What Companies Provide Customs Clearance Services for Imports from Vietnam?

Navigating Vietnam's complex customs regulations can lead to costly delays, compliance issues, and unexpected fees. Working with experienced customs brokers can mean the difference between smooth import operations and products stuck in customs limbo.

Companies providing customs clearance services for imports from Vietnam include VNT Logistics, USA Customs Clearance, JojoShip Vietnam, KMG, TOGHN/ILT, FasTrans, MBF Vietnam, and ELS Logistics. These firms offer expertise in documentation, tariff classification, duty calculation, and compliance with both Vietnamese and US customs regulations.

I still remember helping a client who tried to handle their own customs clearance for a shipment of furniture from Vietnam. Their goods were held at the port for over three weeks due to incorrect Harmonized System (HS) codes and missing certificates of origin. By the time they finally engaged a professional customs broker, they had incurred thousands in storage fees and missed their retail launch date. Let me share what I've learned about finding the right customs clearance partner for your Vietnam imports.

How Do I Get Customs Clearance in Vietnam?

Navigating Vietnam's customs system can be overwhelming with its unique procedures, documentation requirements, and frequent regulatory changes that catch many importers off guard.

To get customs clearance in Vietnam, you need to submit a customs declaration form, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and potentially certificates of origin, inspection, or product-specific permits. Most importers hire a licensed Vietnamese customs broker to handle this process accurately and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Vietnam Customs Clearance Process

Understanding the customs clearance process in Vietnam helps you anticipate requirements and prepare properly. Having handled countless shipments through Vietnamese customs, I've compiled this detailed breakdown of the process and key considerations.

Step	Description	Required Documents	Typical Timeframe	Key Considerations
1. Pre-clearance Preparation	Gather and prepare all necessary documents	Commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents	1-2 days before arrival	Ensure documents match exactly
2. Customs Registration	Register with Vietnam customs system	Business license, tax code	One-time process	Often handled by broker
3. HS Code Classification1	Determine correct tariff codes	Product specifications, technical documents	1-2 days	Critical for correct duty assessment
4. E-Customs Declaration	Submit electronic declaration to customs system	Full documentation package	1 day before arrival	System can be temperamental
5. Document Verification	Customs examines submitted documents	Original versions may be required	1-2 days	May require clarifications
6. Physical Inspection (if selected)	Customs inspects cargo	Inspection notice	1-3 days	Random or risk-based selection
7. Duty and Tax Payment	Payment of all applicable fees	Customs assessment notice	1 day	Must be paid before release
8. Cargo Release	Final approval and release of goods	Release order	1 day	Requires customs stamp

When I first began coordinating shipments from Vietnam, I was surprised by how different their customs procedures were compared to other Asian countries. For example, Vietnam still requires original hard copies of many documents that other countries accept electronically. Working with a broker like TOGHN or MBF Vietnam saved us countless headaches because they understood these nuances.

The e-customs system in Vietnam (VNACCS/VCIS²) has streamlined many processes, but it still requires expertise to navigate correctly. When one of my clients tried to handle declarations themselves, they consistently had their submissions rejected due to minor technical errors. After switching to KMG's customs brokerage service, their clearance time dropped from an average of 5-7 days to just 2 days.

Special permits and licenses represent another common stumbling block. Vietnam requires specific permits for certain product categories like electronics, food products, and cosmetics. I once had a shipment of skincare products held for nearly a month because the importer wasn't aware they needed approval from Vietnam's Ministry of Health. Working with ELS Logistics could have prevented this issue as they specialize in obtaining these specialized permits.

Vietnam's customs authorities also conduct frequent physical inspections³, particularly for new importers or unusual shipment patterns. Licensed brokers like FasTrans or Saigon Worldwide Express have established relationships with customs officials and understand how to prepare your shipment for inspection, significantly reducing the risk of delays.

For businesses importing from Vietnam to the US, companies like JojoShip Vietnam offer end-to-end solutions that handle both Vietnam export clearance and US import clearance. This dual-sided approach eliminates coordination issues and ensures documentation is prepared correctly for both countries' requirements.

---

Are There Import Duties From Vietnam to the USA?

Understanding duty obligations is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations, but many importers are confused by the complex tariff schedules and trade agreements that affect Vietnam-US trade.

Yes, there are import duties for goods shipped from Vietnam to the USA, with rates varying by product type. Most goods fall under standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates, typically ranging from 0-25%. Unlike some countries, Vietnam does not have a comprehensive free trade agreement with the US that would eliminate these duties.

Understanding Import Duties for Vietnamese Products

Import duties can significantly impact your total landed costs when importing from Vietnam. Based on my experience managing various product categories, I've created this breakdown of typical duty scenarios and considerations.

Product Category	Typical US Import Duty Rate	Special Considerations	Potential Exemptions	Documentation Needed
Apparel & Textiles	16-32%	Subject to textile quotas in some cases	None currently available	Certificate of origin4
Furniture	0-4.7%	Material composition affects rate	Certain wooden items	Material breakdown
Electronics	0-5%	FTA eligibility for components	Information Technology Agreement5	Technical specifications
Footwear	8-67.5%	Extremely variable by material	None currently available	Detailed product construction
Seafood	0-15%	FDA inspection required6	Certain farm-raised species	NOAA form, health certificates
Handicrafts	0-6.6%	Classification challenges	Some traditional items	Artisanal certifications
Machinery	0-5%	Parts vs. complete machines	Some industrial equipment	Technical documentation
Agricultural Products	0-20%	USDA inspection, quotas possible	Some tropical products	Phytosanitary certificates

Working with Vietnam exports for years, I've found that duty assessment can be very nuanced. For example, a client importing wooden furniture from Vietnam was paying 3.2% duty until we discovered that one specific product line qualified for duty-free treatment based on its construction method. The customs broker they had been using wasn't familiar enough with wooden furniture classifications to identify this opportunity.

Vietnam does not currently benefit from any comprehensive free trade agreement with the US, unlike some neighboring countries. This sometimes creates confusion among importers who assume all Asian countries have similar duty treatment. Companies like USA Customs Clearance and JojoShip Vietnam specialize in Vietnam-US trade and stay current on the specific duty treatments that apply to Vietnamese goods.

The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program⁷ occasionally covers certain Vietnamese products, but eligibility changes frequently. When working with VNT Logistics, they helped one of my clients identify when their decorative handicrafts temporarily qualified for GSP treatment, saving thousands in duties during that period.

Anti-dumping and countervailing duties represent a significant risk for certain products from Vietnam. For example, Vietnamese wooden bedroom furniture has faced anti-dumping duties reaching 200% in some cases. Customs brokers like Saigon Pacific Cargo and ALP Logistics Vietnam assist in proper product classification to ensure you're aware of any such special duties before importing.

The Harmonized System (HS) code assignment is perhaps the most critical factor in duty determination. I've seen identical products assigned different HS codes by different brokers, resulting in vastly different duty assessments. Working with specialists like KMG or MBF Vietnam who understand both Vietnamese export codes and US import codes ensures consistent and accurate classification.

---

Who Is Responsible for Import Customs Clearance?

Understanding clearance responsibilities prevents costly delays and confusion about who handles which aspects of the import process.

The party responsible for import customs clearance depends on your shipping terms (Incoterms). With DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms, the seller/exporter handles clearance. With DAP/DAT terms (Delivered at Place/Terminal), the buyer/importer is responsible. Most Vietnam-US shipments operate under FOB or EXW terms, making the importer responsible for clearance.

Clarifying Customs Clearance Responsibilities

Understanding exactly who handles each aspect of customs clearance is essential to prevent delays and ensure compliance. Based on my experience managing Vietnam-US trade, here's a comprehensive breakdown of responsibilities under different common scenarios.

Scenario	Export Clearance	Import Clearance	Documentation	Duty Payment	Optimal Service Provider
FOB Terms	Vietnamese supplier/agent	US importer/broker	Shared responsibility	US importer	Separate brokers in each country
EXW Terms	US importer's agent in Vietnam	US importer/broker	US importer's responsibility	US importer	Integrated service like JojoShip Vietnam
DDP Terms	Vietnamese exporter's agent	Vietnamese exporter's US broker	Vietnamese exporter	Included in product price	Vietnamese forwarder with US network
CIF Terms	Vietnamese supplier/agent	US importer/broker	Vietnamese supplier provides core docs	US importer	Coordination between both parties
Using freight forwarder	Often included in service	May be additional service	Forwarder assists both sides	Typically importer	Full-service logistics provider
Self-filing (rare)	Requires Vietnamese agent	Direct with US CBP	Importer prepares all	US importer	Not recommended without experience

The most common confusion I've encountered involves shipments on FOB terms (Free On Board)⁸, where many new importers mistakenly believe the supplier handles everything until arrival in the US. In reality, FOB only covers responsibilities until the goods are loaded on the vessel in Vietnam - everything after that, including US customs clearance, falls to the importer.

I recall a client who ordered machinery from Vietnam on FOB terms. When the shipment arrived in Los Angeles, they were shocked to discover they needed to arrange customs clearance themselves. The goods sat at the port accruing demurrage fees for over a week before they hastily engaged USA Customs Clearance to handle the entry. This expensive lesson could have been avoided with proper planning.

For businesses new to importing from Vietnam, I typically recommend working with a comprehensive service provider like JojoShip Vietnam or FNM Vietnam⁹ that handles both Vietnam export clearance and US import clearance. This integrated approach eliminates coordination problems between separate agents and ensures all documentation flows smoothly from one side to the other.

When using CIF terms (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)¹⁰, another common arrangement, the Vietnamese supplier handles transportation to the US port but not customs clearance. I've seen many importers caught off-guard by this distinction. Brokers like VNT Logistics often provide clear guidance on these responsibilities to prevent misunderstandings.

For companies importing regularly from Vietnam, establishing relationships with customs brokers in both countries¹¹ offers the most control. Firms like TOGHN/ILT in Vietnam paired with a specialized US customs broker gives you experts on both sides of the transaction. This approach works well for larger importers with dedicated logistics teams who can manage the coordination.

---

How Much Is Custom Clearance in Vietnam?

Cost transparency is a common challenge when budgeting for imports, with many businesses encountering unexpected fees and charges¹² that weren't included in initial quotes.

Customs clearance in Vietnam typically costs between $50-200 per shipment for standard goods, plus any applicable duties and taxes. This includes declaration fees, handling charges, and broker commissions. Complex shipments requiring special permits or inspections may cost $250-500 or more depending on the goods and service level.

Breaking Down Vietnam Customs Clearance Costs

Understanding the specific fees associated with customs clearance in Vietnam helps you budget accurately and identify potential cost savings. Based on my experience working with various customs brokers, here's a detailed breakdown of typical costs.

Fee Type	Typical Cost Range	What It Covers	Variables Affecting Cost	Cost-Saving Tips
Basic Declaration Fee	$50-100	Standard customs entry processing	Complexity of goods, broker	Bundle with freight forwarding
HS Code Classification13	$15-30 per product	Product tariff classification	Number of unique products	Standardize product categories
Customs Inspection Fee14	$80-150	Physical inspection handling	Random selection probability	Maintain good compliance history
Special Permits/Licenses15	$50-200 each	Product-specific approvals	Product category, requirements	Plan ahead for required permits
Document Preparation	$30-80	Creating/reviewing documentation	Document complexity	Provide accurate information upfront
Customs Bond Fee	$40-100	Financial guarantee for duties	Shipment value	Annual bonds for regular importers
Broker Service Fee	$50-150	Overall handling and expertise	Service level, broker reputation	Negotiate volume discounts16
After-Hours Processing	$80-150	Expedited/weekend processing	Timing of shipment	Schedule during standard hours
Storage/Demurrage	$25-100/day	Holding goods during clearance	Clearance speed	Prepare documents in advance

In my experience managing clearance for various products from Vietnam, I've found that the advertised base rates often don't tell the full story. For example, when importing electronics components with one broker, the quoted fee was $80, but additional charges for HS code verification, customs inspection handling, and document preparation brought the actual cost to over $200.

Transparency varies significantly among customs brokers in Vietnam. Companies like FasTrans and MBF Vietnam typically provide comprehensive quotes upfront that include all standard services. Others may quote a low base rate but add numerous surcharges later. When I worked with Minh Van Logistics, they provided a detailed fee schedule that clearly outlined every potential charge, which helped us budget accurately.

The complexity of your goods dramatically impacts clearance costs. When importing standard consumer products, basic clearance through ELS Logistics might cost around $100. However, when we imported specialized medical equipment that required Ministry of Health permits, the total clearance costs exceeded $450 due to the additional documentation and permit application handling.

Volume discounts are available but rarely advertised. After establishing a regular shipping pattern with Saigon Worldwide Express, we negotiated a 30% reduction in their standard clearance fees based on our monthly volume. Similarly, JojoShip Vietnam offers tiered pricing that automatically reduces clearance costs as your shipment frequency increases.

An often overlooked cost factor is the broker's familiarity with your specific product category. Specialists in certain industries can often process clearance more efficiently and at lower cost. For example, ALP Logistics Vietnam specializes in electronics and can typically clear these products faster and with fewer issues than general brokers, ultimately saving both time and money.

For businesses shipping from Vietnam to the US, integrated service providers¹⁷ that handle clearance in both countries often offer better value than using separate agents. Companies like JojoShip and VNT Logistics that manage both Vietnam export and US import clearance typically provide package rates that are more economical than the combined cost of separate brokers.

---

Conclusion

Companies providing customs clearance services for imports from Vietnam include VNT Logistics, JojoShip Vietnam, KMG, TOGHN/ILT, FasTrans, and MBF Vietnam. These providers offer expertise in documentation, HS code classification, permit applications, and duty calculation. Working with experienced customs brokers helps ensure compliance with both Vietnamese export regulations and US import requirements while minimizing delays and unexpected costs.