Imported foods do not require a permit

Imported food does not require a license and brings many advantages to businesses in international business activities. Understanding the products that are exempt from licensing will help optimize the import process and improve business efficiency. Let’s join Long Phan to learn in detail about the food groups that do not require licensing and the customs clearance process to ensure your food import activities go most smoothly.

Imported foods will have to apply for a License

Foods that require an import license include:

• Industrially processed food ingredients do not need to be refined and are used directly in production or packaging;
• Substances used in food processing, including food enhancers and additives;
• Packaged foods ready for direct use;
• Products that do not require a license but have food safety or disease risks, or are required in writing by the Ministry of Health;
• Products on the List of announced standards issued by the Ministry of Health from time to time.

In these cases, it is necessary to comply with licensing regulations to ensure safety and quality when importing food.

Imported foods do not require a license

Pursuant to Article 13 of Decree 15/2018/ND-CP (amended by Decree 85/2019/ND-CP) clearly stipulates types of imported foods that do not require a License for imported food safety (except in cases where there are food safety warnings). Specifically, these are the following products:

• The product has been issued a Certificate of Receipt of product declaration registration;
• Gifts and gifts within the import tax exemption quota according to tax laws;
• Imported products for personal use of subjects entitled to diplomatic privileges and immunities;
• Products in transit, transshipment, transshipment, temporary import, re-export, and bonded warehouses;
• The product is a test or research sample with a quantity suitable for testing or research purposes with confirmation from an organization or individual;
• Products used for display at fairs and exhibitions;
• Products and raw materials produced and imported are only used to produce and process export goods or serve the internal production of organizations and individuals and are not consumed in the domestic market;
• Products temporarily imported for sale at duty-free shops;
• Imported goods serve urgent requirements under the direction of the Government and Prime Minister.

Customs clearance procedures for imported food do not require a permit

Customs clearance procedures for imported food without a permit are carried out through the following main steps:

Step 1. Prepare customs documents

Customs clearance documents for imported food without licensing include:

• Customs declaration (electronic or paper version);
• Commercial Invoice;
• Bill of Lading (B/L);
• Packing List;
• Certificate of origin of goods (C/O – if any);
• Food safety inspection certificate issued by a competent authority in the exporting country (if necessary).

Step 2. Check documents and physically inspect goods and means of transport

Bringing goods and means of transport to the prescribed location for physical inspection of goods and means of transport; The location for receiving, registering and checking customs documents is the headquarters of the Customs Department and the headquarters of the Customs Branch.

• Locations for physical inspection of goods include:
• Inspection locations at road border gates, international railway stations, and international civil airports; international post office; seaports and inland waterway ports with export, import, exit, entry and transit activities; Goods export and import ports are established inland;
• Customs Branch Headquarters;
• Centralized inspection location according to the decision of the Director General of the General Department of Customs;
• Inspection locations at production facilities and construction sites; places where fairs and exhibitions are held;
• Inspection locations at bonded warehouses, tax bonded warehouses, and retail collection locations;
• Joint inspection location between Vietnam Customs and neighboring country Customs at the land border gate area;
• Other locations are decided by the Director General of the General Department of Customs in case of necessity.

Step 3. Pay taxes and complete customs clearance

Once the inspection is complete it will be necessary to perform:

• Pay import tax and value added tax (if any);
• Receive goods after receiving a customs clearance decision from customs authorities.

Consulting services for applying for a Food Import License in Long Phan

With many years of experience in the field of consulting on food import, Long Phan is proud to be a trusted partner of many businesses. We will provide comprehensive solutions to help you carry out food import procedures, ensure compliance with regulations and optimize costs.  Long Phan’s professional services include:

• Consulting on import processes, procedures and conditions;
• Review and evaluate import documents;
• Detailed instructions on applicable standards and technical regulations;
• Draft and complete product announcement documents;
• Prepare complete papers and documents as required;
• Carry out quality inspection registration procedures;
• Support customs clearance procedures for goods.

Importing food without a license is one of the regulations that helps businesses save time and costs in import activities. For detailed advice on food import services, please contact the hotline 0906735386. Long Phan will support you throughout the implementation process, contributing to the success of your business in food import activities.