Customs clearance for exporting seafood products

Customs Clearance

Seafood is one of Vietnam’s primary export commodities, significantly contributing to the country’s GDP and enhancing its national brand reputation in the global market. However, for seafood products to reach international customers swiftly, customs clearance is an essential step.

1. Why is customs clearance important?

Customs clearance is the process through which customs authorities inspect, supervise, and approve import and export goods to ensure compliance with legal regulations. For seafood exporters, mastering customs clearance procedures is crucial to ensuring that goods are cleared quickly and without disruption.

2. Customs clearance process for exporting seafood

To ensure smooth and efficient seafood export operations, businesses need to follow the customs clearance process outlined below:

Step 1: prepare export documentation

Businesses need to prepare the following necessary documents:

    • Sales contract between the exporting business and the foreign partner.

    • Commercial invoice: a document verifying the value of the goods.

    • Packing list: detailed information on the quantity and weight of the goods.

    • Quarantine certificate: issued by a competent authority, certifying that the seafood meets food safety and hygiene standards.

    • Export license (if applicable): depending on the product, a special export permit may be required.

    • Certificate of origin (C/O): issued to qualify for tariff preferences under international trade agreements.

Step 2: Electronic customs declaration

Currently, businesses can submit customs declarations through the electronic customs system. In this step, information about the shipment and accompanying documents is declared online via the General Department of Customs system.

Step 3: Physical inspection of goods

After the electronic declaration, customs authorities may request a physical inspection of the goods. Since seafood needs to be preserved under appropriate conditions to maintain its quality for export, businesses must be well-prepared for this step.

Step 4: Pay export tax

Businesses are required to pay export taxes based on the shipment’s value and applicable regulations. Certain seafood products may be exempt from taxes or eligible for preferential treatment under trade agreements.

Step 5: Customs clearance and transportation

Once all the above steps are completed, the goods will be cleared and ready for shipment to the importing country. Businesses can track the shipment’s status through the electronic customs system or via VELA’s specialized tracking services on their digital platform.

Customs Clearance

3. Key considerations for seafood export customs clearance

    1. Ensure product quality: seafood is highly perishable, so it must be properly preserved throughout the entire process, from production to transportation, to maintain export quality.
    2. Select the correct HS code: incorrectly declaring the HS (Harmonized System) code can result in delays in customs clearance or incorrect tax payments.
    3. Comply with import country standards: each country has its own specific requirements for quarantine and quality standards. Businesses must be aware of these regulations and prepare the necessary documents.

4. Optimizing customs clearance with VELA’s digital Logistics solutions

VELA is proud to be a trusted partner for seafood exporters. With integrated digital Logistics services, we not only assist businesses in transporting goods but also help optimize the customs clearance process, ensuring quick and efficient clearance.

    • Support for electronic customs declarations: helping to minimize errors during the declaration process.

    • Real-time shipment tracking: businesses can monitor their goods at any time, from anywhere, through VELA’s system.

    • Experienced team of experts: ready to advise and assist businesses in overcoming challenges during the export process.

Customs clearance for exporting seafood is a critical step that requires thorough preparation and strict adherence to procedures. With VELA‘s support, businesses can confidently export seafood, ensuring that their products reach international customers swiftly and safely.