Rice is a key export commodity in the structure of Vietnam's economy. However, in order to export this product, a business must meet certain conditions. To understand the rice export process in more detail, explore it with Embassy in the article below so that you can fully prepare the required documents and paperwork for exporting this commodity.
What Is Rice?
Rice is a cereal grain harvested from the rice plant after cultivation and processing. It is a staple food source, especially in Asia. Rice provides energy and contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fibre and some vitamins and minerals. In addition to being used as a staple food, rice can also be processed into products such as rice cakes, rice flour, rice noodles and rice beer.
HS Codes and Tariffs for Each Type of Exported Rice
Each type of rice has a different HS code. Under the regulations, the HS code of exported rice falls under Chapter 10 – Cereals, heading 1006. The detailed HS codes for each type of rice are as follows:
- The HS code for paddy is 100610.
- The HS code for brown rice is 100620.
- The HS code for rice that is wholly or partly milled, whether or not polished, is 100630.
Accordingly, as regards export tax, both VAT and export duty are fully exempt. Specifically:
- VAT: under the current regulations on exports, VAT on exported goods, including exported rice, is 0%.
- Export duty: export duty on rice is currently 0%.
Regulations on Rice Export Policy
Broadly speaking, rice is a commodity whose export is encouraged. However, first-time exporters should be aware of some rice export policy regulations, as follows:
- Decree No. 109/2010/ND-CP: on the rice export business.
- Decree No. 107/2018/ND-CP: on the rice export business.
- Regulations on a number of articles of Decree No. 107/2018/ND-CP dated 15/08/2018 of the Government on the rice export business.
- Document No. 02/VBHN-BCT (2018): on a number of articles of Decree No. 109/2010/ND-CP dated 04/11/2010 of the Government on the rice export business.
The Dossier and Procedures for Rice Export
The set of customs documents for exporting the packaged goods comprises the following papers and documents:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (shipping line's bill of lading)
- Certificate of Origin (C/O)
- Certificate of Quality (Free Sale Certificate) (CFS)
- Certificate of Health
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate
- Other related documents, etc.
Customs Procedures for Rice Export
1. Register the export business
A business must be registered with the competent authorities in order to take part in export activities. This includes registering a tax code and an import-export code.
2. Apply for a rice export licence
A business must apply for an export licence from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This licence certifies that the business is permitted to export rice in accordance with state regulations.
3. Sign the export contract
The business must sign an export contract with the foreign partner, including terms such as price, quantity, quality, payment conditions and delivery.
4. Prepare the goods
The goods must be prepared in accordance with the contract requirements, including packaging and labelling as required by the importing country.
5. Quality inspection and quarantine certification
Exported rice must be quality-inspected and quarantined by the competent authorities, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to ensure it meets the food safety and hygiene standards of the importing country. The business will receive related certificates such as:
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Quality Certificate
6. Customs declaration
The business must file the customs declaration online through the VNACCS/VCIS system. The information that must be declared in order to export rice.
7. Pay taxes and fees
The business must pay export duty and related fees in accordance with state regulations.
8. Inspection and clearance
Customs will carry out a physical inspection of the shipment. If the goods meet the requirements, the shipment will be cleared and permitted for export.
9. Delivery and receipt of payment
The goods will be delivered to the importing country under the contract. The business needs to monitor the delivery process and ensure payment from the foreign partner.
Points to Note When Exporting Rice
Rice export policy and contract
Under the rice export decree, a business must hold a certificate of eligibility to trade in and export rice. When exporting rice, the business must register the rice export contract. The dossier for registering a rice export contract includes:
- The original or a valid copy of the rice export contract signed by both parties.
- The original report on available paddy and rice, clearly stating the total quantity of paddy and rice available in the warehouse, the specific address and the quantity of paddy and rice in each of the trader's warehouses.
- A valid copy of the still-valid certificate of eligibility to trade in and export rice when registering a contract for the first time.
Where a business is given priority under government regulations, it must also submit a written request for priority and a consolidated report on the direct purchase of paddy and rice, through agricultural produce consumption contracts, together with related documents as evidence.
Plant quarantine when carrying out rice export procedures
The dossier for registering plant quarantine for rice includes:
- The plant quarantine registration form (in the form prescribed by the quarantine authority under Appendix IV issued with Circular 33/2014/TT-BNNPTNT)
- The commercial invoice, bill of lading and packing list, if any
- The cargo owner's letter of authorisation (where the party registering is authorised by the cargo owner)
- A rice sample of the shipment to be quarantined.
Goods labelling when exporting rice (shipping mark)
For exported goods, to make transport and customs procedures smooth, a business should attach a shipping mark to the packages. A shipping mark usually includes the following information:
- Product name in English
- Name of the importing party
- MADE IN VIETNAM
- Package number / total number of packages
- In addition, information such as the contract/invoice number may be added to the shipping mark
- Notes on arranging and transporting the goods (if any)
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Contact Information
- EMBASSY FREIGHT SERVICES (VIETNAM)
- Address: Room 4.25, 4th Floor, No. 8 Hoang Minh Giam, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Email: info@embassyfreight.com.vn
Contact for Consultation:
- 0936911656 (HCM) – Embassy Freight Services (VN) Southern Region
- 0937361637 (Hanoi) - Embassy Freight Services (VN) Northern Region
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