Import Procedures for Bath Soap in Vietnam

1. Is Bath Soap Considered a Cosmetic Product?

According to Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, bath soap is classified as a cosmetic product if its primary purposes include:

• Cleaning the human body
• Fragrance application
• Improving appearance or scent
• Beautifying or maintaining the condition of the skin

Therefore, the following products fall under the cosmetic category:

• Solid bath soap bars
• Skincare soap
• Antibacterial soap
• Liquid shower gel or body wash

Note: If the product claims to treat medical conditions (e.g., fungal infections or dermatological treatment), it may be reclassified and subject to other regulations beyond cosmetics.

2. HS Code for Bath Soap

Choosing the correct HS code is essential because it directly affects import tax and compliance requirements. Classification depends on product form, ingredient composition, and usage.

Customs may request supporting documents such as catalogues, ingredient lists, or MSDS for accurate classification.

3. Import Duties for Bath Soap

3.1 MFN Duty Rates

Bath soap generally falls within the 10% to 20% import duty range, depending on HS code.
VAT: 10%

3.2 Preferential Duties Under Free Trade Agreements

With proper Certificates of Origin (C/O), import duty can be significantly reduced or even free.

Examples of preferential rates:

• C/O Form E (China): 0%
• C/O AK (Korea – ASEAN): 0%
• C/O AJ (Japan – ASEAN): 0%
• C/O Form D (ASEAN): 0%

Using FTAs helps reduce import costs considerably.

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4. Mandatory Requirements for Importing Bath Soap

To legally import bath soap into Vietnam, the importer must prepare:

1. Cosmetic Product Proclamation Number (Notification Receipt Number)
2. Labeling compliant with Decree 43/2017/ND-CP
3. Full ingredient list (INCI format)
4. Product Information File (PIF) maintained in Vietnam
5. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
6. Power of Attorney (POA) from the foreign manufacturer

Without a cosmetic declaration number, customs will not clear the goods.

5. Cosmetic Product Declaration Dossier

A complete cosmetic declaration dossier includes:

• Power of Attorney (POA) from the manufacturer
• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)
• Full ingredient list
• Original label artwork and intended Vietnamese sub-label
• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Technical documents and product description
• Commitment letter from the importer

Processing time: 3 to 7 business days
Validity: 5 years

The declaration must be submitted through the Ministry of Health online portal.

6. Import Procedure for Bath Soap

Step 1: Prepare the Cosmetic Product Declaration
Gather POA, CFS, COA, ingredient documents, label images, and submit the application to obtain the cosmetic declaration number.

Step 2: Prepare import documents
Required documents include contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, C/O, ingredient list, and catalogues.

Step 3: Submit customs declaration
Declare on the VNACCS system, ensuring the HS code and cosmetic declaration number are correctly entered.

Step 4: Customs document check
Customs may request additional technical documents or ingredient details to verify classification and compliance.

Step 5: Pay taxes and clear the goods
Once tax obligations are fulfilled and documents approved, goods can be released.

Step 6: Maintain the PIF for post-inspection
The importer must keep the PIF accessible for authorities.

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7. Labeling Requirements for Bath Soap

Labels must comply with Vietnamese regulations and include:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Intended use
• Country of origin
• Name and address of the importer
• Cosmetic declaration number
• Manufacturing and expiry dates
• Usage instructions
• Safety warnings (if any)

If the original label lacks required information, the importer must apply a compliant sub-label before circulation.

8. Common Mistakes When Importing Bath Soap

Many importers face delays or penalties due to mistakes such as:

• No valid cosmetic declaration number
• Incorrect HS code classification
• Incomplete or non-compliant labeling
• Ingredients containing banned substances under ASEAN regulations
• Invalid POA or CFS documents
• Failure to maintain a Product Information File (PIF)

Preparing documents correctly from the beginning helps avoid customs delays.

9. Support Services for Bath Soap Importation

If you need assistance with:

• Preparing cosmetic declaration dossiers
• Reviewing product ingredients
• Creating PIF documentation
• Determining HS codes
• Consulting on customs procedures

You may simply provide:

• Product photos
• Full ingredient list
• Country of manufacture
• Product type (bar, liquid, antibacterial, etc.)

I can support you with detailed guidance.

Conclusion

Bath soap imports in Vietnam are tightly regulated as cosmetic products. Importers must comply with the cosmetic declaration procedure, classification rules, labeling regulations, and customs requirements. By preparing the correct documentation and understanding the legal framework, companies can clear goods smoothly, minimize risks, and bring their products to the market legally.

If you have difficulties when clearing customs, you can choose Just In Time as a companion.

Just In Time's staff is always enthusiastic to support you to handle your work quickly and professionally.

JUST IN TIME JOINT STOCK COMPANY

Address: No. 5, Dong Da, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline: +84 83 9910066

Email: info@justintimevn.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justintimevn

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