Vietnam is a beautiful, mountainous country with fine beaches and two major river deltas - the Red and Mekong. Those deltas have fed its population for millenia and led to Vietnam developing its delicious spring rolls and famous pho.
From Vietnam's long history, eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites have emerged. They include picturesque Ha Long Bay - thousands of tall limestone pillars sprouting from the emerald waters and the ancient, preserved trading city of Hoi An - filled with canals, wooden Chinese shops, French colonial buildings, and Japanese pagodas.
While Vietnam is an old country, its population is young, vibrant, and modern. They are internet savvy and e-commerce revenues are increasing rapidly each year.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Vietnam through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Vietnam. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Vietnam
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 8, 2023
8:49 am
Ha Long Bay, HA, VI
Delivered
Feb 7, 2023
7:18 am
Hue, HU, VI
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
9:03 pm
Nha Trang, NH, VI
International Clearance
Feb 6, 2023
8:14 am
Hanoi, Ha, VI
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 5, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Vietnam before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift can be shipped to Vietnam from Canada duty and tax free providing:
Its value is 2,000,000 Vietnamese dong (about $115 CDN) or less
The receiver is a Vietnamese citizen
The shipment is of an occasional nature
Gifts and donations given by foreign organizations or individuals to Vietnamese individuals, and those given by Vietnamese organizations or individuals to foreign individuals that have the value of less than VND 2,000,000 (two million Vietnam dong) .
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to a Vietnamese individual will be duty and tax if its value is 2,000,000 VND or less (about $115 CDN).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Vietnam will be tax and duty-free if its value is less than 30,000,000 VND (about $1,730 CDN).
NOTE:
Tax and duty exemptions only apply if they are an occasional shipment.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a Vietnamese individual will be duty and tax free if its value is 30,000,000 VND or less (about $1,730 CDN).
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment has more than one gift, be sure to tag and label each gift.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects may be shipped duty and tax free to Vietnam from Canada. Those who can claim this exemption are:
Foreign nationals staying in Vietnam to work or study for a minimum of 12 months
Vietnamese citizens returning to Vietnam to work or study for a minimum of 12 months and have lived in Canada for 12 or more months
Personal effects may be:
New or used
For personal and professional use
Moving Temporarily
Students
If you are moving to Vietnam to study, you may ship your personal effects duty and tax free providing you will be staying in Vietnam for at least 12 months.
Non-Students
No information about non-students moving temporarily to Vietnam is available at this time.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving to Vietnam for a period of 12 or more months, you may ship your personal effects exempt from duties and taxes.
Your shipment may contain new and used items as well as equipment required for your trade or profession.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
State clearly on the commercial invoice 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
Provide a detailed description of each item
For students, a document that indicates you will be studying at an educational institution
For Vietnamese citizens returning to Vietnam, a document proving their work in Canada has finished
Work permit or equivalent document, if moving permanently to Vietnam
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are sent to encourage orders for products. Samples of products shipped to Vietnam from Canada will be exempt
from customs duties under the 2 following situations:
1. Those sent to a Vietnamese individual must have a value of less than 1,000,000 VND (about $58 CDN)
2. Those sent to a Vietnamese organisation must have a value of less than 30,000,000 VND (about $1,730 CDN)
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising material can be shipped to Vietnam from Canada tax free providing it will be returned to Canada*. Such material is expected to be displayed at trade fairs and exhibitions.
*No information is available as to how long advertising material may stay in Vietnam tax free.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment sent to Vietnam temporarily for repairs will be exempt from Vietnamese import duties.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Vietnam and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If you send an item to Vietnam for repair that is no longer under warranty, GST will be charged upon its return to Canada. GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties incurred.
Sending Product for Repair to Vietnam
Equipment sent from Canada to Vietnam for repairs will be exempt from Vietnamese import duties.
Returning Product After Repairs are Completed
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Vietnam and returned to Canada.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Vietnam or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods and materials shipped from Canada to Vietnam on a temporary basis are exempt from import duties. Items of this nature are to be re-exported to Canada.
Examples of items that qualify for this exemption include:
Sports equipment, pieces of art, and other materials intended for cultural events
Displays and advertisements aimed at product shows, trade fairs, and exhibitions
Equipment for research and development, or to test products
Professional instruments, machinery, and equipment intended for a specific job or task
Films, photographs, samples, and advertising material for non-commercial uses
ATA Carnets
While Vietnam is a non-carnet country, it is likely that Vietnamese authorities will accept an ATA carnet for temporary imports.
Using an ATA carnet will help you return your goods to Canada.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Hoàng Tuy 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road Caugiay District 10307 Hanoi Vietnam
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Vietnam. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Vietnam, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Duties and taxes are calculated by Vietnam using the CIF method, which is the sum of the customs value, insurance and shipping (freight) costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Using the CIF Value, you can predict how much duty and tax the recipient must pay to the Vietnamese government to receive their goods.
Special Sales Tax (SST)
The special sales tax is a type of excise tax applied to a variety of goods and services, such as tobacco products and alcohol. Specific details and rates can be found
here.
Thresholds
Vietnam's threshold value for incurring duties and taxes is VND 1,000,000 (about $58 CDN). This is the de minimis value, which means for a shipment below this value there are no charges.
Currency
Vietnamese dong (VND)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
VND 1,000,000 (about $58 CDN)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)*
10% (standard rate)
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
VND 1,000,000 (about $58 CDN)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Canada and Vietnam have a free trade agreement via the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The first set of tariff cuts started in January 2019, and once fully implemented 99% of all trade duties will be eliminated.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Vietnam from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3 months to complete the delivery.
