Supplements and functional foods, like collagen, milk powder, vitamin, or herbal products, are increasingly popular in Vietnam thanks to the health benefits they bring. However, to import these products, Businesses need to comply with strict regulations on product announcement and customs procedures. In this article, Logistics power will provide detailed instructions on the concept, HS Code, documents need to be prepared, product announcement process, and procedures for importing food supplements, functional foods according to updated regulations until 2025.

---

What are dietary supplements and functional foods??

Food supplements

Dietary supplements are products designed to provide the body with essential nutrients, includes proteins, vitamin, minerals, or calories, to help improve health, strengthen muscles, or energy supplement. These products are often used as dietary supplements, helps users achieve health goals such as gaining weight, muscle gain, or improve nutrition.

However, Experts recommend that dietary supplements should not completely replace main meals or natural nutritional sources, because they only play a supporting role.

Functional foods

Functional foods are products containing biologically active ingredients that are beneficial to health, Includes herbal preparations, traditional food, or special nutritional ingredients. They not only provide nutrition but also help improve health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or skin problems. Some functional foods also support disease treatment thanks to herbal extracts.

Main difference: Functional foods are not dietary supplements, but both can improve your health and appearance from the inside. Dietary supplements often focus on more specific benefits, such as supporting the immune system or improving body function.

---

HS Code of dietary supplements and functional foods

Determining the HS Code is an important step to apply the correct tax rate and comply with import regulations. Below are common HS Codes for dietary supplements and functional foods, based on Import and export tariff schedule 2025:

HS code	Describe	VAT (%)	Normal import tax (%)	Preferential import tax (%)
2106	Food preparations not specified or included elsewhere
21069071	Food to protect health from ginseng	10	22.5	15
21069072	Other health protection foods	10	22.5	15
21069073	Mixture of micronutrients added to food (SEN)	10	22.5	15
2202	Water, including mineral water and carbonated water, contains added sugar or sweeteners
22029950	Non-carbonated drinks for immediate consumption, no dilution required	10	45	30

Note:

• Import tax can be reduced to 0% if any Certificate of origin (C/O) from countries that have FTAs ​​with Vietnam (like ASEAN, CPTPP, EVFTA).

• Businesses need to accurately determine HS codes based on product properties and ingredients to avoid errors when declaring customs.

---

Announcement of functional foods

Theo Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, All functional foods imported into Vietnam must be declared at Department of Food Safety (Ministry of Health) before circulating on the market. Product disclosure is not only a legal requirement but also helps:

• Ensuring product quality and safety.

• Enhance customer reputation and trust.

• Support management agencies to monitor product quality.

Document announcing functional foods

Publication records include::

• Product announcement: According to Form No. 02, Appendix I, Decree 15/2018/ND-CP.

• Certificate of free circulation (CFS), Export certificate, or Medical certificate (Health Certificate): Issued by the competent authority of the country of origin, full content as prescribed.

• Test result sheet: Within 12 months, from an accredited laboratory (ISO 17025 or equivalent).

• Scientific evidence: Prove the product's use (research report, scientific documents).

• Product sample: 300g or 300ml for testing.

• Copy of Business Registration Certificate: Scan the original.

• Product standards (Specification): Provided by the manufacturer, clearly state the ingredients and quality criteria.

• Product label: Original or photo of label, Includes draft secondary label in Vietnamese.

• Notarized translation: If the document is in a foreign language, Must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized.

Procedure for announcing functional foods

The publication process lasts from 40-60 working days, with product testing time from 7-10 days. Businesses should prepare before goods arrive at the port to avoid storage costs. Specific steps:

1. Step 1: Create a business account

   • Register an account on the Food Safety Department Information Portal: http://congbosanpham.vfa.gov.vn.

2. Step 2: Submit online application

   • Log in, download profile (Excel and PDF files of documents) onto the system.

3. Step 3: Pay appraisal fee

   • Pay fees online according to instructions on the portal.

4. Step 4: Modify or supplement records

   • If the profile is not valid, Department requires additional in 5 working days.

   • Enterprises re-upload the edited records to the system.

5. Step 5: Pay the application fee

   • Pay the fee for issuing a product announcement receipt number.

6. Step 6: Get results

   • Load Product announcement receipt from the portal. Processing time: 5-7 working days after the application is valid.

Procedures for importing supplements and functional foods

Import records

Import documents included:

• Customs declaration: Register on the VNACCS system.

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

• Commercial invoice (Commercial Invoice): Detailed value and quantity of goods.

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

• Product announcement receipt: From the Department of Food Safety.

• Certificate of origin (C/O): If you want to enjoy tax incentives.

• Quality inspection registration certificate: According to customs requirements.

Import process

1. Step 1: Product announcement

   • Complete the declaration of functional foods at the Food Safety Department before the goods arrive at the port.

   • Prepare disclosure documents as stated above.

2. Step 2: Customs declaration

   • Fill out the customs declaration on VNACCS, Attached is the product announcement receipt.

   • Pay import tax and VAT (if applicable).

3. Step 3: Please preserve the goods

   • If the goods arrive at the port before completion of declaration, The business would like to bring the goods to the warehouse for preservation (theo Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC).

4. Step 4: Customs clearance of goods

   • After adding the product announcement receipt, Customs confirms and clears the shipment.

5. Step 5: Bring goods to warehouse

   • Complete customs procedures and transport goods to warehouse for distribution.

Note: Product declaration must be completed before customs clearance to avoid storage costs or delay penalties.

---

Be careful when importing dietary supplements and functional foods

• Legal basis: Follow Decree 15/2018/ND-CP (Food safety), Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC (customs procedures), and regulations of the Ministry of Health.

• Product testing: Test results must be from an accredited laboratory and be valid for 12 months.

• Product label: Secondary labels in Vietnamese must have complete information according to regulations (ingredient, use, Instructions for use).

• Announcement time: You should start announcing before the goods arrive to avoid long-term storage.

• Tax incentives: Use C/O from FTA countries to reduce import taxes.

Cuong Quoc Logistics - Reputable import support unit

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 product announcement and quality testing.

• International courier.

Cuong Quoc Logistics is committed to providing quick solutions for importing dietary supplements and functional foods, professional, 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

---

Conclude

Procedures for importing dietary supplements and functional foods require careful preparation of documents, product announcement, and comply with customs regulations. 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