Vietnam Import Restrictions

In order to enter Vietnam, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Vietnam government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Vietnam, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Vietnam.

Vietnam Import Regulations

Import regulations

Vietnam requires an import permit for all goods except personal gifts. Before posting, senders should confirm that the addressee has any necessary permit.
Senders should determine import restrictions from Vietnam authorities before posting:

 

  • All used or second-hand goods
  • Animals and animal products
  • Anti-parasite products, agriculture
  • Any advertising material for cigarettes or alcohol
  • Contraceptives
  • Leeches
  • Medicines
  • Mineral oils
  • Narcotics
  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Plants and plant products
  • Tobacco

Special documentation requirements

Commercial goods require an invoice attached to the despatch note. The invoice must quote the import permit number. Used clothing, footwear and bed linen require a Certificate of Disinfection endorsed by an Australian Health Authority.

Prohibitions

In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Vietnam prohibits:

  • Arms and ammunition
  • Animal and animal products
  • Clocks and watches and parts thereof
  • Electrical machinery
  • Inorganic chemicals
  • Pharmaceutical products
  • Prepared foodstuffs
  • Printed articles; books and brochures- offensive by nature
  • Pearls, precious stones and metals
  • Plants and plant products
  • Publications and recordings
  • Radio transmitters and receivers
  • Tobacco products
  • Vegetable products

Transporting food of any kind is prohibited under ECI Platinum.

Vietnam Post no longer accepts packets / parcels containing the following items until further notice:

  • Alcohol
  • Mobile Telephones
  • Cosmetic Products (with the exception of those with HS codes 3306 and 3307)

Letters

Vietnam reserves the right not to accept letters containing articles or goods.