Frozen salmon is one of the most popular imported seafood products in the Vietnamese market thanks to its high nutritional value and increasing consumer demand. However, as a temperature-sensitive product, the import process requires absolute precision in both timing and documentation to avoid risks such as storage delays and cargo spoilage.
If your business is planning to import frozen salmon, let Songwin International Logistics guide you through the detailed procedures, HS codes, and required customs documentation below.
1. Mandatory Conditions for Importing Frozen Salmon
Before signing a commercial contract and shipping goods to Vietnam, businesses must carefully verify the following key conditions:
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Exporting country: Must have a bilateral agreement with Vietnam regarding veterinary control and food safety.
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Manufacturing plant: The exporting company (processing plant) must be listed and approved by Vietnam’s Department of Animal Health or NAFIQAD (National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department).
⚠️ Important note: Never allow shipment to depart if the exporter cannot provide a valid draft of the Health Certificate.
2. HS Code and Import Duties for Frozen Salmon
Accurate HS code classification is essential for calculating import duties. Depending on the product form, frozen salmon may fall under different HS codes.
Reference HS codes and tax rates:
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Pacific salmon (whole, frozen): HS Code 03031100 – Import duty: 10% – VAT: 5%
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Atlantic salmon (whole, frozen): HS Code 03031200 – Import duty: 10% – VAT: 5%
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Frozen salmon fillet: HS Code 03048100 – Import duty: 12% – VAT: 5%
Note: Import duties may be reduced to 0% if a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) is provided under applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
3. Customs Clearance Process
The import procedure for frozen salmon consists of four key steps:
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Register for animal quarantine and food safety inspection: Submit application via the National Single Window before the shipment arrives.
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Customs declaration: File the import declaration along with the quarantine registration number.
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Sampling and inspection at port: Authorities will open the container, conduct physical inspection, and collect samples for laboratory testing.
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Customs clearance: Once the shipment passes inspection and receives the required certificates, submit documents to customs for final clearance and transport the container to a cold storage facility.
4. Required Import Documentation
To ensure a smooth clearance process, businesses must prepare the following documents:
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
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Original Health Certificate issued by the exporting country
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Certificate of Origin (C/O) for tariff preferences
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Import Customs Declaration
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Registration for animal quarantine and food safety inspection
Optimized Frozen Salmon Import Solutions with Songwin International Logistics
Frozen goods, especially salmon, are highly sensitive to temperature and time. Even minor delays in documentation can result in port congestion, additional costs (plug-in electricity fees, storage charges), and deterioration of product quality.
With extensive experience in cold chain logistics, Songwin International Logistics Vietnam offers comprehensive customs and transportation services to eliminate all potential risks:
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Expert document consultation: We review and verify Health Certificates, C/O, and all related documents before shipment to ensure 100% compliance.
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Fast-track customs clearance: Our experienced on-site team ensures rapid inspection and same-day clearance whenever possible.
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Competitive freight rates: We provide cost-effective sea freight (FCL/LCL reefer) and air freight solutions from major salmon-exporting countries such as Norway, Chile, Japan, and Australia.
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Strict temperature control: Maintain optimal storage conditions (typically -18°C or lower) throughout the entire transportation process.
Don’t let complicated procedures disrupt your business operations. Let Songwin accompany you and protect the value of your shipments.
Contact us today for a detailed quotation and free consultation!
SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD
📍 Address: 344 Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline (24/7): 083.681.3969 – 0373.262.105
📧 Email: Sales2@songwinlog.com
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