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Chemicals are one of the items with the most stringent regulations in import and export, so enterprises will face trouble with many questions: What is the procedure for importing chemicals? What are the steps in the process of customs declaration for chemicals? What should be noted when importing chemicals?

Therefore, in order to limit risks as well as speed up customs clearance, a professional customs service is the optimal solution for enterprises today. With more than 10 years experience, Vestal shipping is proud to be top company specializing in customs declaration for chemicals.

Table of Contents

I. What are chemicals? Which kinds of chemicals can be imported to Vietnam?

According to Article 4 of the Law on Chemicals 2018, chemicals are compounds or substances that are exploited or created by man-made fuels or natural materials.

In import and export field, chemicals will be denoted by unique numbers called the code Chemical Abstracts Service, abbreviated as CAS. In addition, in international trade, while normal goods only need documents such as contracts, invoices, and packing list, for chemicals, the seller must provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). With this document, we will be able to check the full information about the chemical, the level of danger, the CAS code.

1. Chemicals banned from import

Based on Appendix III of Decree 113/2017/ND-CP, the chemicals banned from import are those with a high level of danger. Typically Sarin, Tabun,… these are chemicals with a life-threatening level 26 times higher than cyanide, so they are banned from use worldwide, including Vietnam.

However, in case of emergency, those chemicals are used to perform scientific research tasks or national defense and security work, enterprises need to get the consent of the Head of Government through recommendation of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

2. Chemicals restricted from import

Appendix II of Decree 113/2017/ND-CP specifies kinds of chemicals that are restricted from being imported. If enterprises want to import these kinds of chemicals, they need to to get license from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Typical examples for these chemicals are Cadmium Sulfide, Nicotine,…

3. Chemicals needed to be declared when import

Kinds of chemicals that need to be declared when import are specified in Appendix I of Decree 113/2017/ND-CP.

In the process of carrying out the import procedures for these chemicals to be declared, the importing enterprise is required to make a chemical declaration. In the past, businesses had to go to the place of the competent authority to make an application, but now, the process is much faster and convenient. Enterprises can proceed directly on the national one-stop electronic portal. Some typical examples in the list of chemicals to be declared are: Chloric acid, Silver nitrate,…

4. Chemicals imported as normal goods

If chemicals that enterprises want to import are not on the banned or restricted list, which must be declared, they can carry out normal import procedures.

However, it is important to check the CAS codes to compare again the substances in the lists above, so that they can actively know about customs clearance for their goods.

II. Specialized Customs Declaration Service for Chemicals

The customs declaration process for chemicals at Tan Son Nhat Airport involves specialized handling due to the potentially hazardous nature of these substances. It includes the following key aspects:

Classification and Identification: Accurate classification of chemicals according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is crucial for proper handling, labeling, and transportation. Customs officials verify the classification and ensure that the accompanying documentation, such as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), is complete and accurate.
Permit and Licensing Requirements: Importing or exporting certain chemicals may require specific permits or licenses from relevant authorities. Customs officials verify the validity of these documents and ensure compliance with import/export restrictions.
Inspection and Verification: Customs officers may conduct inspections to verify the declared information and ensure that the chemicals are packaged, labeled, and transported according to safety regulations. This may involve sampling and testing to confirm the chemical composition.
Risk Assessment: Customs authorities assess the potential risks associated with the chemicals being imported or exported. This includes evaluating the potential for harm to human health, the environment, and other goods.
Customs Clearance: Once all requirements are met and the necessary documentation is verified, customs officials clear the chemical shipment for further transportation or delivery.

III. HS code of chemicals

Below, Vestal shipping would like to list some HS codes of basic chemicals for your reference:

No.	Name of chemicals	HS CODE
1	Clo	28011000
2	Iot	28012000
3	Brom, Flo	28013000
4	Sulfur	28020000
5	Acid hydrochloric ( HCl )	28061000
6	Acid sulphuric (H2SO4 )	28070000
7	Acid nitric ( HNO3)	28080000
8	Acid phosphoric (Industrial) ( H3PO4)	28092010
9	Acid phosphoric (food) (H3PO4)	28092039
10	Amoniac (liquid) ( NH3.H2O)	28142000
11	Natri hydroxit – (NaOH) (solid form)	28151100
12	Natri hydroxit – (NaOH) (liquid form)	28151200
13	Kaly hydroxit ( KOH )	28152000
14	Magie hydroxit ( Mg(OH)2)	28161000
15	Magie Oxit (MgO)
16	Zinc oxide (ZnO)	28170010
17	Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)	28182000
18	Aluminum hydroxit (Al(OH)3)	28183000
19	Crom oxide (Cr2O3)	28199000
20	Mangan oxide (MnO)	28209000
21	Iron oxide (Fe2O3) và Iron hdroxit (Fe(OH)3)	28211000
22	Titan oxide (TiO2)	28230000
23	Hydrazin hydrate (N2H4.H2O)	28251020
24	Amoni clorua ( NH4Cl)	28271000
25	Canxi clorua (CaCl2)	28272010
26	Canxi hypoclorit – Calcium hypochlorite – Chlorine – Ca(ClO)₂	28281000
27	Sodium hypochlorite – Javel – NaClO	28289010
28	Natri sulphua – Sodium sulphides – Na2S	28301000
29	Natri sulphit – Sodium sulphites – Na2SO3	28321000

IV. Import procedure of chemicals

Step 1: Check the CAS code for your shipment before importing, compare it to each category.

Step 2: When the goods arrive at the port, enterprises must carry out chemical declaration procedures.

Step 3: Print confirmation of successful chemical declaration and bring the results to do customs clearance.

Step 4: Do the remaining work to clear the goods.

V. Apply import license for chemicals restricted from production and business

As mentioned above, with chemicals that are on the list of restricted imports or need to be declared, enterprises need to apply for an import license. Below is required documents to apply import license:

Copy of business registration certificate
A written request for a certificate of eligibility to trade in chemicals.
Copy of approval of all documents on environmental protection.
Declaration of business location of the enterprise.
Copy of design approval certificate and acceptance document in the field of fire prevention and fighting.
A complete declaration of technical equipment and labor protection equipment of each business location to ensure safety.
Copy of chemical safety training records
Copy of the chemical major of the person in charge, required from intermediate level or higher.
Chemical safety sheets of dangerous chemicals.

With this dossier, you can send it through the national one-stop system to get the fastest results. Normally, the waiting time for review will be 16 days.

VI. Chemical declaration procedures

Step 1: Prepare a set of documents including:

Commercial invoice.
Chemical declaration form
Chemical safety sheet if the imported chemicals are on the list of dangerous goods.

Step 2: Register an account on vnsw.gov.vn.

Step 3: Make an online declaration on the national one-stop portal.

VII. Import customs declaration procedures for chemicals

After completing chemicals declaration and applying for an import license, enterprises need to prepare documents to submit to customs. Require following documents:

Commercial Invoice
Sales Contract.
Packing list
Bill of Lading.
Certificate of Origin (C/O).
CAS table.
The enterprise’s license to meet all conditions for import business.

VIII. Notes when importing chemicals

Because chemicals are very difficult to identify visually, in order to ensure that the processes are done correctly, and to avoid troubles, enterprises need to check the HS code correctly before putting it in the assessment.

Besides, in the chemical information sheet, there must be a full scientific name, use, composition, …

Moreover, free time for storing containers applied to chemicals is usually little because they are often in list of dangerous goods. So that, enterprises need to prepare a complete and accurate set of documents and procedures to avoid additional costs.

IX. Why you choose Vestal shipping in customs declaration for chemicals?

Vestal shipping is proud to be top logistics company in providing customs declaration for chemicals. Vestal shipping is your best choice with:

A force of professional and experienced document staff that willing to support about documents, procedures, application of HS code, declarations…
A force of more than 5 year experienced operate staff
Consult and check the most accurate documents before carrying out the declaration procedures.
Absolutely confidential information about goods and customers.
Fast handling: 1-2 days to complete the declaration and delivery.
Quick and cost-saving procedures of applying for import permits, publication and quarantine
Competitive rate, 30% lower than the market price.
Responsible for 100% compensation for customers in case trouble happen.

By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing the available resources, importers and exporters can ensure the safe and compliant movement of chemicals through Tan Son Nhat Airport.