Maritime Flare Import Permit Procedure

The maritime flare import permit is a legal requirement for organizations and businesses intending to import this item into Vietnam. Maritime flares, due to their specific nature, are subject to strict management by competent state agencies. This analysis details the dossier requirements and procedural steps for the maritime flare import permit application, ensuring compliance and operational readiness.

Authority for Issuing the Maritime Flare Import Permit

Based on Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025 (specifically STT 4, Section 1B, Part I, and Subsection 4.6, Part II, Appendix), the competent authority is clearly defined. The Provincial-level People’s Committee is the sole authority responsible for both deciding on and directly executing this administrative procedure.

This jurisdiction applies to the province where the individual resides or where the applying organization or business has its transaction headquarters. The regulations do not mention any delegation, decentralization, or coordinating agencies. Therefore, the Provincial-level People’s Committee holds full responsibility for the reception, appraisal, and issuance of the maritime flare import permit.

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Dossier Preparation for the Maritime Flare Import Permit

Dossier preparation is the core stage of the maritime flare import permit procedure. The components must be complete and valid according to legal regulations. The required number of dossiers is 01 set.

Pursuant to Subsection 4.3, Section 4, Part II, Appendix of Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025, the dossier includes the following documents:

• An application letter for the import of maritime flares. This letter must detail the type, quantity, country of manufacture, product specifications, characteristics and use, codes, and expiry date of each item, as well as the proposed import duration.
• A certified translation of the Certificate of Origin (C/O) issued by a competent authority in the manufacturing country. This certificate must confirm that the maritime flares have been tested in accordance with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• A report from the organization or individual on the implementation of the import permit from the previous year, accompanied by the import permit tracking sheet from the border gate Customs Sub-department (if applicable).

Procedural Steps

The procedure for issuing the maritime flare import permit involves dossier submission and resolution. The sequence, stipulated in Subsection 4.1, Section 4, Part II, Appendix of Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025, is as follows:

• Step 1: Dossier Submission: The applicant prepares 01 complete dossier set and submits it to the Provincial-level People’s Committee where they reside or where the business is headquartered.
• Step 2: Administrative Resolution:
  • If submitted directly and the dossier is incomplete, the receiving officer will return it and provide immediate guidance for completion.
  • If submitted via post (or other means) and the dossier is incomplete, the People’s Committee must issue a written request for supplementation within 02 working days.
• Step 3: Permit Issuance: Within 09 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Provincial-level People’s Committee will issue the maritime flare import permit. In case of refusal, a written response detailing the reasons must be provided within the same timeframe.

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Resolution Timeline

Based on Subsection 4.1, Section 4, Part II, Appendix of Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025, the resolution timeline is divided into two stages:

• Stage 1 (Preliminary Review): If a dossier submitted via post or other non-direct means is found to be incomplete, the People’s Committee must issue a written notice requesting supplementation within 02 working days of receipt.
  • Note: For direct submissions, if the dossier is complete, a receipt is issued with an appointment for the result. If incomplete, it is returned immediately with instructions.
• Stage 2 (Processing and Issuance): Within 09 working days from receiving a complete and valid dossier, the People’s Committee must issue the permit. If the permit is not granted, a written refusal stating the reason must be issued within this period.

Therefore, the total processing time for a valid dossier is 09 working days.

Costs and Fees

According to Subsection 4.8, Section 4, Part II, Appendix of Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025, the procedure for issuing the maritime flare import permit is not subject to fees or charges. This means applicants do not pay any state fees to the Provincial-level People’s Committee for the appraisal or issuance of the permit.

However, the business will incur indirect costs, which may include:

• Costs for translation and certification of the Certificate of Origin.
• Postal service fees (if the dossier is submitted by mail).
• Consulting service fees (if an external service provider is used).

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are common questions regarding the procedure for the maritime flare import permit.

Which state agency is authorized to issue the maritime flare import permit?

The competent authority for both decision-making and execution is the Provincial-level People’s Committee (UBND) where the applying organization or business has its transaction headquarters. Legal Basis: Subsection 4.6, Section 4, Part II, Appendix, Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025.

What is the resolution timeline for the maritime flare import permit procedure?

The total processing time to issue the permit is 09 working days, calculated from the date the Provincial-level People’s Committee receives a complete and valid dossier. Legal Basis: Subsection 4.1, Section 4, Part II, Appendix, Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025.

Are there state fees or charges for this procedure?

No. This is an administrative procedure that does not collect fees or charges. Businesses are only responsible for indirect costs (if any), such as translation, certification, or postal fees. Legal Basis: Subsection 4.8, Section 4, Part II, Appendix, Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025.

Does the application dossier require documents regarding the product’s origin?

Yes. The dossier must include a certified translation of the Certificate of Origin (C/O) from the manufacturing country, confirming that the maritime flares have been tested in compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. Legal Basis: Subsection 4.3, Section 4, Part II, Appendix, Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025.

How is an incomplete dossier handled if submitted by post?

Within 02 working days from receiving the dossier, the Provincial-level People’s Committee must issue a written notice to the business, requesting the supplementation and completion of the dossier. Legal Basis: Subsection 4.1, Section 4, Part II, Appendix, Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025.

Conclusion

The above content is a detailed legal analysis by Long Phan Consulting Company regarding the maritime flare import permit procedure. To ensure a valid dossier, compliance with Decision No. 870/QD-BXD 2025, and an optimized resolution timeline, Clients are encouraged to contact us. The professional support services of Long Phan Consulting Company are always available. Please call Hotline 1900636389 for immediate consultation.