Vietnam, as a rising economic star in Southeast Asia, has attracted the attention of global exporters. However, its complex and ever-changing tariff policies often become obstacles to success. From three main tariff types to multilateral trade agreements, Vietnams tariff system includes numerous details and requirements. Want to master these key points and reduce export costs? This article provides a one-stop guide to help you easily navigate the challenges of the Vietnamese market!

Vietnams tariff system is mainly divided into three types of rates:General rates, preferential rates, and special preferential rates.

General rates:Applicable to countries without normal trade relations with Vietnam, these rates are about 50% higher than the most-favored-nation (MFN) rates. For example, goods from non-preferential or non-MFN countries will be subject to general rates, i.e., an additional 50% surcharge on the MFN rate.
Preferential rates:Applicable to imported goods originating from countries (regions) that grant Vietnam MFN treatment. Vietnam implements preferential rates for goods imported from WTO member countries. Currently, Vietnams average MFN tariff rate is about 18.2%, with agricultural products at about 24.5% and non-agricultural products at about 15.7%.
Special preferential rates:Applicable to goods imported from countries (regions) that have signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Vietnam. To enjoy special preferential rates, goods must provide a certificate of origin (C/O); otherwise, general rates will apply. Vietnam has signed and implemented FTAs such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement on Trade in Goods. Imported goods must include the appropriate certificate of origin to qualify for special preferential rates.It is recommended to verify through the following methods:The official website of Vietnam Customs (

) is the primary channel for querying tariff information. The steps are as follows:www.customs.gov.vnVisit the official website:

Access the official website:Visit the official website of Vietnam Customs.
Access the query system:On the homepage, locate the ,import and exportManagement System entry at the top or sidebar and click to enter. If its your first time using it, follow the instructions to register.
Log in to the system:After registration is complete, log in to the Import-Export Management System.
Select the query function:In the system, choose the Query function, then click on Import-Export Tariff Query.,
Enter query conditions:Input the required information such as product name, tariff code (HS Code), etc.
View results:Click the Query button, and the system will display the relevant import tariff information.

Note:Ensure the accuracy of the input information, especially the product description and tariff code, to avoid affecting the query results.

(1) Common Product Examples

Agricultural Products

Tariff rates for agricultural products in Vietnam are generally high, varying by product, typically ranging from 5% to 35%.

? Rice (HS Code: 1006):
? General rate: 40%
? Preferential rate: 20%
? Special preferential rate (for ASEAN countries): 0%

Vietnam is a major rice exporter but also imports special varieties. Under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, rice trade among ASEAN countries enjoys zero tariffs.

? Wheat (HS Code: 1001):
? General rate: 10%
? Preferential rate: 5%
? Special preferential rate (for countries with FTAs like Australia and New Zealand): 0%

Vietnam imports wheat mainly for food processing, and preferential rates help reduce processing costs.

? Fruits and Vegetables (HS Code: Chapters 07 and 08):
? For example, Apples (0808.10):
? General rate: 25%
? Preferential rate: 10%
? Special preferential tariff rate (with China): 0%
? Bananas (0803.90):
? General tariff rate: 30%
? Preferential tariff rate: 15%
? Special preferential tariff rate (ASEAN countries): 0%

Vietnams trade agreements with China and ASEAN countries have significantly reduced import tariffs on fruits, promoting trade exchanges.

? Coffee (HS Code: 0901):
? General rate: 40%
? Preferential rate: 20%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%

Vietnam is a major coffee exporter but also imports special varieties of coffee beans. The 0% preferential tariff rate benefits the coffee industrys development.

? Aquatic products (HS Code: Chapter 03):
? For example, frozen fish (0303):
? General tariff rate: 30%
? Preferential tariff rate: 18%
? Special preferential tariff rate (EVFTA): 0%

According to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), 50% of tariffs on aquatic products were immediately reduced to zero, with the remaining portion to be gradually reduced to zero over seven years.

Industrial products

The tariff rates for industrial products vary widely, typically ranging from 0% to 35%, with specific rates depending on product type and trade agreements.

? Textiles and apparel (HS Code: Chapters 61 and 62):
? General tariff rate: 50%
? Preferential tariff rate: 20%-30%
? Special preferential tariff rate (CPTPP, EVFTA): 0%-5%

Vietnams agreements with the EU and CPTPP member countries have gradually reduced tariffs on textiles and apparel, benefiting Vietnams textile export industry.

? Steel products (HS Code: Chapters 72 and 73):
? For example, hot-rolled steel coils (7208):
? General tariff rate: 30%
? Preferential rate: 10%
? Special preferential tariff rate (China-ASEAN FTA): 0%

? Galvanized steel sheets (7210):
? General tariff rate: 35%
? Preferential tariff rate: 12%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%

Vietnam has increased tariffs on steel products with domestic production capacity to protect local industries.

? Chemical products (HS Code: Chapters 28 and 29):
? For example, polyethylene (3901):
? General rate: 25%
? Preferential rate: 5%
? Special preferential tariff rates (Korea, ASEAN): 0%

Vietnam imports a large amount of chemical raw materials, and preferential tariff rates help reduce production costs.

Electronic products

The tariff rates for electronic products typically range from 0% to 30%. Benefiting from multiple free trade agreements, some products can enjoy zero tariffs.

? Mobile phones (HS Code: 8517.12):
? General rate: 25%
? Preferential tariff rate: 0%-10%
? Special preferential tariff rate (China-ASEAN FTA): 0%

Mobile phones and their components enjoy lower tariffs in Vietnam, which benefits the development of the electronics industry.

? Computers and laptops (HS Code: 8471):
? General tariff rate: 20%
? Preferential tariff rate: 0%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%

According to the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), Vietnam implements zero tariffs on computers and related equipment.

? Household appliances (HS Code: Chapter 85):
? Televisions (8528.72):
? General tariff rate: 30%
? Preferential tariff rate: 15%
? Special preferential tariff rate (Korea, China): 0%

? Refrigerators (8418.21):
? General rate: 25%
? Preferential rate: 10%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%

Vietnam is gradually reducing tariffs on household appliances to encourage the import of advanced electronic products.

Automobiles and auto parts

The tariff rates for automobiles and auto parts are relatively high, typically ranging from 5% to 70%, but there are also some reduction policies.

? Passenger vehicles (HS Code: 8703):
? Engine displacement below 1.5 liters:
? General tariff rate: 70%
? Preferential tariff rate: 50%
? Special preferential tariff rate (ASEAN countries): 30%
? Engine displacement 1.5 to 3.0 liters:
? General tariff rate: 70%
? Preferential tariff rate: 55%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 40%
? Engine displacement above 3.0 liters:
? General tariff rate: 70%
? Preferential tariff rate: 70%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 70%

Vietnam maintains high tariffs on large-displacement vehicles to control import volume.

? Commercial vehicles (HS Code: 8704):
? Load capacity under 5 tons:
? General tariff rate: 50%
? Preferential tariff rate: 30%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%-5%
? Load capacity over 5 tons:
? General rate: 40%
? Preferential tariff rate: 25%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%-5%
? Trade agreements with ASEAN countries have significantly reduced tariffs on commercial vehicles.

? Auto parts (HS Code: 8708):
? Engines (8407, 8408):
? General tariff rate: 45%
? Preferential rate: 20%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%-5%
? Transmissions (8708.40):
? General tariff rate: 35%
? Preferential tariff rate: 15%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%-5%
? Other auto parts:
? Tariff rates range from 5% to 30%, depending on part type and trade agreements.

Vietnam is adjusting import tariffs on auto parts to support domestic automotive industry development.

(II) Special commodity conditions

Gold and precious metals

? Gold jewelry (HS Code: 7113):
? Purity not less than 95%:
? Export tariff: 2%
? Import tariff: 0%
? Purity below 95%:
? Export tariff: 0%
? Import tariff: 0%
Due to the special nature of the gold market, Vietnam imposes export tariffs on high-purity gold jewelry to control gold outflow.

Petroleum and fuels (HS Code: Chapter 27)

? Crude oil (2709):
? Export tariff: 5%
? Import tariff: 0%
? Refined oil products (2710):
? General rate: 40%
? Preferential rate: 20%
? Special preferential tariff rate (Korea, Singapore): 10%

Vietnam is a net petroleum importer that imposes high tariffs on refined oil imports, but agreements with certain countries have reduced tariffs.

Alcohol and tobacco

? Alcoholic beverages (HS Code: Chapter 22):
? Wine (2204):
? General tariff rate: 80%
? Preferential tariff rate: 50%
? Special preferential tariff rate (EVFTA): 45%, gradually reduced to 20%
? Spirits (2208):
? General tariff rate: 100%
? Preferential tariff rate: 55%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 50%, gradually reduced

Vietnam imposes high tariffs on alcohol imports, plus excise tax and VAT.

? Tobacco products (HS Code: Chapter 24):
? General tariff rate: 135%
? Preferential tariff rate: 100%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 90%, gradually reduced

High tariffs aim to control tobacco consumption while increasing fiscal revenue.

Pharmaceuticals andMedical Equipment(HS Code: Chapter 30, Chapter 90)

? Pharmaceuticals (3004):
? General tariff rate: 20%
? Preferential tariff rate: 5%-10%
? Special preferential tariff rate (Japan, South Korea): 0%-5%
? Vietnam implements zero tariffs on some essential medicines to meet public health needs.
? Medical devices (9018):
? General tariff rate: 15%
? Preferential tariff rate: 0%-5%
? Special preferential tariff rate: 0%

Lower tariffs on medical device imports help improve Vietnams healthcare standards.

Multilateral trade agreements between China and Vietnam have significantly impacted tariffs.

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP):

? Came into effect on January 1, 2022 for Vietnam and multiple countries.
? Over 90% of products will gradually achieve zero tariffs after the agreement takes effect.
? This will greatly promote the development of regional industrial and value chains.

China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement:

? Products originating from China and ASEAN member states can enjoy preferential tariff treatment when complying with rules of origin.
? For example, in the first 11 months of 2022, Chinas imports of newly permitted agricultural products from Vietnam, such as fresh durians, fresh sweet potatoes, and birds nests, reached 14.65 billion yuan.

Trade agreements have provided more preferential tax rates and tariff reduction opportunities for China-Vietnam trade, promoting economic cooperation and development.

(1) Exchange rate fluctuations

? Exchange rate fluctuations directly affect commodity prices and tax costs.
? For example, a 5% appreciation of the RMB against the Vietnamese dong may lead to higher export prices and increased tariff costs.
? Enterprises should monitor exchange rate changes and use financial instruments like hedging to mitigate risks when necessary.

(2) Nature and classification of goods

? Correct classification of goods is crucial for tariff calculation.
? Tariff rates may vary significantly across different product categories.
? Enterprises must familiarize themselves with Vietnams commodity classification standards to ensure accurate declaration.

(1) Policy explanation

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP):

? Since 2014, many Vietnamese products have enjoyed GSP tariff benefits.
? Tariffs on Vietnamese footwear exports to the EU were reduced from 8%-17% to 4.5%.
? For example, leather shoes under HS code 6403 saw tariffs drop from 17% to 4.5%.

Vietnam-EU Trade and Investment Agreement:

? After taking effect, 71% of Vietnams exports to Europe became tariff-free, expanding to 99% within seven years.
? Vietnams exports to the EU are expected to grow significantly.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP):

? Starting this year, tariffs on certain goods between member countries will gradually reduce to zero.
? Beneficial for trade in products like fruits and frozen foods.

2023 Import-Export Tariff Exemptions:

? Includes imported raw materials and components for processing export products.
? High-tech and technology enterprises enjoy import tariff exemptions for a certain period after production begins.
? For details, refer to relevant policies issued by Vietnams Ministry of Finance.

(2) Methods for enterprises to reduce costs

Understand and utilize policies: Stay updated on Vietnams preferential tariff policies and maximize benefits.
Ensure product compliance: Meet rules of origin and quality standards.
Optimize supply chain: Plan supply chains rationally and choose suitable trade partners to reduce costs.
Apply for certificates of origin: Proactively obtain certificates of origin to enjoy tariff reductions.
Investing in Vietnam: Establishing factories in Vietnam can enjoy various tax incentives and investment conveniences.

Although Vietnams export tariff policies are complex, through in-depth understanding and proper application, enterprises can effectively reduce trade costs and enhance competitiveness.

Complex tariff policies are no longer obstacles to exploring the Vietnamese market! Master the practical strategies and tools in this article, understand Vietnams tariff policy changes, and you will have more opportunities to enjoy preferential treatment and minimize trade costs.