Tea Export Customs Clearance

Dried tea is a valuable agricultural export. Businesses handling their first tea export order, or operating without dedicated customs staff, can find the procedures challenging. This article explains how Nguyen Logistics supports dried tea export clearance.

Which markets import Vietnamese dried tea?

According to the General Department of Customs figures cited in the source, Vietnam exports approximately 130,000 metric tons of tea annually and ranks fifth worldwide by export volume. Vietnamese dried tea is eligible for export to more than 70 countries and territories. Its five key markets are Pakistan, Taiwan, Russia, Indonesia, and China.

In 2022, Vietnam exported more than 146,000 metric tons of tea, generating over US$230 million. Pakistan and Taiwan accounted for the largest volumes and values:

• Pakistan: more than 55,000 metric tons, worth approximately US$102 million.
• Taiwan: more than 19,000 metric tons, worth approximately US$35 million.

How to use a dried tea export customs service

Professional customs support is especially useful for dried tea producers exporting for the first time. The service typically follows these steps:

Find and contact a customs service provider

Start by finding a reliable provider. Tea producers can assess potential partners against the following criteria:

• Extensive operating experience and a proven track record.
• Recognition as a customs agent.
• Customs staff available at most international ports in Vietnam.
• A professional, attentive team that responds flexibly to practical issues.
• Comprehensive customs and freight services.

Provide the shipment details

After choosing a provider, send the basic information needed to assess your export shipment:

• Business details.
• Cargo details, including the product name, description, and weight. If you have exported the product before, provide a previous customs declaration.

The provider uses this information to determine the HS code, export tax treatment, conditions, documentation, and process for exporting dried tea from Vietnam. It then advises you on the procedure and provides a detailed quotation.

The exporter should also send the shipment documents for review. Checking them in advance helps prevent delays caused by missing paperwork. The basic documents include:

• Sales contract.
• Commercial invoice.
• Packing list.
• Bill of lading.

Dried tea exports also require a phytosanitary certificate. If you do not already have one, the provider can advise on registering for plant quarantine inspection. To arrange registration, you will need to provide:

• Phytosanitary inspection application.
• The shipment’s contract, invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
• Samples of the dried tea in the shipment. If the shipment contains several types of tea, provide samples of every declared product.

The provider handles customs procedures on your behalf

The final stage involves completing the export procedures at the port. The customs provider represents your business during this process.

Prepare the declaration

Customs declarations are submitted electronically using the General Department of Customs’ declaration system. When you appoint an export customs provider, it prepares the declaration using the information and documents you supply.

Submit the documents

After preparing the declaration, the provider submits the supporting documents to customs on your behalf. An experienced provider helps ensure that the initial submission is complete.

Receive the risk-channel result

Once the declaration is submitted, customs assigns a green, yellow, or red channel. The provider then handles the next steps appropriate to the result:

Green channel: the shipment is released by the customs branch.

Yellow channel: the provider handles the documentary review and follows up for customs release.

Red channel: the provider coordinates the physical inspection and follows up for customs release.

Obtain release and close out the declaration

Once any yellow- or red-channel requirements have been resolved, customs authorizes release. The provider informs the exporter that the international transportation stage can proceed, then completes the declaration closeout.

Important considerations for dried tea exports

The source describes dried tea as neither prohibited nor conditionally restricted for import or export, with clearance generally following standard procedures. However, destination markets have their own import conditions. Exporters should therefore consider the following:

Prepare the documents required by the buyer

Ask the buyer to confirm which documents are needed, particularly those relating to quarantine, quality, and origin. Preparing them during export clearance helps the buyer import the shipment smoothly. The buyer may request:

• Certificate of Quality (CQ).
• Certificate of Origin.
• Certificates reporting microbiological and fungal criteria or product composition analysis.
• Fumigation certificate.

Export tax treatment for dried tea

The source guidance states that dried tea is not subject to export duty or VAT because it is an encouraged export product. Correct HS classification is important when determining eligibility for a 0% export duty rate. Your customs provider can advise on the appropriate HS code.

Nguyen Logistics’ dried tea export customs service

With more than 10 years in operation, Nguyen Logistics has become a trusted customs partner for tea producers exporting from Vietnam.

As a customs agent with connections across Vietnam’s northern, central, and southern regions, we are committed to secure, efficient, and cost-effective customs support.

This article provides an overview of dried tea export customs services. If you have questions about your shipment, contact the Nguyen Logistics hotline for prompt assistance.