Procedures for importing cat litter

Cats are now widely popular pets. Not only specialized food, cat litter also receives special attention. Many businesses and stores have expanded their business by importing cat sand into Vietnam, making a lot of profit. However, like other products, importing cat sand requires completing administrative procedures. To learn about the procedures for importing toilet sand for cats, please refer to the following information.

Policy on import of cat litter

According to current regulations, sand for dogs and cats is not on the list of goods prohibited from import. The procedure for importing sand for dogs and cats is carried out as for other common items. However, used cat and dog sand is prohibited from importing.

In the process of carrying out procedures for importing sand for cats, the most important thing is to determine the HS code of the product. This will help determine the import duties, VAT and import procedures required for this type of goods.

Labeling of imported goods

The labeling of imported goods not only helps to trace the origin and responsible units but also supports stricter management of goods. In particular, this process is mandatory for cat litter imported from abroad.

Label content

Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP has clearly stipulated the content of labels for items. For cat litter, the label should include exporter/importer information, product details, origin and other information in English or language with translation. Customs will thoroughly check the contents of the label during the import process.

Label Placement

The location of the label is equally important. Labels need to be affixed in a conspicuous position on the package such as cartons, wooden bales, product packaging. This helps save inspection time when importing cat cleaning sand and other items.

For retail goods, the label needs to add manufacturer information, quantity, specifications, date of manufacture, and safety warnings.

Risks when labels are not in accordance with regulations

Failure to label or mislabel can lead to serious consequences such as fines under Article 22 of Decree 128/2020/ND-CP, loss of import tax incentives due to invalid certificate of origin, and the risk of loss and damage to goods due to lack of warning during transportation.

HS Code and Import Tax Rate of Cat Sanitary Ware

Determining the HS code for cat litter is the most important step in the process of importing this product. HS codes are determined based on the descriptive characteristics of the product and the import and export tariff schedule. The accurate identification of HS codes helps clarify policies, import procedures and taxes related to cat sanitary sand. Below is the HS code information table for cats:

HS Code	Describe
14049099	dog and cat litter with bean residue, or other plant ingredients
25081000	cat dog toilet sand from Bentonite clay
33079010	hygiene preparations for animals.
39269099	Litter for dogs and cats from silica

• Preferential import tax: 5 – 20%.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 5 – 10%.

The process of importing cat litter

A set of documents required to carry out the procedures for importing cat sanitary sand, as well as importing other items, including: Customs declaration, bill of lading, commercial invoice, sale contract, packing list, certificate of origin (C/O) if any,  and catalogs. This is the regulation according to Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015 and amended and supplemented by Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018.

Step 1: Customs declaration

First, prepare all import and export documents such as contracts, commercial invoices, packing lists, sea waybills, certificates of origin, notification of arrival and HS codes of cat sanitary sand. Then, enter the declaration information into the customs system via the customs declaration software. Care should be taken when entering data to avoid errors, as this can be time-consuming and costly.

Step 2: Open a customs declaration

After the declaration is completed, the customs system will return the result of the channeling of the declaration. Print the declaration form and bring the dossier to the customs sub-department to open the declaration. Do this within 15 days of the declaration date to avoid penalties.

Step 3: Customs clearance of goods

Customs officers will check the dossier and accept customs clearance if there are no questions. After that, import taxes are paid so that the goods are cleared. In some cases, the goods may be released to be taken back to the storage warehouse.

Step 4: Transport and use the goods

Finally, proceed to liquidate the declaration and carry out procedures to bring the goods to the warehouse. Prepare delivery orders and pick-up slips at the port, and arrange vehicles to pick up goods. Note to avoid the situation that the declaration has been completed but there is still an order from the shipping line, so that the process can be completed smoothly and avoid loss of time and costs.

In the process of carrying out procedures for importing sanitary sand soil for dogs and cats, businesses need to pay attention to the following issues:

• Goods can only be cleared after fully paying taxes to the State;
• Certificates of origin, including preferential forms such as form E, D, and AK, are an important factor in determining the import tax rate. Therefore, priority should be given in the negotiation process with the supplier;
• Import VAT rates are subject to change, so accurate identification of HS codes is necessary to enjoy the most preferential tax rates;
• It is necessary to complete customs procedures for importing sanitary sand soil within 30 days to avoid penalties for overdue.

Above is detailed information about the Procedures for importing cat litter that we would like to share with you. If you have any questions related to HS codes, import tax on cat sanitary sand, please contact HDG Logistics for advice and support quickly