How to Register Imported Cosmetics in Vietnam: A Complete A-to-Z Guide

As Vietnam's beauty market grows rapidly, importing and trading in foreign cosmetics has become a promising direction for many businesses.

The biggest hurdle, however, is the complex legal procedures — especially the process of obtaining a receipt number for the cosmetic product notification form. This article will guide you step by step through the process and share expert solutions to make it easier.

1. Why is a notification required for imported cosmetics?

Under Vietnamese law, cosmetics are a category subject to specialized management by the Ministry of Health. Before placing a product on the market, the organization or individual responsible for putting it on the market must notify the cosmetic product to the Drug Administration of Vietnam. Product notification helps to:

• Ensure legal compliance: The goods meet the conditions for legal customs clearance and trade.
• Build credibility: It affirms the quality and origin of the product to consumers.
• Avoid risks: It helps avoid administrative penalties or the confiscation of goods during inspections by the authorities.

2. The basic conditions for making a notification

The information below is based on current legislation and is not contained in the source material provided; you should also refer to Decree 155/2018/ND-CP for details.

To carry out this procedure, a business must meet the following conditions:

1. Hold a business license that covers the trading or import-export of cosmetics.
2. Have the complete set of documents from the foreign manufacturer.
3. The product must be on the list of cosmetics permitted for circulation.

3. The documents required for imported cosmetics notification

A complete, well-prepared dossier is the deciding factor in how quickly the notification number is issued. The dossier includes:

1. Cosmetic product notification form: As per the prescribed template.
2. Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): Must be consularly legalized and still valid.
3. Power of Attorney (POA): From the manufacturer to the importer in Vietnam, which must also be consularly legalized.
4. Product ingredient list: Stating the percentage of each ingredient so that banned or restricted substances can be checked.

4. The step-by-step notification process

Today, this process is carried out online through the National Single Window.

Step 1: Prepare and check the product ingredients

This is the most important step. The business needs to cross-check the ingredient list against the Annexes of the ASEAN Cosmetic Agreement to ensure it does not breach safety requirements.

Step 2: Register an account and submit the dossier online

The business registers an account on the electronic portal, then scans the documents (CFS, POA, etc.) and uploads them to the system along with the electronic notification form.

Step 3: Pay the appraisal fee

After submitting the dossier, the business pays the fee as required by the state.

Step 4: Wait for appraisal and receive the result

The Drug Administration of Vietnam will review the dossier. If it is valid, the business will receive a receipt number for the cosmetic product notification form. If it is not yet valid, the authority will issue a written request for amendments or additions.

5. Common difficulties when doing it yourself

Businesses that handle the procedure themselves often run into problems such as:

• Discrepancies between the CFS and the actual product label.
• A Power of Attorney in the wrong format or lacking consular legalization.
• Cosmetic ingredients containing restricted substances above the permitted concentration.
• Customs clearance at the border getting stuck due to a lack of advice on HS codes and taxes.

6. Full-service cosmetics notification at Embassy Freight Services (VN)

To remove the barriers of procedure and time, Embassy Freight Services (VN) offers a full-service official-channel cosmetics import solution. We are not merely a transport provider but also an in-depth legal consulting partner. The benefits of using our service:

• In-depth consulting: We advise on and handle quality notification for each specific imported cosmetic product.
• Cost optimization: We commit to a service with no costs beyond the quote, giving your business financial certainty.
• Professional & fast: Our experienced team directly oversees the process, smoothly handles any issues that arise, and ensures the fastest possible customs clearance.
• Tax & HS code advice: We help apply the correct HS code and advise on the most suitable tax incentives for each product.

Why choose Embassy Freight Services (VN)?

1. Extensive experience: With over 20 years of experience in logistics and import-export.
2. A global network: A system of more than 50 offices in 30 countries, particularly strong on the EU, US and Asia to Vietnam routes.
3. International certification: Certified to ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems, ensuring standardized service processes.
4. Strategic partnerships: A partner of many major shipping lines and airlines, and the international-route air cargo agent for VietJet Air.

7. Conclusion

The imported cosmetics notification procedure demands precision and a deep understanding of health regulations. Choosing a full-service consulting and execution partner like Embassy Freight Services (VN) not only saves your business time but also ensures complete legal safety for your goods. Contact us today for a free consultation:

Contact for a Consultation:

• 0936911656 (HCMC) – Embassy Freight Services (VN) Southern Region
• 0937361637 (Hanoi)- Embassy Freight Services (VN) Northern Region

We are always ready to accompany your business into the new era of the global economy

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