
Demand for importing internal combustion engine lubricants is growing steadily, but what do you need in order to import quickly and cost-effectively? Let's explore this in more detail with Embassy Freight Service in the article below!
What Is Engine Lubricant (Lube Oil)?
For anyone who uses a motorbike, lubricant is a very familiar product. Lubricant lubricates the engine, cleans the machinery, cools the engine and helps save fuel. As a result, the engine runs more smoothly and efficiently. So what exactly is engine lubricant?
Engine lubricant is made from base oil and additives. The base oil here can be a synthetic base oil or a mineral oil. The additives include types such as viscosity-index improvers, friction reducers, anti-corrosion additives, antioxidants, rust inhibitors, pour-point depressants and dispersants for deposits.

Legal Requirements for Importing Lubricants
Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 1 of Circular 10/2018/TT-BKHCN: internal combustion engine lubricant products must meet national technical regulation QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN. Article 3 stipulates that the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality is responsible for implementing this regulation.
Accordingly, the procedure for importing engine lubricants requires mandatory conformity certification under QCVN 14:2018/BKHCN. At the same time, a quality inspection must be registered in order to import into the Vietnamese market.
Documents for Customs Clearance of Internal Combustion Engine Lubricant Imports
- Customs declaration: filed through the Automated Clearance System (VNACCS/VCIS).
- Sales contract (Contract): the contract between buyer and seller.
- Commercial Invoice: the invoice issued by the seller.
- Bill of Lading: the transport document for the goods.
- Packing List: a detailed list of the goods.
- Certificate of Origin: a document proving the origin of the goods (if any).
- Import licence: for items that require a licence.
- Goods quality inspection documents: certificates of the product's quality, composition and technical standards.
- Business registration certificate (notarised copy): registration of the business line related to lubricants.

The Procedure for Importing Internal Combustion Engine Lubricants
- Prepare the dossier: gather and prepare all the necessary documents as listed.
- Customs declaration: use the VNACCS software to make the customs declaration.
- Submit the dossier to the customs authority: submit the dossier at the Customs Branch where the goods are imported.
- Dossier review: the customs authority will review the dossier and, if there are errors, request amendments or supplements.
- Physical inspection of the goods (if any): some shipments may be required to undergo physical inspection.
- Pay taxes and customs fees: pay import duty, VAT and any other taxes (if applicable).
- Clear the goods: after completing all the above steps, the goods will be cleared and you can collect them.

Import Duty on Lubricants
Under the regulations, internal combustion engine lubricants are subject to the following taxes:
- Preferential import duty: 5%
- If imported from China with a C/O Form E, the import duty is 0%
- If imported from ASEAN countries with a C/O Form D, it is 0%
- If imported from South Korea with a C/O Form AK & VK, it is 0%
- If imported from Japan with a C/O Form AJ it is 1% & Form VJ is 0%
- Value-added tax (VAT): 10%

Notes on Supplementary Labelling When Importing Lubricants
Businesses should refer to Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labelling and Decree No. 111/2021/ND-CP amending and supplementing Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labelling. For example, some information a label must include:
- Product name
- Brand (if any)
- Composition and quantity of the product
- Manufacturer information
- Information on the importer and the party responsible for distributing the product to the market
- Origin of the product
- Instructions for use and warning information

Why Choose Embassy Freight Service (VN)'s Lubricant / Lube Oil Import Service?
- One of the leading professional logistics service providers in Vietnam
- With more than 24 years of experience in customs services.
- Helping customers save time and cost in proving the origin and quality of imported products
- A team with many years of experience, dedicated and ready to advise on any queries about lubricant import procedures.
- Embassy Freight Service is proud to be a bridge that, in part, helps foreign products enter the Vietnamese market. In turn, domestic consumers gain access to products imported from abroad.
- A companion that helps customers handle issues related to administrative procedures and specialised quality inspections.
- A professional, low-cost ocean freight specialist.
Embassy Freight Service – Lubricant Import Services in HCMC, Dong Nai, Hanoi, Hai Phong, and More
The above covers everything related to lubricant import procedures, HS-code lookup, import duty and points to note when carrying out import procedures. We hope this article has given you the information you were looking for.
With more than 24 years of experience in the industry, Embassy Freight Service is confident in being a safe "harbour" for businesses on their import-export – logistics journey in Vietnam.
Contact Embassy Freight Service (VN) now via Hotline: 0936911656 for advice and a quotation today!
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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