Vietnam’s automotive market is experiencing strong growth, leading to a significant increase in demand for spare parts and components for maintenance and replacement. However, auto parts are subject to strict regulations and close supervision by government authorities.
If your business is planning to import these products but is not yet familiar with the procedures, this guide will walk you through everything from HS codes and import duties to the full customs clearance process from A to Z.
1. IMPORTANT NOTE: NEW OR USED AUTO PARTS?
Before starting the import process, businesses must clearly determine the condition of the goods:
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Brand-new auto parts (100% new): Allowed to be imported in accordance with Vietnamese regulations.
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Used auto parts: Classified under the list of prohibited imports into Vietnam (according to Decree 69/2018/ND-CP). Businesses must strictly avoid importing these items to prevent serious legal penalties.
2. HS CODE AND IMPORT DUTIES FOR AUTO PARTS
Accurately determining the HS Code (Harmonized System) is a critical step to calculate import taxes and identify whether the product requires specialized inspection.
Most auto parts fall under Chapter 87 of Vietnam’s import-export tariff schedule. Below are some common HS codes for reference:
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HS Code 8708: Parts and accessories of motor vehicles (gearboxes, steering wheels, shock absorbers, suspension systems, clutches, wheels, etc.)
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HS Code 4011 / 4012: Pneumatic rubber tires
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HS Code 7007: Safety glass (tempered or laminated)
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HS Code 8512: Electrical lighting or signaling equipment
Applicable taxes:
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Import duty (MFN/Preferential): Ranges from 5% to 30% depending on the HS code
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Value Added Tax (VAT): Typically 10%
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Special preferential tax: Can be reduced to 0% if imported from countries with Free Trade Agreements (ASEAN, China, Korea, Japan, EU, etc.) with a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O)
3. STATE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS (SPECIALIZED INSPECTION)
Not all auto parts are treated equally. According to regulations from the Ministry of Transport (Circular 41/2018/TT-BGTVT and updated documents), certain components that directly affect road safety must undergo state quality inspection after customs clearance (conformity certification).
Typical items requiring inspection:
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Rearview mirrors
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Tires
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Safety glass
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Headlights
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Wheel rims
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Engines
For standard parts (rubber seals, air filters, plastic interior trims, etc.), businesses can proceed with normal commercial customs clearance.
4. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR IMPORTING AUTO PARTS
To ensure smooth customs declaration and clearance, businesses need to prepare the following documents:
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Import customs declaration (generated from ECUS5/VNACCS system)
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Bill of Lading
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Certificate of Origin (C/O) (if applicable for tax incentives)
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Quality inspection registration (for regulated items)
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Technical documents (catalogues, specifications to prove goods are 100% new and support HS classification)
5. CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS
Step 1: Customs declaration submission
Based on the documents, businesses declare on the VNACCS system. The system will classify shipments into:
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Green channel: Immediate clearance
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Yellow channel: Document inspection
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Red channel: Physical inspection of goods
Step 2: Quality inspection registration (if required)
Submit documents to the Vietnam Register to obtain a registration number, then provide it to Customs for conditional release of goods.
Step 3: Tax payment and customs clearance
Pay all applicable taxes and complete procedures at the customs office, or move goods to a bonded warehouse pending inspection results.
Step 4: Testing and final certification
Submit samples to designated testing centers. After obtaining conformity certification, submit results to the Vietnam Register to receive final approval and release goods to the market.
SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM – YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER
Songwin International Logistics Vietnam provides end-to-end auto parts import solutions – fast, compliant, and cost-optimized, ensuring peace of mind from initial consultation to final delivery.
OUR SERVICES
We offer comprehensive support:
✔ Accurate HS code classification, duty calculation, and import policy consultation
✔ Legal risk assessment (new vs. used goods, prohibited items, specialized inspection requirements)
✔ Fast electronic customs declaration via VNACCS system
✔ Representation for quality inspection procedures with Vietnam Register
✔ Full documentation handling: Invoice, Packing List, B/L, C/O… minimizing errors
✔ International freight (sea/air) and domestic Door-to-Door delivery
With an experienced team and deep expertise in auto parts import procedures, Songwin is committed to delivering efficient, transparent, and cost-effective logistics solutions for your business.
SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD
📍 Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline (24/7): +84 83 681 3969 – +84 373 262 105
📧 Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com
Songwin Logistics – Building Trust Through Reliability, Driving Success Through Professionalism.
