In the context of a growing consumer market and increasing health awareness, import demand functional foods Coming to Vietnam is becoming more exciting than ever. Functional foods such as vitamins, collagen, digestive enzymes, or other forms of supplements that not only meet people's health care needs but also open up many opportunities for import businesses., distribution and development of the domestic market. However, The import of this product is not simply a commercial operation, but also must comply with strict regulations on food safety and labeling to ensure consumer rights and avoid legal risks..

During implementation, Businesses need to pay special attention to the strict regulations of Vietnamese law on food safety inspection, product announcement as well as clear labeling requirements, Exactly. This not only helps goods get customs clearance quickly but also minimizes the risks of tax arrears, Fines or business suspension if violating regulations.

With the introduction of the new customs clearance process expected to apply from 2025, import businesses functional foods Need to understand the steps clearly, Prepare complete documents, Update new regulations to avoid unwanted delays during the procedure. This article aims to provide an overview of the demand, legal regulations, as well as steps taken in the customs clearance process for imported functional foods in 2025. Simultaneously, Share the benefits of using the service full customs clearance from reputable partners such as Cuong Quoc Logistics, Helps businesses feel more secure during the import process, Minimize unnecessary time and costs.

Main contents in section “Introduce” include:

• The demand for importing functional foods into Vietnam is increasing, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Strict regulations on food safety inspection and labeling, to ensure consumer rights and comply with the law.
• The goal of the article is to provide detailed instructions on the customs clearance process for functional foods in 2025, Helps businesses understand the steps and prepare documents according to regulations.

Understanding these requirements will help businesses minimize legal risks, Optimize import processes and improve competitiveness in the domestic market. Simultaneously, choosing a service provider customs clearance reputation, Professionalism will contribute to improving efficiency, Shorten customs clearance time and ensure goods reach consumers on schedule.

Legal basis for importing functional foods

In import activities functional foods, Compliance with legal regulations is the most important factor to ensure goods are cleared smoothly and legally. These regulations not only help businesses avoid legal risks but also contribute to enhancing brand reputation in domestic and international markets.. Below are the main legal bases and latest updates related to import activities functional foods in Vietnam.

Legal regulations related to food safety and product declaration

Import activities functional foods must comply with legal regulations on food safety and product declaration issued by state management agencies. Specifically:

• Decree 15/2018/ND-CP: This is a detailed regulation on food safety, which clearly defines the principles, Requirements and responsibilities of businesses during the import process, distribution and use of functional foods. Businesses need to ensure their products meet safety standards, hygiene and quality according to regulations.
• Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT and Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT: These two documents provide guidance on product announcement, which clearly stipulates the documents, Necessary procedures for business registration, confirm and announce products before circulating in the Vietnamese market. Properly declaring the process helps avoid penalties or goods being detained during customs clearance.
• Labeling regulations, ingredient, use, Health warnings and product origin are also included in specific guidance documents for businesses to comply with legal requirements..

Update new regulations in 2025 on post-audit food safety inspection

2025, Food safety inspection policies have had breakthrough changes to create more favorable conditions for import activities. functional foods. Specifically:

• Post-inspection policy (post-market surveillance) been promoted, Helps businesses import goods faster by minimizing pre-import checks. Instead of strict inspection before customs clearance like before, Businesses may be allowed to clear goods through customs and then carry out inspections, appropriate confirmation.
• This regulation helps shorten customs clearance time, Minimize storage costs, improve the competitiveness of businesses in the market.
• Import businesses need to understand the processes, Prepare appropriate documents to meet this new requirement, At the same time, cooperate closely with customs clearance service units to ensure quick procedures, not interrupted.

Cuong Quoc Logistics's role in updating policies

In a context of constantly changing laws and regulations, Logistics power plays an important role in updating and guiding the business:

• Continuously monitor new policies of state management agencies, Ensuring customers always keep up with the latest import regulations functional foods.
• Legal advice and procedures Fit, Help businesses prepare documents on time, according to regulations, Avoid delays or refusals of customs clearance.
• Support businesses in adjusting records, procedure, especially in the new regulations on post-inspection, helps minimize risks and optimize the import process.
• The unit provides comprehensive customs clearance services, ensure the customs clearance process goes smoothly, in accordance with the law, thereby helping businesses save time and costs.

Understanding and complying with legal regulations is the foundation for import activities functional foods went smoothly, legal. Simultaneously, Cooperate with reputable partners such as Logistics power will help businesses be more confident in managing the entire process, From preparing documents until goods arrive at the warehouse, ensure not to violate the law and improve business efficiency.

Documents need to be prepared when completing customs clearance procedures for functional foods

When business proceeds customs clearance services goods are functional foods, Preparation of complete documents, Accuracy plays a key role in helping the customs clearance process go smoothly, quickly and in compliance with Vietnamese law. Below are the necessary documents and important tips to help businesses minimize risks during customs clearance procedures..

Basic customs records

This is a mandatory set of documents, Provide necessary information for customs authorities to check, confirm and process goods. Documents in basic customs records include::

• Sales contract (Contract): Prove ownership of goods and legal origin of the shipment.
• Commercial invoice (Invoice): Shows the value of goods, quantity, Detailed description of each item.
• Packing slip (Packing List): List detailed quantities, weight, size of each package.
• Bill of lading (Bill of Lading / Airway Bill): Shipping documents, Confirm the goods have been sent.
• Certificate of origin (C/O – Certificate of Origin): Certificate of origin of goods, Helps determine tax incentive conditions (if any).

These documents need to be clear, Exactly, consistent with reality to avoid problems when completing customs clearance procedures.

Specialized profile

In addition to customs records, Enterprises need to prepare documents related to product announcement according to regulations State management agency for food safety. These records include::

• Receipt of product declaration: Issued by the Department of Food Safety - Ministry of Health after the enterprise submits a valid application, shows that the product has been tested and qualified for circulation.
• Certificate of free circulation (CFS) hoặc Health Certificate: Certification of goods that can be freely circulated in export markets, in accordance with the regulations of the importing country.
• Product testing results: Original or copy certified by testing agency, Demonstrates safety standards, quality of the product.
• Additional labels in Vietnamese: Paste outside the packaging, The content must be consistent with the published license, Include ingredients, use, Instructions for use, import unit.

Careful examination of these documents helps ensure validity, Avoid holding goods or requiring additional documents during the customs clearance process.

Tips for checking expiry dates and appropriate disclosure information

One of the important steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly is to carefully check the expiration date and information published on the label.. Tips to keep in mind:

• Check expiration date: The expiration date on the packaging must be clear, still valid, not blurred or modified.
• Compare the information on the label with the declaration: Guaranteed ingredients, use, manufacturer, The import unit is exactly as stated in the license announced by the authorities.
• Prepare original documents and related documents: Includes original copy of publication, CFS, C/O (if any), and test results. These documents must comply with the deadline, content and signature confirmation of the competent authority.

Careful preparation of these documents not only helps the customs clearance process go quickly but also minimizes future problems., such as being returned or subject to administrative sanctions due to lack of valid documents or improper labeling.

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Understanding and fully preparing all types Necessary documents when completing customs clearance procedures for functional foods is an important foundation to help businesses optimize the import process, reduce time and costs. Therefore, Cooperate with service providers customs clearance professional, Having experience in this field will help businesses feel more secure in the process of processing documents and clearing goods in accordance with current legal regulations..

See more: Import and export clearance services.

Customs clearance process for imported functional foods (Updated 2025)

In the context of the functional food industry growing and the demand for imports into Vietnam increasing, This customs clearance process is becoming increasingly complex and requires precision, strictly comply with the provisions of law. Special, from 2025, This process has had many adjustments to create more favorable conditions for businesses, At the same time, improve inspection efficiency, Food safety monitoring. Below are the specific steps in Customs clearance process for imported functional foods Updated to 2025.

Step 1 – Check the item policy & HS code

The first thing businesses need to do is determine clearly whether their functional food products are subject to specialized inspection or not.. This is based on the regulations on HS codes (Harmonized System) to classify goods accurately. In this step, need:

• Determine the appropriate HS code for the type of functional food (For example: vitamin, collagen, digestive enzymes…).
• Check if the item requires an import license or other related documents.
• Refer to the latest regulations on testing and control policies of the Ministry of Health or related agencies, Pay special attention to the instructions of Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and the 2025 update on the post-inspection process.

This helps businesses be proactive in preparing documents and avoid being stuck due to incorrect declaration of HS codes or regulations..

Step 2 – Prepare product announcement documents

After identifying the correct item, business or customs clearance services will prepare product announcement documents according to regulations of the Ministry of Health. This profile includes:

• Application for registration of declaration of functional food products.
• Certificate of free circulation (CFS) hoặc Health Certificate.
• Product testing results are still valid.
• Vietnamese sub-label, paste before customs clearance, Ensure compliance with published content.

This is an important step, because the published dossier is the basis for the inspection agency to confirm the validity of the product, helps shorten customs clearance time when goods arrive at the border gate.

Step 3 – Open the customs declaration & Submit import documents

Next, Enterprises or service units will open customs declarations at the system of the General Department of Customs. In this step, need:

• Accurately declare the HS code appropriate to the item.
• Submit complete import documents, Includes sales contract, commercial invoice, packing slip, bill of lading, certificate of origin (if any).
• Special, Attach the product declaration documents prepared in step 2 and the appropriate CFS or Health Certificate.

During this process, customs clearance services Professionals will help businesses ensure correct declaration, Avoid errors that cause delays or additional checks.

Step 4 – Food safety inspection or post-inspection

According to new regulations of 2025, Many functional food products can be cleared through post-inspection, That is, after the goods have been warehoused or circulated in Vietnam. In this step:

• Authorities may conduct record checks, label, or take testing samples to confirm the validity of the goods.
• Other cases, Goods can be inspected before customs clearance (pre-check), depending on the type of item and the results of the risk assessment.
• For items that have valid publication records, Businesses need to prepare original documents, label, Certificate of suitability for inspection.

Plus, customs clearance services reputation will support businesses in handling problems that arise during the inspection process, Ensure goods are not delayed.

Step 5 – Pay import tax & VAT, Receive goods to warehouse

After the goods have passed inspection and are allowed customs clearance, businesses need:

• Pay import tax at the prescribed tax rate.
• Pay value added tax (VAT).
• Complete payment procedures, receive customs clearance certificate.

Right after that, Goods will be brought to the enterprise's warehouse or logistics service unit to continue the distribution process, sell.

Step 6 – Complete documents & accountant

Final, Enterprises need to store all relevant documents such as::

• Customs declaration completed.
• Product announcement dossier.
• Test results and related certificates.
• Documents proving tax payment, VAT.

These documents not only help businesses keep track of records, but also serves accounting work, check later if requested by authorities.

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Correct implementation of the steps in Customs clearance process for imported functional foods (Updated 2025) not only helps businesses avoid legal risks but also optimizes customs clearance time, Minimize costs incurred. To achieve the highest efficiency, Many businesses choose to cooperate with these companies Full customs clearance service have experience in this field, like Cuong Quoc Logistics, to ensure the process goes quickly, accurate and legal.

Important notes during the customs clearance process of functional foods

During implementation customs clearance services for goods that are functional foods, Businesses need to pay special attention to a number of important points to ensure the process goes smoothly, legal and avoid unnecessary risks. Below are key notes that businesses need to understand:

Comply with regulations on records and labels

One of the factors that determine success in the process Customs clearance of functional foods is the strict compliance with regulations on records and labels according to Vietnamese law. Businesses need it:

• Prepare complete and accurate relevant documents such as product announcement papers, Certificate of free circulation (CFS), Test results are still valid, and other related documents.
• Ensure appropriate product announcement documents, according to regulations, no omissions or incorrect information.
• The Vietnamese secondary label must accurately reflect the registered contents, Include ingredients, use, Instructions for use, expiry, and importer information.
• Counterfeiting is not allowed, falsifying label content, as this may result in administrative penalties or refusal of customs clearance.

Complying with this regulation is a prerequisite customs clearance services went smoothly, Avoid having your goods detained or being handled for violating the law.

Be careful with HS code declaration

Declare the correct HS code (Code system for classifying goods) is one of the important technical factors in the process Customs clearance of functional foods. Therefore, businesses need:

• Look up and accurately determine the appropriate HS code for each product type, Avoid making false declarations to avoid tax arrears or administrative handling.
• Be wary of declaring incorrect HS codes to reduce taxes or take advantage of other preferential laws. This can lead to major legal and financial risks.
• Consult an expert or a reputable consulting service to determine the correct HS code, especially when the product has complex or diverse ingredients.

Declaring the correct HS code not only helps the customs clearance process go smoothly, but also limits the risk of being re-examined or fined for false declaration.

Prepare original documents and related documents according to regulations

In process customs clearance services, Full preparation of original documents and related documents according to regulations is extremely important to ensure the legality and transparency of goods.. Businesses need it:

• Prepare certificate of origin (C/O), import license, Test certificate, and documents proving the clear origin of the product.
• Make sure these documents are still valid, clear, have a confirmation stamp from the authorities in the exporting country.
• Especially with goods from countries like China, Korea, Japan, Preferential C/O is required to reduce import tax, Helps save costs and customs clearance time.
• Check these documents carefully before submitting, Avoid missing or incorrect information causing delays or denial of customs clearance.

Proper preparation helps minimize legal risks, At the same time, create favorable conditions for goods to be quickly cleared through customs, legal circulation in the Vietnamese market.

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During implementation customs clearance services for functional foods, Businesses need to always maintain a sense of compliance with the law, Prepare documents carefully, label, and related documents. Simultaneously, Cooperate with reputable units, Having experience in the logistics field will help minimize risks, Save time and cost, contributing to improving the import-export efficiency of enterprises.

Why should you use Cuong Quoc Logistics' full customs clearance service?

In the field of importing functional foods, ensuring the customs clearance process goes smoothly, Compliance with regulations is extremely important to avoid legal risks, Delaying goods or incurring unexpected costs. That's why, Many businesses choose the full customs clearance service of Cuong Quoc Logistics - a reputable partner, Extensive experience and expertise in the logistics industry. Below are the main reasons why businesses should cooperate with Cuong Quoc Logistics in this activity.

Experience and expertise in the field of functional foods

One of the outstanding strengths of Cuong Quoc Logistics is its staff with many years of experience in the logistics field, especially in handling dietary supplements and light pharmaceutical related items. Understand legal regulations, procedures, as well as specific dossier requirements, label, Testing... helps companies quickly determine the exact steps that need to be taken. Thanks to that, The customs clearance process went smoothly, Minimize the risk of goods being retained or fined due to violations of the law. Special, with timely updating of new regulations on post-audit food safety inspection in 2025, Cuong Quoc Logistics always ensures its customers comply with current regulations, helps shorten customs clearance time and optimize costs.

Free consultation and application processing support

One of the outstanding services of Cuong Quoc Logistics is providing free consultation on the process, file, product announcement and procedures related to **customs clearance services** for functional foods. Our team of experts will guide businesses to prepare complete and accurate documents, Check expiration date, label, Related documents to ensure compliance with regulations. Besides, Cuong Quoc Logistics also supports businesses in processing documents, papers, helps minimize errors and increase the likelihood of successful customs clearance quickly. Special, In cases where businesses do not have much time or are not familiar with complex legal procedures, Their comprehensive service will be the optimal solution, Helps businesses feel more secure during the import process.

Ensure progress and minimize costs incurred

Time is the decisive factor in import activities, especially for functional food products - goods easily affected by inspection regulations, post-audit or unforeseen events. Cuong Quoc Logistics commits to implementing on schedule, Helps goods ordered quickly, Avoid storage, Store containers or incur storage fees at the port. Simultaneously, with the ability to handle the entire process from A to Z, Businesses only need to provide original documents, All remaining steps are performed by the company's professional team, helps minimize unnecessary costs. This doesn't just save time, effort but also optimize costs, contribute to improving business efficiency.

Summarize, the selection Full customs clearance service of Cuong Quoc Logistics not only based on the advantage of experience and expertise, but also based on the possibility of free consultation, Document processing support, ensure progress and optimize costs. This is the optimal solution to help businesses feel secure, Facilitate the process of importing functional foods, in line with increasingly strict legal regulations of 2025.

Conclude

In the context of the growing demand for imported functional foods in Vietnam, Understanding the customs clearance process and related legal regulations is a key factor to ensure goods move quickly., legal. The updated process in 2025 has brought more advantages to businesses, especially when mastering the steps from policy testing, Prepare records, to handle customs procedures and post-inspection. Simultaneously, Full preparation of customs documents, certificate, Appropriate labeling and compliance with regulations help minimize the risk of delays or administrative penalties due to false declarations or missing documents..

During implementation, Businesses need to pay attention to checking expiration dates, confirm product announcement, and prepare accurate original documents to ensure the customs clearance process goes smoothly. Support from professional partners like Cuong Quoc Logistics not only helps businesses save time, costs and effort but also ensures compliance with schedule, avoid unwanted occurrences.

Overall, mastering the process, Legality and cooperation with a reputable full-service customs clearance service unit is the optimal strategy for businesses to import functional foods effectively., safe and sustainable in 2025. Thanks to our professionalism and extensive experience, Cuong Quoc Logistics is confident that it is a reliable partner, Support businesses to achieve business goals in the most convenient way.