Wine Import Customs Clearance

Wine is a specially regulated import product, so wine import customs procedures can be complex and involve several specialist licenses. Before clearance, wine must undergo the specialized inspections prescribed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Nguyen Logistics explains the customs procedures for importing winebelow.

Regulations governing wine imports into Vietnam

Wine is not prohibited from import or export in Vietnam, but it is a specially regulated trading category. For domestic sale, the source article cites Decision No. 3648/QD-BCT dated September 8, 2016, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It describes the following inspection and import requirements:

• Quality standards inspection.
• Food hygiene and safety inspection.
• Payment of import duty, with the source quoting a wine import tariff starting at 50%.
• Import procedures must take place at international border checkpoints.
• Imported wine must bear import stamps issued by the General Department of Vietnam Customs at the entry checkpoint.

 

Procedures businesses need to complete when importing wine

Identify the HS code and applicable taxes

Wine falls under heading 2204 in Chapter 22 of the Harmonized System. Correct classification supports an accurate customs declaration and establishes the basis for calculating taxes. The source article lists the following taxes and rates for wine imports into Vietnam:

• Value-added tax (VAT): 10%.
• Import duty: ordinary rate of 75%, preferential rate of 50%.
• Special consumption tax: 35%–65%.

Alcohol distribution license

To complete import clearance and distribute wine domestically, the article states that businesses need an alcohol distribution license issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Prepare the application before starting customs procedures at the international port. The eligibility and documentation requirements described include:

• Business registration certificate; a certified copy may be used
• License application
• An alcohol distribution and business plan
• Legal documentation for distributors in at least six provinces or cities, with at least three distributors in each, including each distributor's business registration and distribution agreement
• Certified copies of the environmental compliance and fire safety documents for the warehouse
• An inventory of warehouse equipment
• A warehouse lease covering at least 300 m² and rental agreements for at least three vehicles with a payload of 500 kg or more
• Confirmation of a company bank balance of at least VND1 billion

The article instructs businesses to submit two application sets to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Once approved, include the alcohol distribution license in the documents used for customs declaration of the imported shipment.

Prepare quality certification documents

The declaration of quality standards is an important part of the wine import process described in the article. The Vietnam Food Administration reviews and issues the relevant documentation. The process includes the following steps:

• Prepare the legal documents

A business registration certificate authorizing food business activities, specifically alcoholic beverages.

A manufacturer's wine test report from an independent ISO 17025-certified laboratory. The results must cover all wine-related parameters under QCVN 6-3:2010/BYT for alcoholic beverages.

• Product testing

If the manufacturer's report does not meet Vietnamese requirements, submit samples to a designated ISO 17025-certified testing center. The report must cover all required quality parameters, including ethanol, methanol, and total SO₂ content.

• Register an account at congbosanpham.vfa.gov.vn to submit the application.
• Prepare the application and submit the documents through the approved account.

Customs procedures for wine imports

Wine import clearance follows a process similar to that for other imported goods, with the additional requirement to affix alcohol import stamps.

File the customs declaration

A customs declaration is mandatory. Once it is completed, submit the shipment's supporting documents, including:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of origin (C/O), to support eligibility for special preferential tariff treatment
• Declaration of conformity and declaration of quality standards
• Wine distribution license

Affix alcohol import stamps

The source describes release following a green channel assignment and the application of alcohol import stamps under customs supervision. The importer then takes delivery for distribution. In addition to the customs-issued stamp, wine labels must comply with applicable requirements, including the product name, the name and address of the business responsible for the goods, and other required information.

End-to-end wine import customs services

Importing wine involves multiple regulatory requirements and specialized documents. Businesses focused on wine sales and distribution can find it difficult to prepare the paperwork and manage the import process without customs expertise.

Nguyen Logistics end-to-end wine import customs services help you handle these procedures efficiently and securely. With personnel across international gateways, we offer:

• Customs procedures for legally imported wine
• Support to prevent and reduce clearance risks
• Efficient clearance to help bring products to market sooner
• Advice on legal procedures for distribution licenses and quality declarations
• An integrated service designed to keep your costs competitive

This overview covers the documentation and customs procedures described for wine imports. Call Nguyen Logistics or visit our official website for advice on customs clearance services for your import and export products.