Overview of Cosmetic Import and Circulation in Vietnam
Vietnam’s cosmetic industry is growing rapidly, with high demand for imported products from countries with advanced cosmetic manufacturing industries. However, to legally circulate imported cosmetics in Vietnam, businesses must strictly comply with legal regulations. This not only ensures legality but also protects consumer health and rights.
Conditions for Importing Cosmetics into Vietnam
To import cosmetics, businesses must meet the following basic conditions:
a. Legally established importing businesses
- The business must be legally established in Vietnam and have cosmetic trading activities specified in its Business Registration Certificate.
- The business must possess a tax code and have the capacity to carry out import procedures as per regulations.
b. Cosmetic product announcement dossier
Before importing, cosmetics must be properly registered with the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health. The dossier includes:
- The cosmetic product proclamation sheet (as per the prescribed form).
- A legalized Certificate of Free Sale (CFS).
- A full product composition/formula, clearly stating the concentration of each ingredient.
- Documents proving claimed product efficacy (if applicable).
c. Proper product labeling
Imported cosmetics must have labels complying with Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labeling, including:
- Product name.
- Usage and instructions.
- Ingredient list with quantities.
- Name and address of the entity responsible for market distribution.
- Country of origin.
d. Compliance with testing and quality standards
- Cosmetics must meet safety and quality standards as per the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.
- Testing certificates that align with manufacturer standards or standards issued by authorized bodies must be provided.
Conditions for Circulating Cosmetics in Vietnam
After importation, businesses must follow these steps to legally circulate cosmetics in Vietnam:
a. Successful cosmetic product proclamation
Only cosmetics with an approved registration number can be legally circulated in Vietnam.
b. Retain documents and product samples
- Businesses must keep all relevant documents, including the announcement dossier, testing certificates, and importation documents, to facilitate inspections.
- Product samples must be readily available for testing upon request by authorities.
c. Compliance with advertising regulations
Cosmetics advertised in media must adhere to Circular 09/2015/TT-BYT on advertising management. Advertising content must not exceed the registered product’s claimed benefits.
d. Quality monitoring and supervision
- Businesses are responsible for the safety and quality of their products throughout the circulation period.
- Circulating cosmetics may be subject to random inspections by regulatory authorities.
Cases of Cosmetic Import or Circulation Rejection
Cosmetic import or circulation in Vietnam will be rejected in the following cases:
- The product lacks a valid registration number.
- Labels do not comply with regulations.
- The product contains prohibited substances or exceeds the permitted safety limits.
- There are signs of document forgery, fraud, or unclear origin.
Penalties for Violations
Businesses violating regulations on cosmetic import and circulation may face administrative fines, product recalls, or circulation bans, depending on the severity of the violation. Additionally, if products harm consumers, businesses may be liable for compensation and subject to stricter legal sanctions.
Conclusion
Complying with conditions for cosmetic import and circulation is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial factor in building trust and reputation in the market. Businesses should thoroughly understand the regulations, prepare complete and legitimate dossiers, and ensure smooth import and circulation processes.
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