Process of importing goods: Guide from A to Z

Article overview

The process of importing goods are step to bring goods from abroad into Vietnam. This process includes many stages from preparing documents, signing contracts, and customs declaration to transportation and storage. Follow the article below to learn about the goods import process, ensuring effective, and legal import of goods.

Process of importing goods
Process of importing goods

Definition and role of imports in international trade

Importing goods is an indispensable part of international trade, defined in Clause 2, Article 28 of the Law on Commercial 2005. This is the process of bringing goods from abroad or from special areas within Vietnam’s territory into the country.

The role of imports in international trade includes:

  • Meet consumer needs: Imports provide goods to meet domestic demand, especially for products that cannot be produced or have high production costs in Vietnam.
  • Promote competition: Imports reduce monopoly, creating a diverse business environment and healthy competition.
  • Improve technology and improve product quality: Through access to imported goods, domestic businesses have the motivation to innovate technology and improve product quality.
  • Contributing to economic growth: Imports play an important role in promoting exports by providing raw materials and machinery for production.
Definition of import
Definition of import

Popular types of imports

In Vietnam, there are many forms of importing goods applied, depending on business purposes and implementation ability:

  • Direct import: Enterprises conduct direct transactions with foreign partners. This form is suitable for businesses with experience and sufficient supply chain management capacity.
  • Indirect import (entrusted): An intermediary will represent and carry out the entire import process. This is a popular choice for businesses that do not have import experience.
  • Temporary import for re-export: Goods are temporarily imported into Vietnam, then exported to another country. This form is often applied in intermediary business, increasing value from market differences.
  • Joint venture import: Enterprises cooperate with domestic and foreign partners to import together. The parties share costs, profits and risks according to the agreement.
  • Import for processing: Goods are imported for processing under contract. This is a common form in industrial parks and export processing zones.

Instructions on the process of importing goods step by step

The process of importing goods in Vietnam includes many steps, requiring strict compliance with legal regulations and commercial standards. Specifically:

Step 1: Determine the type of imported goods

Check whether the goods are on the list of prohibited imports, restricted imports, or require an import license. This helps avoid legal issues and saves time during the customs clearance process.

Step 2: Sign a foreign trade contract

Contract is the legal basis for performing transactions. Contents that need to be carefully checked include: information of parties, name of goods, quantity, price, delivery terms, payment terms, and related documents…

Step 3: Prepare and check import documents
Important documents include:

  • Commercial contract (Sale Contract).
  • Commercial Invoice.
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Packing List.
  • Certificate of origin (C/O).

These documents need to be checked to ensure accuracy and completeness before customs clearance.

Step 4: Register for specialized testing (if necessary)
If the goods are on the list that requires specialized inspection, businesses need to complete registration procedures before the goods arrive at the port.

Step 5: Customs declaration
Enterprises declare electronic customs with detailed information about imported goods. The results of channel classification (green, yellow, red) will determine the level of customs inspection.

Step 6: Get delivery order (D/O)
D/O is issued by the carrier to request the port or warehouse to deliver the goods to the owner.

Step 7: Do customs clearance procedures
Submit complete and accurate customs documents, handle physical goods inspection requests (if any).

Step 8: Pay import tax and related taxes
Import tax and VAT are two basic taxes. Depending on the type of goods, there may be additional environmental tax and special consumption tax.

Step 9: Bring the goods to the storage warehouse
After completing the procedure, the goods are transported to the warehouse or stored at a suitable location.

Types of documents required for importing goods

Import documents are an important factor that determines the legality and effectiveness of the import process. Below are some basic documents needed when importing goods:

  • Commercial contract: Confirms the transaction between the seller and the buyer.
  • Commercial invoice: Record the value of goods.
  • Bill of lading: Shipping document issued by the shipping company.
  • Packing slip: Detailed information about quantity and type of goods.
  • Certificate of origin (C/O): Ensures goods meet preferential tariff requirements.
  • Import license (if necessary): For goods in the special list.
Types of documents in importing goods
Types of documents in importing goods

Consulting on the import process of goods at Long Phan

Long Phan provides professional goods import process consulting services, ensuring compliance with regulations and efficiency in each transaction. With a professional team and knowledge about procedures, Long Phan helps customers complete procedures quickly.

Services include:

  • Consulting on conditions for importing goods into Vietnam.
  • Support for document preparation: Ensure complete necessary documents for each type of goods and import market.
  • Representative to carry out customs procedures: Support declaration, handle arising problems and ensure quick customs clearance.
  • Consulting on minimizing import costs: Proposing solutions to optimize shipping costs, import taxes and related fees.
  • Consulting and answering questions during the import process of goods.

To import goods effectively and legally, understanding the process is a prerequisite. If you need in-depth advice or support with import procedures, please contact Long Phan via the hotline 0906735386. We always accompany to bring optimal solutions, ensuring success in our customers’ business activities.