Basic information
Outline of the system
Automatic import licences are required for the importation of certain goods into Viet Nam. The
general import licensing procedure is consistent with WTO's rules and Prime Minister's Decision
No 41/2005/QĐ-TTg dated 2 March 2005 promulgating the regulations on import licensing
procedures for imported goods and Decree No.12/2006/ND-CP dated 23 January 2006 of the
Government providing guidelines for the implementation of the Commercial Law with respect to
international purchases and sales of goods; and agency for sale and purchase, processing and
transit of goods involving foreign parties.
Product coverage
The list of goods subject to automatic import licenses is a number of steel products.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Automatic import licensing is for statistical purposes.
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
There is no quantitative restriction involved.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The licensing regime applies globally to goods originating from all WTO Members.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The automatic import licensing procedure for the above-mentioned goods is regulated by
Circular No. 23/2012/TT-BCT dated 7th August 2012.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
All firms and institutions established under Viet Nam's laws are eligible to apply for licences
under non-restrictive regime.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
An importer is required to submit the following documents:
- An automatic import licence registration form;
- A copy of the business registration certificate;
- A copy of import contract or contract equivalent documents;
- A copy of the commercial invoice;
- A copy of the Letter of credit or payment documents;
- A copy of the Bill of lading.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Application for automatic import licences can be submitted at any time following the signing of contract and issuance of the bill of lading of the consignment.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
A licence shall be issued in 7 working days after the receipt of a normal application that fully meets the requirements set forth in the Circular and in 05 working days after the receipt of an online application that fully meets the requirement set forth in the Circular.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Licences can not be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of licence applications is effected by a single administrative organ.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
An importer has to approach only one agency in connection with an application.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
There are no conditions attached to the issuance of a licence.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no licensing fee or administrative charge.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issuance of licences.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
No refusal was received.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the approved import licence.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No, there are not any other administrative procedures.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
A licence is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. In case the licence is expired, importers can apply for a new automatic import licence.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion thereof.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable between importers.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Foreign exchange is provided for goods to be imported as agreed between commercial banks
and importers.