Country profile
Vietnam
VN · VNMAs of: 7/28/2026Production and export hub of Southeast Asia
Vietnam is a leading manufacturing and export hub in Southeast Asia, with strong supply chains for electronics, textiles and footwear. Key seaports are Cat Lai, Cai Mep-Thi Vai and Hai Phong/Lach Huyen; the main air cargo gateways are Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat. Customs clearance runs electronically via VNACCS/VCIS. Broad preferential access exists through EVFTA, CPTPP, RCEP and ASEAN. Since 2025, US additional tariffs and tighter transshipment controls have weighed on trade.
Overview
Vietnam (VN) is a key manufacturing and export hub in Southeast Asia, bordering China, Laos and Cambodia with a long coastline on the South China Sea. As an ASEAN/AFTA member with EVFTA, CPTPP and RCEP, the country has one of Asia's densest networks of trade preferences; customs clearance runs electronically through VNACCS/VCIS and the National Single Window, and import VAT is 10 percent (temporarily 8 percent for many goods until end-2026). Key gateways are the ports of Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), Cai Mep-Thi Vai and Hai Phong/Lach Huyen, plus the cargo airports Noi Bai (HAN) and Tan Son Nhat (SGN). Inland, the North-South Expressway and the Lang Son and Lao Cai border corridors to China connect the industrial clusters; the North-South Railway complements domestic transport, and inland waterways play a major role in the Mekong Delta. Main exports are electronics, textiles and footwear — the top markets being the US, China, South Korea and Japan — while machinery, electronic components and chemicals are imported mainly from China and South Korea.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Tổng cục Hải quan (General Department of Vietnam Customs, GDVC)Import system
Electronic clearance via VNACCS/VCIS and National Single Window. Import declaration before or within 30 days after arrival; green/yellow/red risk channels.
Export system
Electronic export declaration via VNACCS/VCIS, generally at least 4 hours before departure (2 hours for express), linked to the National Single Window.
Import VAT
- Standard rate 10 percent
- temporarily 8 percent for many goods until 31.12.2026 (Resolution 204/2025/QH15, Decree 174/2025/ND-CP). Essential goods 5 percent, exports 0 percent.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (B/L or AWB)
- Certificate of origin (C/O)
- Import declaration (VNACCS)
- Import license (if required)
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document
- Export declaration (VNACCS)
- Certificate of origin (Form D / EUR.1)
- Export license (if required)
Origin proofs / FTA
Preferential proof per agreement: EUR.1 or origin declaration (EVFTA), Form D (ATIGA/ASEAN), proofs for CPTPP and RCEP. Issuance simplified under Decision 12/2026/TT-BCT.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Prohibition and restriction lists under Decree 69/2018/ND-CP: including weapons, explosives, narcotics, used consumer goods, used vehicles, CITES species and certain chemicals.
Export controls & sanctions
Vietnam is not subject to broad international sanctions. Export controls mainly for weapons, encryption and dual-use goods. US additional tariff since 2025 (see notes).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on goods: certificates/compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Noi Bai International (HAN, Hanoi)
- Tan Son Nhat International (SGN, Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt)
- Da Nang International (DAD)
Seaports / access ports
- Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Cai Mep-Thi Vai (Ba Ria-Vung Tau)
- Hai Phong / Lach Huyen
Road corridors & border crossings
- North-South Expressway (Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City)
- Border corridors to China (Lang Son / Lao Cai)
- Corridors to Laos and Cambodia
Rail corridors
- North-South Railway (Reunification Railway)
- Hanoi-Lao Cai (connection to China/Kunming)
- Hanoi-Dong Dang (China)
Top trade lanes
- Vietnam-USA
- Vietnam-China
- Vietnam-EU
- Vietnam-East Asia (Korea/Japan)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
High dependence on intermediate products from China; stricter US transshipment controls. Correct origin documentation is decisive for preferences.
Seasonal & weather risks
Typhoon and rainy season May to November, mainly in central and northern Vietnam, can delay ports and air freight; flooding in the Mekong Delta possible.
Current logistics notes
Typhoon season active: early July 2026 disruptions in northern Vietnam (typhoon, Hai Phong/Quang Ninh); Cat Lai and Cai Mep with moderate delays (2–3 days), HCMC yard utilization 85–90 percent. US additional tariff since 2025: 20 percent on many Vietnamese goods, 40 percent on transshipment. Port expansion Lach Huyen/Cai Mep, Long Thanh airport under construction. (Status 2026-07-28)
As of: 2026-07-28
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Feb 16, 2026 | Tet Lunar New Year (day 1 of 5) | National | Tet block 14–22 Feb 2026 (incl. weekends): factories and logistics often pause nationwide for 1–2 weeks; plan capacity and bookings well ahead. | ||
| Feb 17, 2026 | Tet Lunar New Year — New Year's Day (day 2 of 5) | National | |||
| Feb 18, 2026 | Tet Lunar New Year (day 3 of 5) | National | |||
| Feb 19, 2026 | Tet Lunar New Year (day 4 of 5) | National | |||
| Feb 20, 2026 | Tet Lunar New Year (day 5 of 5) | National | |||
| Apr 26, 2026observed on Apr 27, 2026 | Hung Kings Commemoration Day | National | |||
| Apr 30, 2026 | Reunification Day | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | International Labour Day | National | |||
| Sep 2, 2026 | National Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Tet Lunar New Year (day 1 of 5)
Feb 16, 2026
Tet block 14–22 Feb 2026 (incl. weekends): factories and logistics often pause nationwide for 1–2 weeks; plan capacity and bookings well ahead.
Tet Lunar New Year — New Year's Day (day 2 of 5)
Feb 17, 2026
Tet Lunar New Year (day 3 of 5)
Feb 18, 2026
Tet Lunar New Year (day 4 of 5)
Feb 19, 2026
Tet Lunar New Year (day 5 of 5)
Feb 20, 2026
Hung Kings Commemoration Day
Apr 26, 2026 · observed on Apr 27, 2026
Reunification Day
Apr 30, 2026
International Labour Day
May 1, 2026
National Day
Sep 2, 2026
Sources: Arbeitsgesetzbuch 45/2019/QH14 Art. 112 · Decision 1369/QĐ-LĐTBXH (via Vietnam Briefing) · Arbeitsgesetzbuch 45/2019/QH14 Art. 112 (10.3. Mondkalender)
Airports in this country
Seaports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- customs.gov.vn
- nso.gov.vn
- moit.gov.vn
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which customs authority is responsible in Vietnam?
The General Department of Vietnam Customs (Tổng cục Hải quan) under the Ministry of Finance. Declarations are filed electronically via the VNACCS/VCIS system and the National Single Window.
What is the import value-added tax (VAT) rate in Vietnam?
The standard rate is 10 percent. For many goods, a temporarily reduced rate of 8 percent applies until 31.12.2026; essential goods 5 percent, exports 0 percent.
Which free trade agreements can I use for Vietnam?
Among others, EVFTA (EU), CPTPP, RCEP and ASEAN/AFTA. Preferential duties require correct proof of origin, such as EUR.1 for EVFTA or Form D for ASEAN.
What are Vietnam's main ports and airports?
The main seaports are Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), Cai Mep-Thi Vai and Hai Phong/Lach Huyen. Central air cargo hubs are Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City).
Which goods are prohibited or restricted on import?
Prohibitions and restrictions are governed by Decree 69/2018/ND-CP, including weapons, explosives, narcotics, many used consumer goods, used vehicles and CITES-protected species.
What role does the US additional tariff play for Vietnamese exports?
Since 2025, the US has applied an additional tariff of 20 percent on many Vietnamese goods and 40 percent on transshipment from third countries. Clean origin documentation is decisive.
What seasonal risks exist in Vietnam?
The typhoon and rainy season from May to November, mainly in central and northern Vietnam, can delay port and air freight operations. Flooding is possible in the Mekong Delta.
Which trade partners are important for Vietnam?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Vietnam?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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