Flashlights are a popular item for many Vietnamese businesses to import. However, not all businesses understand the detailed import procedures for this product. This is especially difficult for businesses that are new to importing. HDG Logistics will provide detailed information about the steps of the flashlight import procedure through the following article.
What is Flashlight?
The flashlight, an important invention in the history of mankind, has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives. Known as a “flashlight” in English, a flashlight is a portable, electrically powered lighting device that allows humans to illuminate flexibly in a variety of situations.
The structure of a flashlight consists of several main parts: a protective housing, a light source (usually an incandescent or LED bulb), a battery that provides power, a switch to turn on/off, and a reflector or flashlight that helps focus the light. The operating principle of a flashlight is based on completing the circuit when the switch is turned on, allowing the current from the battery to flow through the light source and produce light.
In the past, flashlights often used carbon incandescent bulbs, but they had the disadvantage of only illuminating for a short time and frequent interruptions. However, with the development of technology, LEDs have gradually replaced incandescent bulbs because of their long lifespan and higher energy efficiency. LED flashlights not only provide powerful and stable light, but also have the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Flashlights are not only useful in daily life, but they are also an essential tool in many other fields such as rescue, exploration, or even in military operations. The variety of sizes, shapes, and functions of modern flashlights allows us to choose the right product for specific needs, from conventional handheld flashlights to head-worn flashlights, ultra-bright flashlights, and even flashlights capable of charging energy from sunlight.
Flashlight import policy in Vietnam
The policy of importing flashlights in Vietnam is governed by a series of legal documents, including Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC and subsequent amendments, as well as Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP and Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP. These regulations set out specific requirements for the import of flashlights, from the determination of hs codes (customs codes), to the calculation of import duties, and the necessary customs procedures.
One of the notable points is that used flashlights are subject to import bans, which reflects Vietnam’s concern for product quality management and consumer protection. For new flashlights, labeling goods according to the provisions of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP is mandatory, aiming to help administrative agencies manage goods, determine the origin and unit responsible for 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 flashlights imported from abroad.
Label content
Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP has clearly stipulated the content of labels for items. For flashlights, labels need to 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 saves inspection time when importing flashlights 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.
Therefore, we recommend that you comply with the law on labeling goods when carrying out the import procedure of flashlights.
HS Code and Flashlight Import Tax Rate
Flashlight HS Code
All imported items require HS code identification. HS codes are an important factor to help importers determine policies, taxes and regulations related to imported goods.
Determine HS codes based on the characteristics, composition and structure of imported goods. Importers can refer to technical documents, catalogues or conduct inspection at the Customs Inspection Department. The actual inspection results of the customs and the Customs Inspection Department will be the legal basis for applying HS codes to imported goods.
For example, for flashlights, HS codes in Chapter 85 – Electrical machines, electrical equipment and spare parts; voice recorders, video recorders and television audio reproduction, and their accessories. Thong Tien Logistics can provide HS codes as follows:
HS Code 8513 (Large grouping): Portable luminaires designed to operate on their own power source, such as dry batteries, accumulators, magneto, excluding lighting fixtures of heading 85.12.
HS Code 85131090 (Subgrouping): Others.
Flashlight import tax rate
Import duties for flashlights are also adjusted depending on the origin of the product. For example, flashlights imported from China can enjoy a 0% tariff under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) or 14% under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while flashlights imported from the US can be subject to a preferential tariff of 20%. VAT: 8%
The process of importing flashlights into Vietnam
The Procedures for importing flashlights is similar to other common items, specified in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015, amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018.
Declaration of customs declaration
After having all the necessary documents and identifying the HS code of the flashlight, businesses can enter the declared information into the customs system through the software.
Open a customs declaration
Once you have completed your declaration, the customs system will return the results of the declaration channeling. Depending on the results of channeling (green, yellow, red), the enterprise prints the declaration and brings the import dossier to the customs sub-department to open the declaration.
Customs clearance
After checking the dossier and if there are no problems, the customs officer will accept the customs clearance. The business can then pay import taxes and carry out customs clearance of goods.
Transporting goods to storage and use warehouses
When the customs declaration of the enterprise has been cleared by the customs sub-department, the enterprise shall liquidate the declaration and carry out the necessary procedures to bring the goods to the warehouse.
Above is the basic information about the Procedures for importing flashlights that businesses need to understand. Mastering the regulations and preparing your documents will help your flashlight import process go quickly and smoothly. If you need further assistance with the Procedures for importing flashlights or any other items, contact a professional logistics company for detailed advice.
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