This guide walks you through everything you need to know about importing from Vietnam to India in 2025—from HS codes and duty calculations to documentation and compliance requirements.

Why Import from Vietnam?

Vietnam has emerged as one of India's most important trading partners in Southeast Asia. Here's what makes it attractive for Indian importers:

> Pro Tip: Vietnam is particularly strong in electronics manufacturing, textiles, footwear, and agricultural exports like coffee and cashews. If you're in these sectors, Vietnam should be on your radar.

Step 1: Identify Your Product and HS Code

Before anything else, you need to determine the correct Harmonised System (HS) Code for your product. This 8-digit code determines:

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD) rate
• IGST applicability
• Import licensing requirements
• Preferential tariff eligibility under AIFTA

Common Products Imported from Vietnam (with HS Codes)

How to find your HS Code:

1. Visit the Indian Trade Portal
2. Use the "HS Code Search" feature
3. Cross-verify with CBIC's Customs Tariff

> Watch Out: Using the wrong HS code can result in penalties, shipment delays, and incorrect duty payments. When in doubt, request a binding tariff ruling from customs authorities.

Step 2: Check Import Licensing and Regulatory Requirements

Not all products can be imported freely. Depending on your product, you may need:

BIS Certification (Compulsory Registration Scheme)

• Electronics and IT goods
• Chemicals and fertilizers
• Medical devices
• Check BIS requirements

FSSAI License

• Food products and beverages
• Health supplements
• Apply at FSSAI

Import Licenses from DGFT

• Restricted items (check SCOMET list)
• Dual-use goods

Plant Quarantine Certificate

• Agricultural products, seeds, plants
• Issued by Vietnam's Plant Protection Department

Step 3: Understand Duty Structure and Calculate Landed Cost

Here's where the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement delivers real savings.

Standard Duty Calculation (Without AIFTA Benefits)

With AIFTA Preferential Rates

Under the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), most products from Vietnam attract 0% or significantly reduced BCD—provided you meet the Rules of Origin requirements.

Example: Importing $50,000 Worth of Textiles from Vietnam

> Key Update: As of 2025, India and ASEAN are negotiating upgrades to AITIGA, with discussions on further tariff liberalisation. Monitor DGFT notifications for updates.

Step 4: Obtain the Certificate of Origin (Crucial for AIFTA Benefits)

To claim preferential duty rates, your Vietnamese supplier must provide:

Form AI (ASEAN-India Certificate of Origin)

Requirements:

• Issued by Vietnam's authorised agencies (Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry - VCCI)
• Must specify the HS code and product description
• Must meet Rules of Origin criteria:
• Wholly Obtained: Product entirely from Vietnam (agricultural, mineral)
• Substantial Transformation: 40% local value addition OR change in tariff classification

What to check on the certificate:

• [ ] Correct HS code
• [ ] Product description matches invoice
• [ ] Validity period (usually 12 months from issue)
• [ ] Authorised signature and stamp

> Watch Out: Customs can deny AIFTA benefits if the Certificate of Origin is incomplete or suspicious. Always verify with your supplier before shipment.

Step 5: Prepare Your Import Documentation

Here's your complete checklist:

Documents from Vietnamese Supplier

Documents You Need to Arrange

Step 6: Customs Clearance Process

Once your shipment arrives at an Indian port (Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, or Kolkata), here's what happens:

Step-by-Step Clearance Flow

1. Filing Bill of Entry (BOE)

• Submit through ICEGATE
• Declare HS code, value, origin country
• Attach all supporting documents

1. Customs Examination

• Green channel: Automatic clearance (low risk)
• Yellow/Red channel: Document verification or physical inspection

1. Duty Payment

• Pay BCD (if applicable), SWS, and IGST
• Use AIFTA preferential rate with valid Form AI

1. Out of Charge

• Customs releases the goods
• Collect delivery order from shipping line

1. Final Delivery

• Transport to your warehouse

Typical Timeline: 2-5 days for green channel, 7-15 days if examination is required.

Step 7: Post-Import Compliance

Your responsibilities don't end at clearance:

GST Input Tax Credit

• IGST paid at import is eligible for full input tax credit
• Claim in your GSTR-3B return
• Maintain BOE copy for 5 years

Record Maintenance

• Preserve all import documents for 5 years
• Customs can conduct retrospective audits

FEMA Compliance

• Remit payment to Vietnam within 9 months of import
• File ECB Return if applicable

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Cost Breakdown: Setting Up Your Vietnam Import Operation

Final Checklist: Before You Import from Vietnam

• [ ] Verified correct HS code on Indian Trade Portal
• [ ] Confirmed product doesn't require import license
• [ ] Obtained IEC from DGFT
• [ ] Verified supplier's credibility and AIFTA compliance capability
• [ ] Requested Form AI (Certificate of Origin) from supplier
• [ ] Checked BIS/FSSAI requirements for your product
• [ ] Arranged AD Code with your bank
• [ ] Registered on ICEGATE
• [ ] Budgeted for all duty and tax components

Need Help with Your Vietnam Imports?

At Befach International, we specialise in helping Indian businesses navigate the complexities of importing from Vietnam and other ASEAN countries. Our services include:

• End-to-end import consulting — From supplier verification to customs clearance
• AIFTA compliance — Ensuring you get every rupee of duty benefit
• Documentation management — Accurate BOE filing and certificate verification
• Customs clearance support — Working with trusted CHAs across major ports

Contact us for a free consultation on your Vietnam import requirements.

FAQs

Q: Can I import from Vietnam without an IEC?

No. The Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for all commercial imports into India. Apply through DGFT.

Q: How long does shipping from Vietnam to India take?

Sea freight typically takes 7-12 days to major Indian ports (Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Visakhapatnam). Air freight takes 2-4 days.

Q: What if my supplier can't provide Form AI?

You'll pay standard BCD rates, which can be 10-30% higher. Always confirm AIFTA certificate availability before placing orders.

Q: Is Vietnam part of RCEP? Can I benefit from it?

India is not part of RCEP. For India-Vietnam trade, AIFTA/ATIGA is the operative agreement.

Q: Do I need to pay IGST on imports from Vietnam?

Yes, IGST is payable on all imports regardless of origin. However, it's fully creditable against your output GST liability.

Last updated: January 2025. Duty rates and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current rates on [CBIC](https://www.cbic.gov.in/) before importing.

Need help with this process? Befach handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business. Let us handle it