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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Document shipments to Vietnam are to weigh 2 kg or less in order to be
exempt from duty and tax charges.
Items considered document only shipments include:
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Cash letters
- Computer print-outs
- Manuscripts
- Passports
- Specification sheets
- Traveller's cheques
- Visa applications
The following items will only be considered documents if they abide by
the restriction shown.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Airline Tickets | Only if validated |
| Cheques | Only if they are cancelled; blank cheques not allowed |
| Envelopes | Only if blank |
| Forms | Only if blank |
| Geographic charts | Must pass inspection by the government Cultural Division |
| Manuals (technical) | Subject to censorship by government officials |
| Stationery | Must be blank |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
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: 28 May 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: 28 May 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 |
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.vn/Lists/EnglishDocuments/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=1198&language=en-US
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
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
Sources:
http://vbpl.vn/TW/Pages/vbpqen-toanvan.aspx?ItemID=11113
https://www.customs.gov.vn/Lists/EnglishDocuments/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=1198&language=en-US
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| 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 effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Limited information is available at this time regarding shipping
food, chocolate, and candies to Vietnam from Canada.
Do Not Ship
- Fresh and processed animal products
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://vanbanphapluat.co/decision-no-15-2006-qd-bnn-animal-and-animal-product-quarantine-veterinary-hygiene-inspection
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: 28 May 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
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.vn/Lists/EnglishDocuments/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=1198&language=en-US
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| 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:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 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)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://investvietnam.gov.vn/en/taxation.nd/import--export-tax-exemption.html
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: 28 May 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)
Sources:
http://vbpl.vn/TW/Pages/vbpqen-toanvan.aspx?ItemID=11101
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| 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:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 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
Sources:
http://vbpl.vn/TW/Pages/vbpqen-toanvan.aspx?ItemID=11101
http://investvietnam.gov.vn/en/taxation.nd/import--export-tax-exemption.html
https://www.atacarnet.com/entering-non-carnet-country
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| 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:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
Goods may be freely imported into Vietnam providing they are not on
the list of prohibited items.
Goods will be subject to import duties of varying rates, depending
on the type of good, VAT, and for certain products, a
Special Consumption Tax.
If you are a frequent exporter to Vietnam, we recommend that you
consult a Vietnamese Customs broker.
Sources:
http://itpc.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/importers/how_to_import/procedures
https://www.gbs.com.vn/index.php/en/faq/47-laws-and-regulations-on-investment/2329-understanding-vietnams-import-and-export-regulations
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: 28 May 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 |
Duty &
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.
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.
- Candy11.4%
- Chocolate11.4%
- Spirits and Wines36%
- Tobacco87.5%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles6.7%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras0% - 6.2%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats0%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics5.5%
- Jewellery7.5%
- Shirts & Pants0%
- Home Appliances5%-6.2%
- Toys0%
- Sports Equipment0%
Sources:
https://dncustoms.gov.vn/en/document/on-the-level-of-value-of-imports-sent-via-the-express-delivery-service-which-are-exempt-from-duty-and-tax-26694.html
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/cptpp-ptpgp/tariff-elimination-droits_de_douane.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.tariffinder.ca/en/search/export/VN/chocolate/18062010
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/cptpp-ptpgp/index.aspx?lang=eng
https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/w-018-8748?originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true&bhcp=1
https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/w-018-8748?originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true&bhcp=1
Questions
about Shipping to Vietnam
Can I ship to Vietnam?
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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Vietnam by getting a quote now.
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