1. Introduction — Why is it easy to import cosmetics but still have "dead" records??

Import cosmetics from Korea, EU or Japan are growing strongly in Vietnam thanks to high beauty demand and K-beauty trends, J-beauty. Many SMEs think that customs procedures are simple, The goods can be sold when they arrive. But reality, 80% of small and medium-sized enterprises encounter problems right from the legal stage before goods arrive at port.

Different from medical equipment (TBYT) Must apply for a separate import license, Cosmetics do NOT require an import license. However, It is mandatory to have a cosmetic proclamation receipt number Issued by the Drug Administration of Vietnam - Ministry of Health before customs clearance. This is the reason why many shipments "die" right at the border gate.

Common errors in records: lack of CFS (Certificate of Free Sale), Power of attorney has not been consularly legalized, or the product name does not match between the documents. Result? Inventory, storage costs arise, even have to re-export.

Logistics power (CQL) once supported an SME business in Ho Chi Minh City: A batch of 500 boxes of Korean serum was stuck for 12 days because it had not been announced. Only after CQL checks and completes the dossier, Goods clear customs smoothly, Enterprises save more than 150 million VND in storage fees. This is a real lesson: Cosmetics are not difficult at customs — it is difficult in legal preparation from the manufacturer.

This article summarizes Latest regulations 2026 (Based on Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT amended and supplemented by Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT and related documents), detailed checklist, Practical process and common traps to help you avoid mistakes when announced imported cosmetics.

2. Do imported cosmetics need a license??

Short answer: There is NO separate “cosmetic import license”..

Theo Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT (modify, supplemented by Circular 29/2020/TT-BYT and Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT), cosmetics just done product announcement procedures before circulation. Not like medical equipment or medicine, covered cosmetics announced for circulation (pre-market notification) instead of import licensing.

Important conclusion: Friend NO need to apply for a cosmetic import license from the Ministry of Health or any agency before signing the contract. However, It is mandatory to have a cosmetic proclamation receipt number before going through customs procedures. Customs will check this number on the VNACCS/VN SW system.

Main legal basis:

• Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT (cosmetic management).
• Decree 155/2018/ND-CP modify, additional.
• Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT (Update the way to prepare the Announcement Form, effective from August 18, 2025).

The announcement is effective 5 years. After getting the reception number, You have just received customs clearance and product circulation. This is the biggest difference compared to many people who still confuse cosmetics with functional foods or medical equipment.

3. Records announcing imported cosmetics — Checklist from the manufacturer

Dossier set for declaration of imported cosmetics (Submit online via the National One-Stop Information Portal vnsw.gov.vn) include:

1. Cosmetic product announcement form (according to the Appendix form in Circular 34/2025/TT-BYT) — 02 copies (electronic + paper if needed).
2. Power of attorney (POA — Power of Attorney) from the manufacturer/product owner:
   • Right consular legalization at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the exporting country.
   • Notarized translation into Vietnamese.
3. CFS (Certificate of Free Sale — Certificate of free circulation):
   • Issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.
   • Still valid (Maximum 24 months if no expiration date is recorded).
   • Must have consular legalization (except for exemptions under FTA).
4. PIF (Product Information File — Product information file): detailed ingredients, recipe, Secure data.
5. Original label, catalogue, technical documents (ingredient, Instructions for use).

Important Note 2026:

• CFS must be in the correct format theo Decree 69/2018/ND-CP (product name, manufacturer, Country must match 100%).
• CFS free for some countries under CPTPP, ASEAN (according to Circular 29/2020/TT-BYT).
• All foreign documents must be translated and notarized.

The most commonly incorrect documents:

• POA has not been consularly legalized → documents returned.
• CFS with wrong product name or expired → all rejected.
• The ingredients in the PIF do not match the label → customs clearance is not possible.

Logistics power Usually check the documents from the manufacturer as soon as the customer signs the contract. A typical case: A business importing Japanese lipstick had its documents returned because the CFS listed the wrong product line name. CQL supports coordination with suppliers for repair and resubmission, Helps goods arrive in just 7 days.

4. HS code and cosmetic import tax

Cosmetics belong Chapter 33 of Vietnam Import-Export Tariff:

• 3303: Perfumes and perfumes.
• 3304: Makeup cosmetics, skin care (nourishing cream, lipstick, eyeshadow…).
• 3305: Hair care products (shampoo, conditioner…).
• 3307: Other personal care products (soap, deodorant…).

Reference tax rate 2026:

• Preferential import tax: 0–20% depending on HS code and origin.
• VAT: 10%.
• FTA incentives: Can be reduced to 0% if there is a valid C/O (For example, Korean form AK, EU form EUR.1).

Note: Cosmetics Do not enjoy special offers like TBYT. However, Choosing the right origin and HS code helps significantly optimize taxes. Wrong HS code can result in collection + fines.

Logistics power Once supported a customer who applied HS code 3304 instead of 3305, resulting in arrears of 85 million VND. After checking again, CQL helps adjust and refund taxes successfully.

5. 5-step process of importing actual cosmetics

Step 1: Prepare disclosure documents Do this before signing a contract or placing an order. Collect POA, CFS, PIF from manufacturer.

Step 2: Submit application for publication

• Submit online via National one-stop portal (vnsw.gov.vn).
• Time: 3–7 business days if the profile is standard (according to current regulations).
• Receive Receipt number of announcement form (Valid for 5 years).

Step 3: Sign the contract & transport

• Usually choose air transport (air freight) because of high value cosmetics, need fast delivery.
• CQL supports shipping bookings from Korea, EU, Japan to Vietnamese airports/ports.

Step 4: Customs clearance Customs inspection:

• Invoice, Packing list, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
• Cosmetic proclamation receipt number.
• Other documents (C/O if any).

Step 5: Add additional labels

• Theo Decree 43/2017/ND-CP: Additional labels must be attached in Vietnamese before sale (product name, ingredient, expiry, Vietnamese enterprise information...).

The whole process, if well prepared, only takes 15–25 days.

6. 3 common traps when importing cosmetics for the first time

Trap 1: Import goods before publication Goods arrive at the port but do not have a declaration form → cannot be cleared through customs, must be stored or re-exported.

Trap 2: CFS expired or in wrong format CFS according to Decree 69/2018/ND-CP but many manufacturers issue it in an old format or without legalization → the application is rejected.

Trap 3: Wrong product name between documents Name on POA, CFS, Announcement form, Original labels do not match → entire record fails.

Logistics power once handled the case of a company that lost nearly 200 million VND Storage fee for importing a lot of lotion with different names on CFS and POA. After CQL coordinates repairs and supports urgent customs clearance, Customers continue long-term cooperation.

7. Conclude & Consulting from Cuong Quoc Logistics

Importing cosmetics in 2026 is not difficult if you understand the process and prepare documents early. The most important thing is Announce cosmetics according to regulations before goods arrive — this is the key to avoiding "dead" records and unnecessary costs.

If you are facing a situation:

• It is unclear whether the manufacturer's records are sufficient?
• Goods are stuck due to lack of proclamation form?
• Need detailed checklist or quick customs clearance support?

Logistics power (CQL) Ready for free consultation. With the DNA “Taking a difficult job, care since childhood, raised into adults", We do not force finalization but accompany SMEs from document checking to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery.

Contact now:

Cuong Quoc Freight Forwarding Company Limited

Office: 7th floor, Parami Building, 140 Bach Dang, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline: 0972 66 71 66

Email: info@cql.com.vn

Website: https://cql.com.vn/

CQL – Patience, conscientious, Accompanying businesses in each shipment.

(The article references current legal regulations until April 2026. It is recommended to check for the latest updates before proceeding.)