What are procedures for import of tobacco products for duty-free business in Vietnam?

What are procedures for import of tobacco products for duty-free business in Vietnam? (Internet image)

Decree 100/2020/ND-CP stipulates the procedures for import of tobacco products for duty-free business require a license granted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. The applicant shall submit 01 application by post or submit directly to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. An application for the license includes:

1. Official dispatch regarding application for tobacco import for selling in duty-free shops made by the applicant using Form No. 03/CV in Appendix II enclosed therewith: 01 authentic copy;

2. Certificate of eligibility for duty-free business or business registration certificate or investment certificate: 01 copy. Certificate of eligibility for duty-free business for first-time applicants: 01 copy;

3. Report on tobacco import, inventory and selling from start of year to time of application with confirmation from the customs sub-department managing the duty-free shop/duty-free goods warehouse, which is made using Form No. 04/BCNKTKTL in Appendix II enclosed therewith: 01 authentic copy.

Within 10 working days (based on the arrival stamp of the Ministry of Industry and Trade) starting from the date of receipt of the valid application, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall issue the tobacco import license to the applicant. If the application is rejected, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall provide the reason for such rejection in writing.

If the application is incomplete, within 05 working days (based on the arrival stamp of the Ministry of Industry and Trade) starting from the date of receipt of the application, the Ministry of Industry and Trade shall request the applicant to complete the application (in writing, by fax, via email, via telephone, etc.).

Note: Cigarettes imported for selling in duty-free shops must bear a health warning in Vietnamese or English on their packaging; tobacco sold to passengers entering Vietnam must bear a health warning in Vietnamese on their packaging in compliance with regulations of laws on prevention and control of tobacco’s harmful effects and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

More details can be found in Decree 100/2020/ND-CP, which comes into force from October 15, 2020.

Ty Na

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