Importing ornamental fish into Vietnam is developing into an industry with high potential, especially with the increasing demand for ornamental fish decoration and collection. In order to import aquarium fish legally and conveniently, importers need to master the necessary customs processes and procedures. This article of HDG will guide businesses to carry out procedures for importing ornamental fish, how to determine the HS code and points to note when importing this type of goods.
Policies on import of ornamental fish
The procedure for importing ornamental fish into Vietnam is a complicated process, requiring importers to have a clear understanding of current legal regulations. According to the latest information, the process and policy of importing ornamental fish are stipulated in legal documents such as Circular No. 103/2015/TT-BTC, Circular No. 14/2015/TT-BTC, Circular 24/2017/TT-BNNPTNT, and many other relevant circulars.
Some important points to note when importing ornamental fish into Vietnam include:
- Animal quarantine: Ornamental fish that want to be imported must undergo an animal quarantine process to ensure safety and prevent epidemic risks.
- CITES Certificate: For fish that are included in the Red Book, a CITES certificate is required – an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival in the wild.
- Labeling of goods: When importing, goods need to be labeled in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP.
- Identification of HS codes: Determining the correct HS codes is necessary to accurately determine import taxes and avoid the risks of penalties due to errors.
These regulations ensure that the process of importing ornamental fish into Vietnam takes place in a transparent and legal manner. To better understand the specific steps in the import process, importers can refer to detailed information at official sources or contact the authorities, professional logistics company for advice and support.
In addition, when businesses carry out procedures for importing ornamental fish, they also need to comply with new regulations on customs and other import procedures, as updated in Decree 18/2021/ND-CP. These are the basic information that anyone interested in importing aquarium fish into Vietnam needs to know to ensure a smooth and legal process.
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 ornamental fish imported from abroad.
Label content
Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP has clearly stipulated the content of labels for items. For ornamental fish, the label should include information about the exporter/importer, 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 aquarium fish 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 ornamental fish
HS codes are an important part of determining import duties. Importers need to determine the correct HS code for the type of fish they want to import to calculate taxes accurately and avoid fines. The HS code for ornamental fish is specified in Chapter 3: Fish and crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates. Concrete:
| 0301 | Raw fish |
| – Ornamental fish: | |
| 030111 | – – Freshwater fish: |
| 03011110 | —Fry |
| – – – Other types: | |
| 03011191 | – – – – Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) |
| 03011192 | – – – – Goldfish (Carassius auratus) |
| 03011193 | – – – – Thai Fighting Fish (Beta splendens) |
| 03011195 | – – – – Dragonfish (Scleropages formosus) |
| 03011199 | – – – – Other |
| 030119 | – – Others: |
| 03011910 | —Fry |
| 03011990 | – – – Other |
Import tax rate of ornamental fish
Depending on each item and specific HS code, the applicable tax rate will be different. The above information is for reference only, please contact HDG Logistics for the most detailed and accurate advice.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 8%
- Normal import tax: 22.5%-30%
- Preferential import tax: 15-20%
Procedures for applying for an import license for ornamental fish
For items that are not on the list that need to apply for import permits, traders can import freely after receiving test results or risk assessment from specialized management agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. They are not limited in quantity or value and do not need to apply for an import license.
When applying for an import permit for ornamental fish, you need to check whether the fish is in the Annex to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
To determine whether the type of aquarium fish you want to import requires a license, if you need to apply for a license, you must prepare a license application at the Department of Animal Health within 15 working days. If you need to know whether your imported aquarium fish requires an import license, please contact us for advice.
Procedures for importing ornamental fish
The process of importing ornamental fish as well as other items is detailed in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015 and Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018. Here is a summary of the main steps in this process:
Step 1: Customs declaration
Fully prepare import and export documents including contracts, commercial invoices, lists of goods, sea bills of lading, certificates of origin and notification of arrivals.
Determine the correct customs instruction code for the aquarium fish.
Declaration of import information into the customs system through specialized software.
Step 2: Register for quarantine
After receiving the customs declaration, you can proceed to quarantine registration through the national single-window system. If you need to register for additional paper documents, you will need to register directly at the Department of Animal Health.
Customs will accept the quarantine registration dossier in both cases. Once you have a quarantine declaration confirmed by the quarantine authority, you can proceed to open the import declaration.
Step 3: Open the customs declaration
After completing the declaration, the customs system will classify the declaration.
If the declaration is classified, print and bring the import dossier to the customs sub-department to open the declaration. The next steps will depend on the classification result (green, yellow, or red).
Step 4: Customs clearance of goods
After completing the inspection and no problems arise, the customs officer will approve the customs clearance of the declaration.
You proceed to pay the import duties and complete the customs clearance of the goods.
Step 5: Shipping and use
After the declaration is cleared, you liquidate the declaration and complete the necessary procedures to transport the goods to the warehouse for storage and use.
Above is detailed information about the procedure for importing ornamental fish that we would like to share with you. If you have any questions related to HS codes, import tax on aquariums, please contact HDG Logistics for advice and support quickly
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