Frozen food, Especially meat and frozen fish, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Vietnamese consumers thanks to its convenience and nutritional value. However, The import process of these items requires strict compliance with legal regulations to ensure food safety and veterinary hygiene.. In this article, Logistics power will guide you in detail about the HS Code, documents need to be prepared, quarantine process, and important notes when importing frozen meat/fish into Vietnam according to updated regulations until 2025.

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HS Code Code of frozen meat/fish

HS Code is an important factor to determine import taxes and related procedures. Below are some common HS Codes for frozen meat and fish, based on the 2025 Import-Export Tariff (according to Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC and updates from the Ministry of Finance):

HS code for frozen meat

HS code	Describe	Preferential import tax (%) (2025, depending on origin)
02021000	Whole or half buffalo meat, frozen	10-20
02022000	Mixed beef and buffalo meat has different bones, frozen	10-20
02023000	Boneless beef and buffalo meat, frozen	10-20
02031100	Whole or half pork, fresh or chilled (including frozen)	15
02031200	Pork buttock, shoulder and boned piece, frozen	15
02031900	Other types of pork, frozen	15
02041000	Lamb meat, whole or half, fresh or frozen	5-10
02042100	Lamb, whole or half, fresh or frozen	5-10
02043000	Frozen lamb meat	5-10
02050000	Horseflesh, deceive, frozen mule	10

HS code for frozen fish

HS code	Describe	Preferential import tax (%) (2025, depending on origin)
03031100	Red salmon (Oncorhynchus kidney), frozen	0-10
03031900	Other Pacific Salmon, frozen	0-10
03032100	Salmon (Salmo trutta, Oncorhynchus spp.), frozen	0-10
03033100	Horse tongue flounder (Halibut), frozen	0-10
03033200	Star flounder (Pleuronectes platessa), frozen	0-10
03034100	White or longfin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), frozen	0-10
03034200	Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), frozen	0-10
03035100	Herring (Clupea harengus), frozen	0-10
03038900	Other fish are frozen (Does not include fish liver and roe)	0-10

Note: Import tax can be reduced to 0% if the goods have a Certificate of Origin (C/O) from countries that have FTAs ​​with Vietnam (like ASEAN, CPTPP, EVFTA). The applicable VAT is 0% for most of these frozen food items according to current regulations.

Documents need to be prepared when importing frozen meat/fish

To carry out procedures for importing frozen meat/fish, Enterprises need to prepare complete documents Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT (animal quarantine) and Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC (customs procedures), with updates to 2025:

• Customs declaration: Register on VNACCS System.

• Commercial invoice (Commercial Invoice): Value details, quantity, and product type.

• Packing slip (Packing List): Information on packaging and number of packages.

• Bill of lading (Bill of Lading): Shipping documents.

• Import license: From the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Department of Animal Health), If the goods are in the risk management category.

• Animal quarantine certificate: From exporting country (Health Certificate), and register for quarantine in Vietnam.

• Certificate of origin (C/O): To enjoy tax incentives (if applicable).

• Food safety certificate: According to Vietnamese standards (VSATTP).

• Other documents: As the analysis report (Test Report) from an accredited laboratory.

Applications must be submitted through the National Single Window System (NSW) to ensure transparency and processing speed.

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Process of importing frozen meat/fish

The frozen meat/fish import process complies with the regulations at Decree 15/2018/ND-CP (Food safety) and Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT (quarantine), with the following main steps (Updated to 2025):

1. Step 1: Apply for an import license

   • Apply at the Department of Animal Health (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) through the National Single Window System.

   • Profile included: Business registration certificate, sales contract, Health Certificate from exporting country.

   • Processing time: 5-7 working days.

   • Only countries are allowed to export (Updated list on the Department of Animal Health website: about 24 countries like America, Australia, Brazil) just accepted.

2. Step 2: Register for quarantine

   • Register online on the National Single Window System (NSW).

   • File: Quarantine registration certificate, Health Certificate gốc, Quarantine permit, Sales Contract, Invoice, Packing List.

   • The quarantine agency will take samples at the port for testing (microorganism, chemical residue). Time: 3-5 days.

3. Step 3: Customs declaration

   • Declare customs declaration on VNACCS, Electronic filing.

   • Pay import tax and VAT (if applicable).

   • If the channel is red, Customs physically inspects the goods.

4. Step 4: Customs clearance and pickup

   • After passing quarantine, Customs permits customs clearance.

   • Businesses pay quarantine fees and bring goods to the warehouse.

5. Step 5: Circulation announcement

   • Declaration of food safety compliance at the Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) necessary, before distribution.

The entire process usually takes 10-15 days, depending on origin and type of product.

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Register for frozen meat/fish quarantine on the National One-Stop System

To register for quarantine, Enterprises use the National Single Window System (https://vnsw.gov.vn/):

1. Step 1: Log in and submit your application

   • Sign in with a business account.

   • Submit electronic documents: Quarantine registration certificate, Health Certificate, Quarantine permit, Sales Contract, Invoice, Packing List.

2. Step 2: Document processing

   • The Department of Animal Health reviews and announces quarantine sampling at the port.

3. Step 3: Get results

   • If qualified, Issue electronic quarantine certificates. Time: 2-3 days.

The NSW system helps shorten the time, Reduce manual paperwork according to updated regulations in 2025.

Note when importing frozen meat/fish

• Legal basis: Follow Circular 24/2017/TT-BNNPTNT (HS code), Circular 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT (quarantine), and Decree 15/2018/ND-CP (Food safety). Check the list of countries allowed to export on the website of the Department of Animal Health to avoid refusing goods.

• Goods quality: Only import goods that meet Vietnamese veterinary hygiene and food safety standards. Microbiological examination, toxic chemical residues.

• License: Must have a Health Certificate from the exporting country and register for quarantine before the goods arrive at the port.

• Taxes and incentives: Use C/O to reduce taxes if originating from FTA countries.

• Risk: Goods that do not pass quarantine will be returned or destroyed, leading to high costs.

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Frozen meat/fish import service at Cuong Quoc Logistics

Logistics power, established since 2011, is a leading unit in the field of logistics and import-export in Vietnam. Initially operating under the name Cuong Quoc Import Export Company Limited, We specialize in importing electronic products, electronics, and construction equipment. From 2020, The company changed its name to Cuong Quoc Freight Forwarding Company Limited, Expanding into global logistics.

With over a decade of experience, We are proud to be members of prestigious associations such as HLA, VLA, FIAT, and JCTRANS. Main services include:

• Shipping sea, air, and domestic.

• Customs declaration and import and export entrustment.

• Support quarantine and quality inspection of frozen foods.

• International courier.

Cuong Quoc Logistics is committed to providing quick frozen meat/fish import solutions, safe, and save costs. Contact now for advice:

CUONG QUOC LOGISTICS 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

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Conclude

Procedures for importing frozen meat/fish require careful preparation of documents, quarantine, and comply with regulations to ensure food safety. Hope the article from Logistics power has provided useful information for you to carry out the import process effectively. Contact us for detailed and professional support!