Customs clearance and logistics in Northern Vietnam: what foreign companies need to know
A practical overview for factory managers, procurement teams and freight forwarders moving goods through Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and the Lang Son border gate.
Who we usually work for
- Foreign-invested factories in industrial parks in Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Vinh Phuc and Thai Nguyen
- Overseas freight forwarders who need a reliable agent for nominated cargo in Northern Vietnam
- Exporters shipping agricultural and other goods to China by road via Lang Son
Type E customs regimes for manufacturers
Factory imports and exports in Vietnam usually move under processing (E21), export production (E31) or export processing enterprise (EPE) codes such as E11, E15 and E52. Each regime comes with material consumption norms and an annual settlement report to customs.
Small errors in norms, units or HS codes tend to surface only at settlement or in post-clearance audits. We build declarations from your original documents and cross-check quantities, unit prices and HS codes before submission.
Preferential certificates of origin
Vietnam is party to many free trade agreements. The right certificate of origin lets your buyer pay a preferential duty rate: Form E (ASEAN–China), RCEP, AK and VK (Korea), AJ and VJ (Japan), EUR.1 (EU), plus self-certification where the agreement allows it. We prepare the origin file and apply on Vietnam's eCoSys system.
Moving goods in the North
- Hai Phong port, including the Lach Huyen deep-water terminal, for sea containers
- Noi Bai airport for air freight
- Lang Son border gates (Huu Nghi, Tan Thanh) for trucks to and from China
- 20' and 40' container trucks and trucks of all sizes, coordinated with customs so vehicles don't wait for paperwork
How to start
Send us the commercial invoice, packing list (or a cargo description), the route and the expected customs regime. We usually reply with an itemised quote within one business day, by WhatsApp, WeChat, email or phone. We work in English, Chinese and Vietnamese.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company without a Vietnamese entity import in its own name?
The importer on a Vietnamese customs declaration must be a company registered in Vietnam. Without a local entity, goods usually go through a Vietnamese consignee, and we act as the licensed customs broker on that consignee's behalf.
How long does customs clearance take?
It depends on the channel customs assigns. Green channel shipments usually clear the same day; yellow (document check) and red (physical inspection) take longer. A correct document set from the start shortens the process considerably.
Which documents are needed?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill and the sales contract; a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty; and permits or specialised inspections if the goods are regulated.
Do you issue Form E for exports to China?
Yes. We prepare the origin documents, apply and follow up on eCoSys, and arrange phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products.
Do you handle nominated cargo for overseas agents?
Yes. We collect the D/O, clear customs, deliver door to door and send clear status updates and invoices to the agent.
How do I get a quote?
Use the form on the Contact page or message us on WhatsApp or WeChat. Attaching the invoice and packing list gives you a more accurate quote.
Need a quote for your next shipment?
Request a quote