Product group · Cosmetics
Cosmetics HS Code Lookup & Import Procedure
Cosmetics (perfume, make-up, skincare, hair care) are classified under Chapter 33. A key point: most cosmetics must be notified to the health authority before import. Enter your product description in the tool below to find the HS code and see duty rates and FTA preferences.
Chapter 33Look up the HS code for this product group
Tra cứu mã HS & thuế suất XNK Việt Nam
10,800+ mã HS · Thuế NK / VAT / ưu đãi 16 FTA · Chính sách quản lý chuyên ngành — AI hiểu mô tả tiếng Việt.
Nhập tên hàng hóa bằng tiếng Việt (vd. "điện thoại"), mã HS (vd. "8517"), hoặc dán ảnh Invoice / Catalogue để AI trích xuất.
Overview
Cosmetics fall under Chapter 33 of the tariff schedule — perfumes, make-up and skincare preparations, hair preparations, oral hygiene preparations and other personal-care products. Unlike most ordinary goods, cosmetics are a specially-managed item: the importer must complete cosmetic product notification and obtain a receipt number before importing and placing the product on the market.
Common HS codes
| HS code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3303 | Perfumes and toilet waters (eau de parfum, eau de toilette) |
| 3304 | Make-up & skincare (creams, lipstick, powder, sunscreen) |
| 3305 | Hair preparations (shampoo, conditioner, hair dye) |
| 3306 | Oral hygiene preparations (toothpaste, mouthwash) |
| 3307 | Pre/after-shave, body deodorants, bath preparations |
Duty rates & FTA preferences
MFN preferential import duty on common cosmetics is typically around 10–22% depending on the item; VAT 8–10% under current policy. Cosmetics from FTA partner countries (EU under EVFTA, ASEAN under ATIGA, Korea under VKFTA/AKFTA, Japan under VJEPA…) may receive special preferential duty if origin rules are met and a valid C/O is provided. Use the tool above to look up the specific HS code and exact rate.
Applicable FTAs
Import procedure
- 1
Cosmetic product notification
Before importing, the business files a cosmetic product notification and receives a receipt number from the health authority (Department of Health / Drug Administration of Vietnam). This is a precondition.
- 2
Determine & assign the HS code
Classify by the nature and function of the product within Chapter 33 (perfume, make-up, skincare, hair care…).
- 3
File the customs declaration
Submit the declaration with the notification receipt number, commercial invoice, packing list, B/L and C/O (if claiming FTA preference).
- 4
Pay duties, apply sub-label & clear
Pay import duty and VAT; ensure goods carry a compliant Vietnamese sub-label before distribution.
Specialised management & licences
Cosmetic product notification (mandatory)
Under cosmetic-management rules (Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and related documents), cosmetics must be notified and granted a receipt number before import and distribution. Without notification, goods cannot clear customs.
Product labelling
Imported cosmetics must carry a Vietnamese sub-label showing all mandatory information (name, ingredients, manufacturer/importer, expiry…) per labelling regulations.
Common classification mistakes
Cosmetics vs pharmaceuticals
A product claiming therapeutic/curative effect may be classified as a pharmaceutical (Chapter 30) — an entirely different management regime and procedure (drug registration). The claimed function on the label and dossier determines classification.
Function-based classification within Chapter 33
A "cream" for skincare (3304) differs from an after-shave preparation (3307); shampoo (3305) differs from shower gel (3307). Wrong heading changes the duty rate.
Sets / kits
A multi-item cosmetic set must be classified under the set rule (GIR 3) based on the component giving essential character — easy to get wrong if items are declared separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is product notification mandatory to import cosmetics?
Yes. Most cosmetics must have a cosmetic product notification receipt number issued by the health authority before import and distribution. Importing without notification is a violation and the goods will not clear customs.
Where is cosmetic notification filed and how long does it take?
The dossier is filed with the health authority (Department of Health / Drug Administration), usually via the public-service portal. Processing time depends on the dossier, so prepare and complete notification before goods arrive to avoid storage and extra cost.
Do cosmetics from the EU or Korea get reduced duty?
Possibly, if origin rules are met and a valid C/O is provided under the relevant FTA (EVFTA for the EU; VKFTA/AKFTA for Korea…). Special preferential duty is usually lower than MFN. Look up the specific HS code to see the applicable preference.
Advisory
Need help with your shipment?
The Avenir team helps with HS classification, policy checks and import procedures for each shipment.