How to Import from Vietnam to Europe
When compared to other countries, Europe features a myriad of strict requirements for products. Therefore, if you’re thinking about importing from Vietnam to Europe, it is best that you have clear knowledge about importing limits product, regulations, and labeling requirements among others.
Even though it is highly advisable that you look for a professional freight forwarder, as a potential importer, if you know basic common senses then getting a reliable freight forwarder won’t be a hustle. This is because you will have the ability to filter out the ones you want to cooperate with.
Additionally, if you know the time spent and range of costs in the process of importation then you will be able to have a rough estimate of the cost of the product you’re importing as well as the import cycle. But first things first.
What to prepare before importing
If done well, importing from Vietnam to Europe can help you reduce costs, improve the range of goods and services that you offer your clients, and reduce costs thus giving your business a real competitive edge. However, there are things you need to prepare for before you start to import from Vietnam. Even though the EUROPE is due to leave the European Union (EU) on 29th March 2019 at 11 p.m. EUROPE time, it is still part of the EU thus uses its mandatory standards and directives. Here are some of the importing qualifications.
Ensure that you have an Economic Operator Registration Identification (EORI) Number
EUROPE customs uses an EORI number as a means of record-keeping for both imported and exported goods. When importing commercial cargo from Vietnam, all businesses within the EU are required to have an EORI. This is needed for a commercial invoice if you’re using the Chief system and you have to submit an electronic export declaration. An EORI number is also needed if you’re using a freight or courier forwarder. Applying for an EORI number is easy, you can apply it online, and will take you approximately three days to receive.
Check if you need a license and that your goods aren’t banned from importing to the Europe
Before you try to import your goods from Vietnam, ensure that you obtain a license especially if they fall under the surveillance control category. If you want to find out if you need a license and how to get one, visit the Department for International Trade.
There are also goods that are subject to import controls. Therefore, it is essential to check if any of the import controls apply to the goods you need to ship. At present, these are the three types of controls:
Surveillance – ensures that the importation is monitored using licenses
Bans – This is where no import is allowed
Quotas – This is where there is a restriction in the volume of goods
Use the right commodity code for the goods you’re importing
To find the correct commodity code for the products you need importing from Vietnam, go to the EUROPE Government Trade Tariff. Here you can look up commodity codes as well as rates for VAT and duty. Commodity codes are vital in classifying your imported goods so that you can,
Check to see if there are any duty reliefs
Complete declarations as well as other paperwork
Find out if you have to pay for any VAT or duty fees
Declare your goods by registering with the CHIEF system
Freight forwarders, importer, and exporters use the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system to electronically input customs data, automatically check for errors and calculate payable taxes and duties. The CHIEF system also identifies which of your consignments need documentation or examination of goods thus allowing for a faster entry for low-risk goods.
If you have hired the services of a freight forwarder and they are handling all your shipment woes for you then this should be covered. However, if you’re managing shipping by yourself ensure that you have registered with CHIEF to declare your imported goods.
Pay the required VAT fee
If you’re importing from Vietnam to Europe, you’re required to pay VAT together with the total sum of Import Duty and Customs Value. In this case, customs value equals the total cost of the imported products including any import duty fee, developmental costs that you pay to your supplier, and shipping from Vietnam to EUROPE cost.
Make sure that you pay any pending VAT fee that is due. Remember that you must pay VAT if you are VAT registered. However, you can claim it back through your standard VAT return.
Ensure that you include full details on all the invoices and labels
Details of the receiver and sender should be contained in all the invoices and labels you use. Other details include the number of goods and their value, a complete description of the contents being imported, and the commodity codes. Make sure that your invoice is typed and avoid making manual changes.
Get a Customs Registration (CR) number and Power of Attorney (POA)
When importing from Vietnam to EUROPE, you’re required to have a CR number as well as POA for goods that are non-documented regardless of their value apart from personal effects. Both exporters and importers in Vietnam are required to register with customs authorities. This is for the purpose of getting an exporter or importer CR Number which must be detailed on the commercial invoice for clearing customs.
The advantage of using a freight forwarder is that he will advise you on all the aforementioned thus making shipping from Vietnam to EUROPE hassle-free and simple. Therefore, it is advisable that you get a good and reliable freight forward company which you can always consult about the custom limits of imported goods.
What to do after confirming the product you want to import
After identifying product import duties to avoid losses, the next step is getting to know common import charges from Vietnam to EUROPE. This will help you to estimate just how much costs you’re going to incur. A good number of businesses use courier or freight forwarders to import goods from Vietnam. If you need advice about VAT and import duties you might want to consider hiring a professional such as a customs broker.
The third step is finding a manufacturer from Vietnam. This is quite simple because they can easily be found through Chinese business websites, markets and fairs. Therefore, if you’re just starting up with a small order and you don’t want to go all the way to Vietnam, you can find online suppliers first. Some of them include Alibaba, Global Source, Made in Vietnam.
However, if you have experience in importing goods from Vietnam to EUROPE and you want to dig deeper into a certain product category, it is advisable that you go to Vietnam and visit a large-scale comprehensive exhibition or a wholesale market to find a cooperative supplier.
Labeling requirements
Essentially, the CE mark is a label that shows an item is compliant with all the applicable directives from the CE or EN. Products that are not regulated by these directives shall not be marked with the CE label. This mark is to be affixed to the product unit as well as its user instructions and packaging and should be done by the Chinese supplier.
However, keep in mind that your supplier may not always be aware of the specific labeling requirements applicable to the product being imported. Therefore it is essential that you offer your supplier with affixing position, dimensions, and graphical files on the product. Below are some of the EU directives for which CE marking is a requirement:
EN 71: Toy safety directive – This not only regulates toys but also other children’s products. It used to regulate physical and mechanical properties, flammability, heavy metals, and chemicals. EN 71 is an umbrella standard that can be divided into 13 different ones. It also stipulates the requirements for graphical symbols such as age warnings.
Low voltage directive (LVD) – This applies to electronics and electrical components that have an input or output of 50 to 1000 volts AC and 75 to 1500 volts DC. Because of this, the LVD requirement covers a myriad of products including home appliances, cables, sockets outlets, and chargers with an exception of battery-powered devices.
European eco-design directive – applicable to domestic electrical appliances, and light bulbs as well as non-electrical products such as insulation materials, was put in place to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases.
Machinery Directive (MD) – This is applicable to machinery as well as interchangeable parts and equipment excluding motor vehicles and a wide range of consumer electronic appliances.
RoHS 2 – restrictions of hazardous substances – This restricts the amounts of certain substances in electronics such as mercury and lead. Even though they’re a few exceptions this labeling requirement is compulsory for all electrical items with a CE mark.
Radio equipment directive (RED) – This is used to regulate telecommunication and radio equipment such as Bluetooth and WiFi receivers and transmitters, radio, wifi routers, and some smartphones and android tablets.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – This directive whose aim is to make sure that electrical equipment does not interfere with other signals and electronics, is only applicable to fixed electronic appliances like LED displays.
Shipping from Vietnam to Europe
When it comes to shipping products from Vietnam to EUROPE you can choose from air freight, sea freight, rail freight, or ocean freight depending on your shipping needs.
Importing tax（duty）from Vietnam to Europe
Import duty, as well as import tax from Vietnam to EUROPE, affects the cost of imports. All importers are required to pay EUROPE duty + VAT unless the goods are eligible for duty-free. For instance, if you pay your supplier £4000 for your goods, £600 for the shipping quote, and the EUROPE duty rating is 3.5% then the duty fee will be 3.5% of 4000 which is £140.
The VAT will be 20% of {the EUROPE duty fee (£140) + shipping (£600) + the cost of the goods (£4000)}
This will be 20 of £4740 = £948
The total shipping from Vietnam to EUROPE cost will be Total Cost (£4000) + EUROPE Duty (£140) + VAT (£948) = £5088.
Cost for shipping from Vietnam to Europe
Vietnam is located approximately 7, 775 kilometers away from EUROPE, but this distance might take longer when the route is defined by water bodies. The fastest way for your cargo to reach the EUROPE from Vietnam is through air freight. However, this is also restricted by several factors including size of cargo, cost-effectiveness, nature of consignment, and agency of the cargo. Before deciding which of these two is the best method of shipment for you, keep in mind that weight is an important factor to consider. Airfreight from Vietnam to EUROPE 140 is normally 4 to 6 times more expensive than sea freight which is very slow and takes longer.
Carrier services from Vietnam to the Europe
Known to provide bulk services for every process involving importation, carrier services ensure that your product is delivered to your doorstep. DHL Vietnam to the EUROPE is among the most trusted carrier companies together FedEx, TNT, and UPS.
Door to door shipping from Vietnam to the Europe
Even though this be an effective way of importing from Vietnam to EUROPE door to door, shipping might take a huge amount of time. However, the freight forwarder involved in the process will handle everything for you.
It is safe to say that importing from Vietnam to Europe is quite simple and straightforward. With the help of this guide, you should be able to understand the basics of importing from Vietnam to Europe, the rules, and regulations, evaluating costs, and choosing the right mode of transport for you. Also, remember that hiring a professional freight forwarder is a smart thing to do.
And now I’d like to turn it over to you:
Did you learn something new from this guide?
Or maybe you have a question.
Either way, leave a comment below right now.
