Liquid Milk Import Customs Clearance

Domestic liquid milk products do not always meet the quality expectations of the premium market. Many Vietnamese businesses therefore choose imported milk for their product ranges. If you are planning to import liquid milk, explore the customs procedures for imported milk outlined below.

Policies governing liquid milk imports into Vietnam

Vietnam's import and export regulations govern goods entering and leaving the country. For liquid milk imports, businesses need to review the relevant policies, including:

• Decree No. 38/2012/ND-CP on the inspection of imported food.
• Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BNNPTNT, which lists fresh milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, canned milk, milk-based confectionery, and other dairy products among goods subject to animal quarantine on import.
• The applicable documentation requirements and import procedures.

 

The liquid milk import process

Although liquid milk is not on the list of prohibited imports and exports, it is subject to strict import controls. Importing it involves several procedures:

• Product declaration
• Animal quarantine
• Food safety inspection
• Customs clearance

Step 1: Product declaration

Product declaration is the first required step in importing liquid milk. The importer submits milk and packaging samples to an authorized testing organization. The source article gives a turnaround of approximately 5–10 working days for the results used in the product declaration.

Include the product declaration in the shipment's import documentation. The article describes this as a one-time procedure for each product, with the same declaration used for subsequent shipments of that milk product.

Step 2: Animal quarantine

Under Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BNNPTNT, ready-to-drink fresh milk is listed among products subject to animal quarantine before import. Register before the shipment arrives at the port or customs checkpoint. The Department of Animal Health designates the agency responsible for inspecting the shipment.

For convenience, businesses can register and submit quarantine documents online. Whether submitted electronically or on paper, the documentation includes:

• The prescribed application form
• A health certificate issued by the exporting country's authority
• A certificate of origin (C/O)
• The shipment's bill of lading, invoice, and related documents

Whether sampling is required depends on the type of ready-to-drink milk. The article gives a processing time of 1–2 working days after receipt of the application where no sample is required. If sampling is needed, the inspection agency advises the time and location, with certification taking 4–5 working days.

Step 3: Register for food safety inspection

Food safety inspection and animal quarantine must both be completed before clearance. Missing either document can lead to a yellow or red channel assignment, extending clearance times and increasing costs.

Food safety inspection for imported ready-to-drink milk is registered with the state department responsible for imported food inspection or the institute's specialized inspection reception points. The application includes:

• An application for food hygiene and safety inspection of imported goods
• The product self-declaration
• A letter of authorization, if applicable
• The bill of lading, invoice, packing list, and sales contract
• A certificate of analysis (CA) and the manufacturer's quarantine certificate

Once registration is accepted, food safety inspection staff collect samples. The article gives a results turnaround of 3–7 working days. Inspection fees apply.

Step 4: Lodge the customs declaration

Lodging the customs declaration is the final stage of importing ready-to-drink liquid milk. Complete the declaration and prepare all supporting documents to facilitate clearance. When filing electronically, scan the documents so they are ready for submission if customs requests them. These include:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin (C/O), for preferential tariff treatment
• Quarantine certificate
• Food safety certificate
• Product declaration and related documents

Choose Nguyen Logistics for your ready-to-drink milk imports

At Nguyen Logistics, service quality and reliability come first. We aim to act as an extension of your import and export team, without the cost of adding in-house staff. For ready-to-drink fresh milk, our end-to-end import and customs services include:

• Advice on import contracts
• Documentation support for product declarations, quarantine certificates, and food safety requirements
• Customs declaration services
• Unloading and delivery to your warehouse

We hope this overview helps you understand the procedures for importing ready-to-drink fresh milk. If you encounter difficulties, Nguyen Logistics can support you throughout the process. Our experienced, dependable team puts your business first, while our 24/7 customer support team monitors your shipment and helps resolve issues so your goods move safely, promptly, and at a reasonable cost. Contact us whenever you need assistance.