Fresh Flower Import Customs Clearance

Demand for imported fresh flowers is strong, but both retail prices and related service costs can be high. Nguyen Logistics shares practical ways to reduce the cost of fresh flower import customs clearance, helping businesses and traders improve pricing and compete more effectively.

Why are imported fresh flowers popular in Vietnam?

Imported flowers are used in bouquets and arrangements and are especially popular for decorating weddings, conferences, and other events.

Their appeal comes from their appearance, refinement, and sense of luxury. Unusual varieties and distinctive designs also make imported flowers attractive to many customers.

Four ways to reduce fresh flower import costs

Competitive pricing can help businesses succeed in this promising market. Reducing import procedure costs is one way to improve the final product price. Here are four approaches to managing the cost of fresh flower import customs clearance:

Confirm the correct HS code with the seller

Flower shipments may include cut stems, buds, foliage, and branches for bouquets or decoration. Different classifications can carry different import duty rates. Because duty assessment depends on the HS code, agreeing the correct classification with the seller and reflecting it accurately in the documents helps ensure the appropriate rate is applied in Vietnam.

An incorrect HS code can lead to excessive duty payments. If the declared code does not match the product description, the importer may also face administrative penalties and additional tax assessments.

Obtain a certificate of origin from the exporting country

A Certificate of Origin (C/O) certifies where the goods originate. It is confirmed in the exporting country and supplied to the importer. The importing country uses it to assess eligibility for preferential duty and the applicable rate. The source provides these examples:

Roses: a standard import duty of 30%, compared with a cited 0% preferential rate under C/O Form E (ASEAN–China) or 5% under EUR.1 (Vietnam–EU).

Chrysanthemums: a standard import duty of 30%, compared with cited 0% preferential rates under C/O Form VJ (Vietnam–Japan) or VK (Vietnam–South Korea).

Lilies: a standard import duty of 30%, compared with cited 0% preferential rates under C/O Form E (ASEAN–China) or CPTPP origin documentation.

Duty treatment depends on the trade agreement between Vietnam and the relevant country or region. Preferential treatment can reduce costs compared with the 30% standard rate cited above. Identify the applicable origin requirements and ask the exporter for the documentation that supports the most favorable eligible rate.

Ask the seller to include the phytosanitary certificate with the original documents

Fresh flowers are plant products. The source cites Decree 116/2014/ND-CP as requiring pest risk analysis before these products are imported into Vietnam.

The exporter therefore needs to provide a phytosanitary certificate for the shipment. Sending it together with the original shipping documents helps avoid delays during Vietnamese import clearance.

If the importer cannot provide the exporter’s phytosanitary certificate, the shipment may be assigned to the yellow or red channel. Longer processing can generate additional terminal, container, and storage costs.

Even when the exporter supplies a phytosanitary certificate, the importer still needs to register for plant quarantine inspection at the Vietnamese destination port. The application includes:

• The prescribed plant quarantine registration form.
• Sales contract, commercial invoice, bill of lading, and related documents.
• The phytosanitary certificate supplied by the exporter.

Use a customs service for imported fresh flowers

Many businesses and individual flower importers lack specialist import and customs staff. The number of procedures and regulations can make clearance difficult.

Unexpected charges can also build up and become difficult to control. A professional fresh flower import service can help manage those costs more effectively.

When using customs services from a specialist provider, businesses receive advice on HS codes, C/O forms, and plant quarantine registration. The provider also handles the five main clearance steps on their behalf:

• Prepare and transmit the customs declaration and supporting documents through the customs software.
• Receive the risk-channel result. Where documentary review or inspection is required, amend or supplement the documentation and coordinate inspection with customs.
• Pay the shipment’s import duties.
• Close out the customs declaration.
• Arrange the delivery order at the destination port and collect the shipment.

Why choose Nguyen Logistics for fresh flower imports?

With years of customs agency experience, Nguyen Logistics supports businesses importing fresh flowers. We provide dedicated one-to-one assistance, efficient and secure clearance, and transparent service costs. Our service offers:

• Detailed, attentive advice.
• Competitive quotations and a commitment to no unexpected service charges during clearance.
• Experienced staff familiar with the procedures and practical requirements.
• A branch network covering major and smaller international ports.
• Warehouse delivery, domestic transportation, and international freight services.
• Business relationships in France, Germany, the US, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea that can help customers identify supply sources.
• Access to containers, forklifts, cranes, and other equipment needed for cargo handling and collection from the port.

We hope these suggestions help you reduce fresh flower import clearance costs and strengthen your competitive position. Contact Nguyen Logistics for comprehensive fresh flower import support.