EXPORT PROCEDURES FOR COCOA

Cacao is one of the key agricultural export products of Vietnam. In recent years, the export volume and value of Vietnamese cocoa have continuously grown, asserting Vietnam’s position in the global market.

According to the statistics of the General Department of Customs, in 2022, Vietnam exported 260,000 tons of cocoa, worth 1.2 billion USD, increasing by 10% in volume and 15% in value compared to 2021. The main export markets for Vietnamese cocoa include Belgium, the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, China, and others.

To ensure smooth cocoa export activities, businesses need to have a clear understanding of the legal regulations regarding cocoa export procedures.

Legal Policy:

Cocoa and products derived from cocoa are not on the list of prohibited goods during the import-export process. Therefore, individuals and organizations can proceed with cocoa exports through the standard procedure.

According to the list of goods specified in the Plant Quarantine Decision of Vietnam (issued with Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BNNPTNT), cocoa and products originating from cocoa must comply with plant quarantine procedures before export.

HS Code and Tariffs for Cocoa Products:

The HS Code for cocoa and cocoa by-products falls under chapter 18. Below are the HS Codes for cocoa that units can refer to:

• 18.01 Cocoa beans, whole or broken, raw or roasted
• 1801.00.10 -Fermented
• 1801.00.90 -Other
• 1802.00.00 Cocoa shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste
• 18.03 Cocoa paste, whether or not defatted
• 1803.10.00 -Not defatted
• 1803.20.00 -Wholly or partly defatted

Export Procedures for Cocoa

The export procedures for cocoa are regulated by Circular No. 30/2015/TT-BNNPTNT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. According to this circular, the export procedures for cocoa include the following steps:

Step 1: Plant Quarantine

Before exporting, cocoa batches must undergo plant quarantine to ensure they are free from pests, diseases, and harmful microorganisms. Cocoa exporters carry out plant quarantine procedures as follows:

• Prepare documents, including:
  • Plant quarantine registration certificate (according to the template of the plant quarantine authority).
  • Sales contract.
  • Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list (if any).
  • Authorization letter from the owner (if the registrant is authorized by the owner).
• Submit the plant quarantine registration dossier to the plant quarantine authority.
• Take inspection samples at the production facility, place of origin, or storage location within the country or at the export port.
• Review and issue the plant quarantine certificate.

Step 2: Customs Declaration

Cocoa exporters perform customs declaration at the Customs Department where the goods are exported. The customs declaration dossier includes:

• Customs declaration form according to the template of the Ministry of Finance.
• Plant quarantine certificate.
• Commercial invoice.
• Sales contract.
• Packing list.
• Export permit (if any).

Cocoa exporters can declare customs directly or electronically.

Step 3: Exporting Goods

After completing the customs declaration procedures, cocoa exporters carry out the export based on the customs clearance document. Exporters need to ensure that goods are exported within the specified time on the customs clearance document.

Notes on the Quality and Packaging Standards of Cocoa Exports

Regarding Cocoa Quality

The quality of cocoa is the most crucial factor determining the product’s competitiveness in the international market. Cocoa exporters should pay attention to the following quality standards:

• Cocoa beans must be uniformly dry, free from moisture, mold, and pests.
• Cocoa beans must be free from foreign impurities.
• Cocoa beans must have the characteristic aroma of cocoa.
• Cocoa beans must have a harmonious bitter taste. Additionally, businesses should be aware of specific quality standards for the target import markets.

Packaging Standards for Cocoa

The packaging standards for cocoa are also a critical factor to consider. Cocoa packaging must meet the following requirements:

• Packaging must be clean and undamaged.
• Packaging must have high durability to ensure the preservation of cocoa beans during transportation.
• Packaging must contain complete product information, including product name, origin, weight, production date, expiration date, etc.

Export Procedures for Cocoa in Vietnam are tightly regulated to ensure the quality and food safety of exported cocoa. Businesses need to understand these regulations to facilitate the cocoa export procedures efficiently.

Additional Considerations for Cocoa Export

In addition to the mentioned export procedures for cocoa, businesses should note several issues after exporting cocoa:

• Export Tax: The export tax for cocoa is stipulated in Vietnam’s Preferential Export Tariff Schedule (ATƯ). Currently, the export tax for cocoa is 0%.
• Cargo Insurance: Businesses should purchase cargo insurance to guard against damage or loss of goods during transportation.
• Import Procedures in Foreign Markets: Businesses should research the import procedures for cocoa in the foreign market they intend to export to, ensuring smooth customs clearance.

With these considerations, businesses can carry out cocoa export procedures smoothly and achieve high efficiency.