The quality inspection procedure for imported salt in 2025

The quality inspection procedure for imported salt is a mandatory process for any organization or individual importing salt into Vietnam. This procedure ensures that all imported salt complies with legal quality standards. A clear understanding of this process is critical for importers to guarantee that their products meet all regulatory requirements before customs clearance.

Subjects of Imported Salt Quality Inspection

Vietnamese law establishes strict regulations for the quality inspection of imported salt to ensure safety in production and business activities. The subjects required to undergo this procedure are clearly defined.

According to Clauses 2 and 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BNNPTNT issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on December 27, 2018, the subjects for inspection are:

• Imported industrial salt.
• Salt not eligible for inspection exemption under Point 7, Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 74/2018/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2018, and Clause 2, Article 4 of Decree No. 154/2018/NĐ-CP dated November 9, 2018.

The primary subjects for quality inspection are industrial salt and other types of salt not covered by specific government exemptions. Adhering to these regulations is a prerequisite for importers to ensure legal compliance, mitigate risks, and facilitate a smooth customs clearance process.

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Conditions for Imported Salt Quality Inspection

To protect consumers and maintain market transparency, the quality inspection of imported salt is tightly regulated. Importers must comply with the requirements outlined in Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BNNPTNT to achieve customs clearance. The mandatory conditions are as follows:

• The certification or assessment results from a registered certification or assessment body must conform to the national standard TCVN 9640-2013.
• The Quality Certificate or Inspection Certificate for the imported salt shipment must meet the quality criteria specified in relevant national standards and technical regulations.
• The importer must provide a commitment that the quality of the imported salt complies with the applicable technical regulations and declared standards.

Fulfilling these three core conditions—conformity certification, a valid quality or inspection certificate, and the importer’s commitment—is essential to the quality inspection procedure for imported salt.

The Procedure for Imported Salt Quality Inspection

Every salt shipment imported into Vietnam must undergo a state quality inspection. This section details the required documentation and the specific steps involved in the process.

Dossier Requirements

Preparing a complete and accurate dossier is mandatory for an efficient quality inspection procedure for imported salt. Based on Article 6 of Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BNNPTNT and regulations in Decree No. 74/2018/NĐ-CP, the required documents include:

• An application for quality inspection of imported salt, using Form No. 01 of Appendix III issued with Decree No. 74/2018/NĐ-CP.
• A copy of the sales Contract, which must be in Vietnamese or English. If in another language, a Vietnamese translation must be submitted.
• Copies of the Packing List, Invoice, and Bill of Lading, confirmed by the importer.
• A copy of the import customs declaration, Certificate of Origin (C/O) if available, and photos or descriptions of the goods showing mandatory labeling and any supplementary labels.
• A Certificate of Free Sale (CFS), if applicable.

Thorough preparation of these documents is a legal obligation and a key factor in expediting the customs clearance for imported salt shipments.

Inspection Process

Importers must follow a clear 5-step process as defined by Clause 2, Article 6 of Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BNNPTNT and Point 2b, Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 74/2018/NĐ-CP.

• Step 1: Prepare the registration dossier for the quality inspection of imported salt and submit it to the sub-department of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the salt shipment is stored. The importer must commit that the goods’ quality conforms to the declared standards.
• Step 2: The inspection agency receives and checks the completeness and validity of the dossier within one working day.
• Step 3: The inspection results are returned directly at the inspection agency’s office or sent by post at the importer’s request.
• Step 4: Within 15 working days from the customs clearance date, the importer must submit a certified copy of the Quality Certificate or Inspection Certificate for the imported salt shipment.
• Step 5: The inspection agency reviews the conformity of the salt’s quality indicators to establish a basis for applying inspection exemption measures after three consecutive compliant inspections.

Successfully navigating this 5-step process creates a “green lane” for future salt import activities. Proactive and transparent compliance is the most direct path to efficient goods circulation, optimizing cash flow and costs.

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Consulting Services at Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides expert consulting services for the quality inspection procedure for imported salt. Our team of legal specialists possesses extensive experience in customs procedures and quality inspection of imported goods. Our services include:

• Advising on meeting the conditions for the quality inspection of imported salt.
• Consulting on the process and procedures for inspection at the competent authority.
• Guiding dossier preparation and verifying the validity of documents.
• Drafting necessary documents throughout the procedure.
• Acting as an authorized representative to submit the dossier, monitor the process, work with state agencies, and deliver the results to you.

Long Phan Consulting Company is committed to partnering with clients throughout the quality inspection procedure for imported salt. We provide optimized solutions to save businesses time and costs.

Common Inquiries on the Imported Salt Quality Inspection Procedure

Here are clarifications on common questions regarding the quality inspection procedure for imported salt.

Cases Often Exempt from Quality Inspection

Exemptions are specified in Clause 2, Article 4 of Decree No. 154/2018/NĐ-CP. Typical cases include goods temporarily imported for display at trade fairs or exhibitions, and goods, materials, or equipment temporarily imported for re-export that are not consumed or used in Vietnam.

Responsibility for Inspection and Assessment Costs

The importing organization or individual is responsible for paying all fees related to the inspection, assessment, and certification process to the designated inspection agency or assessment body.

Difference Between a Quality Certificate and an Inspection Certificate

A Certificate of Quality is a document issued to confirm that goods meet the quality standards of the manufacturing country or international standards. An Inspection Certificate, as defined in Article 260 of the Commercial Law 2005, is a document that verifies the actual condition of goods based on specific inspection criteria requested by the client.

Language Requirements for Dossier Documents

The commercial contract must be in Vietnamese or English. For documents in other languages, the importer must submit a notarized translation or a translation confirmed by the importing enterprise into Vietnamese.

Mandatory Status of the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS)

A CFS is not mandatory in all cases. It is only required when specified by a specialized management agency or to prove that the product is permitted for free circulation in the country of origin, which is common for products that directly affect human health.

Conclusion

The quality inspection procedure for imported salt is mandatory for all organizations and individuals importing salt into Vietnam. Correctly executing this procedure ensures that imported salt meets the quality standards required by law. If you have any questions about this procedure, contact Long Phan Consulting Company at our hotline, 1900636389. We are ready to provide fast and accurate support.