Vietnam Customs Clearance for Household Goods
Personal belongings and movable assets entering Vietnam must complete customs
formalities and are subject to customs inspection and supervision. The importer
should have documents proving their residence, employment, work assignment or return
to Vietnam, depending on the circumstances.
Foreign nationals bringing movable assets into Vietnam are generally expected to
provide a customs declaration, evidence of their work in Vietnam or a work permit,
and transport documents where the goods travel by sea, air or rail.
Vietnamese citizens returning after working or conducting business abroad may be
asked for a customs declaration, documents proving that the overseas period has
ended or that they are returning for permanent residence, and the relevant transport
documents.
Tax treatment of movable assets
Defined categories of people relocating to Vietnam may qualify for tax treatment
available to imported movable assets, subject to the applicable legal conditions,
allowances and supporting evidence. Eligibility should be confirmed for the named
importer before the shipment is dispatched.
A relocation shipment should not be assumed to be automatically duty and tax free.
Goods outside an applicable allowance, new goods, commercial quantities, restricted
products and items that do not qualify as movable assets may be assessed under
ordinary import rules.
Used consumer goods
Vietnam maintains a detailed list of used consumer goods, medical equipment and
vehicles that are prohibited from import. The restrictions are organised by customs
classification and can include categories of used household articles, electronics,
appliances, furniture-related goods and other consumer products.
The existence of a personal relocation does not mean that every second-hand item can
be imported. The destination agent should review the detailed inventory and, where
necessary, the customs classification of particular goods before packing or loading.
Do not purchase second-hand items for inclusion in the shipment or add unreviewed
used appliances, electronics or consumer products after the inventory has been
approved.
Customs valuation and inspection
Vietnam Customs can review the declared description, quantity, condition, origin and
value of imported goods. Officials can request invoices, valuations, supporting
documents or additional explanations and can select the shipment for scanning or
physical examination.
Goods requiring licences, quarantine, quality inspection or another form of
specialised state management may remain under customs control until the relevant
authority has completed its process.
Accurate descriptions and early disclosure of restricted, high-value, new and
commercial goods can support the process, but no moving company can guarantee tax
exemption, exemption from inspection or clearance of an item prohibited by law.
The information in this section is general guidance rather than legal or customs
advice. Requirements can change, and Vietnam Customs and other government authorities
make all final decisions.