agreements: Bilateral or multilateral trade agreements often include provisions on customs cooperation, aimed at facilitating trade.
- World Customs Organization (WCO): WCO plays an important role in developing standards and recommendations on customs procedures, promoting cooperation between customs authorities around the world.
2. How To Classify And Code Customs Declaration Types In Vietnam
There are 3 codes for classifying and checking goods in Vietnam: green lane declaration, yellow lane declaration and red lane declaration. (corresponding to the level from easy to difficult for customs clearance of goods)
can be divided into two main types: import and export . To discuss this in detail would take a long time, so I will summarize the main points for non-specialists and classify them as follows:
| Export | Import | |
|---|---|---|
| – Number of Codes of Import – Export Type | – 16 – Includes: 3B; 2C; 5E; 5G and 1H |
– 24 – Includes: 8A; 2C; 8E; 5G and 1H |
| – General Meaning | – A: Pure import – B: Pure export – C: Related to bonded warehouses and duty-free zones – E: Related to raw materials, supplies, products… of export processing enterprises (EPEs) – G: Relating to temporary import, re-export or both – H: Other types of import and export (for example: gifts, presents, samples, goods from diplomatic agencies, heritage, aid goods,… or types of goods not identified above) |
|
You can download types of import and export in Vietnam here!
II. Export – Import Procedures In Vietnam
1. Export Customs Clearance Completed
– Step 1: Check policies and taxes for exported goods
– Step 2: Prepare documents
– Step 3: Fill out customs declaration
– Step 4: Carry out export customs procedures at the customs office
– Step 5: Determine customs declaration classification
* Green lane declaration: Applicable to enterprises that comply with customs laws
* Yellow lane declaration: Customs will exempt the enterprise from checking the actual goods, but will check the detailed records.
* Red lane declaration: Customs simultaneously checks goods and documents in detail, comparing directly with the shipment
– Step 6: Customs clearance and declaration liquidation
2. Import Customs Procedures Completed
– Step 1: Determine the type of imported goods
– Step 2: Sign foreign trade contract
– Step 3: Check the goods documents
– Step 4: Register for specialized testing
– Step 5: Declare and transmit customs declaration
– Step 6: Get delivery order
– Step 7: Prepare customs documents
– Step 8: Pay taxes and complete customs procedures
– Step 9: Carry out procedures to change orders and transfer goods to the warehouse for storage
III. How Long Does The Customs Clearance Process In Vietnam Usually Take?
Customs clearance time depends on many factors such as: type of goods, quantity, country of origin/import, declaration documents, and efficiency of customs authorities.
Normally, The customs clearance process can take several hours. (6~8 hours with green channel declaration) for a few days (2~5 days with red channel declaration).
IV. Customs Clearance Service Fees In Vietnam
1. Customs Clearance Price List
| Customs Clearance Stream | Describe | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Green Stream Declaration | Applicable to businesses that comply with customs laws. | 32 ~ 45 |
| Yellow Stream Declaration | Customs will exempt the enterprise from checking the actual goods, but will check the detailed records. | 72 ~ 90 |
| Red Stream Declaration | Customs simultaneously checks the goods and documents in detail, comparing them directly with the shipment. | 110 ~ 130 |
2. Export Customs Declaration Price List
| Type | Air | Retail (LCL) |
20’DC | 40’DC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 29 | 31 | 35 (For first container) |
40 (For first container) |
| 15 (For subsequent containers) |
||||
| Non-Trade | 35 | 47 | ||
| Production – Export | 21 | 26 | ||
| Processing | ||||
| On-Spot Import and Export | ||||
| Transit Goods to Cambodia | 60 | 70 | ||
3. Import Customs Declaration Price List
| Type | Air | Retail (LCL) |
20’DC | 40’DC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | 23 | 25 | 32 (For first container) |
35 (For first container) |
| 15 (For subsequent containers) |
||||
| Non-Trade | 32 | 35 | ||
| Production – Export | 19 | 25 | ||
| Processing | ||||
| On-Spot Import and Export | ||||
| Transit Goods to Cambodia | 60 | 70 | ||
4. Price List of Other Commonly Accompanying Costs
| Service Details | Full Container Load (FCL) |
Retail (LCL) |
Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply for Certificate of Origin – C/O | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| Food Safety | 20 | ||
| Animal Quarantine | 25 | 28 | |
| Plant Quarantine | 20 | 22 | |
QUOTATION NOTES:
– VAT not included
– Price list is for reference only in 2025
– The listed price is in USD, 1 USD ~ 25400 VND ~ 1450 Won
– 20’DC and 40’DC: are regular container sizes (Dry Container)
– For items that are difficult to clear customs or have their declarations transferred, WE WILL NOT CHANGE THE PRICE AFTER NOTIFICATION.
V. Our Customs Agents In Vietnam
First, you need to understand two concepts: “Đại Lý Hải Quan – Customs Clearance Agent ” and “Thuê Khai Hải Quan – Customs Clearance Services” in Vietnam.
| Local Customs | Customs Agent | Hire Customs Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Đại Lý Hải Quan | Thuê Khai Hải Quan | |
| Define | – Is a company with customs services with binding contracts | – A person working for the owner of the shipment, not subject to any legal obligations |
| Job | – Check customer / supplier documents – Customs declaration using VNACCS or ECUS – Prepare complete set of documents – Register for specialized examination according to each appropriate specialized agency – Customs declaration at port – Notification of pick up / delivery date – Summary of payment invoices |
|
| Differences | – Use the signature and legal seal of the customs agent to make the declaration. | – Use the owner’s letter of introduction to do customs procedures |
5 STARTRANS – Vietnam’s leading customs agent. Providing comprehensive solutions for your business’s customs procedures.
We provide a full package of customs declaration services, supporting customers from A to Z, including consulting on procedures, preparing documents, and representing transactions with customs authorities.
With us, customs procedures become simpler and more convenient than ever. In particular, we have a team of staff who can communicate fluently in Korean, ready to support you anytime, anywhere.
