Official imports open the door for businesses to reach the international market, but for newcomers, this process can seem like a challenging maze.
Don’t worry! Truong Thanh Logistics will provide detailed answers to all common questions, helping you confidently conquer your first import journey!
1. What is Official Import? Why Can’t Businesses Overlook It?
Official import is the legal form of importing goods through foreign trade contracts, fully complying with the laws of Vietnam and the exporting country. Goods are cleared at the border gate, accompanied by complete documents such as commercial invoices, sales contracts, certificates of origin (C/O), and relevant licenses.
What benefits does official import bring?
Official import offers significant benefits to importing and trading entities, such as:
+ Transparency and legality, avoiding legal risks.
+ Eligibility for preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
+ Ensuring product quality and enhancing business reputation.
2. How to Best Prepare for Your First Import?
Many businesses transitioning from unofficial to official imports don’t know where to start. However, this isn’t a major issue. To officially import, businesses need to take the following preparatory steps:
+ Business Registration: Your business must have a business registration with a tax code and business lines compatible with the imported goods.
+ Foreign Trade Contract: You need to prepare a foreign trade contract, which is a sales agreement with your foreign partner, clearly stating payment terms, delivery terms, and responsibilities of both parties.
+ Import Documents: Essential documents include the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin (C/O), and any necessary licenses (if the goods are subject to specialized management).
+ Bank Account: Businesses need a bank account for international payments, typically via L/C (Letter of Credit) or T/T (Telegraphic Transfer).
+ Tax Knowledge: Understanding taxes is crucial, including import duties, VAT, and how to calculate them to accurately estimate costs.
Note: Some goods require import licenses or quality inspections before customs clearance. Let Truong Thanh Logistics advise you to avoid mistakes from the beginning!
3. Is the Official Import Process as Complex as You Think?
The official import process includes the following basic steps:
+ Supplier Sourcing & Contract Signing: Businesses need to find and sign contracts with suppliers, negotiating prices, delivery terms (Incoterms like FOB, CIF, DAP), and shipping times.
+ Document Preparation: You must prepare all necessary documents for customs procedures.
+ Transportation: Goods will be transported from the export port to the import port in Vietnam through a hired logistics unit.
+ Customs Declaration & Clearance: Businesses proceed with customs declaration, submit declarations, pay import duties and VAT, and then wait for customs clearance.
+ Goods Receipt: After completing customs clearance, you can receive the goods at the port or your company’s warehouse.
4. Official Import Costs – How Much Do You Need to Budget?
Worrying about import costs is common for any new business. So, what expenses do you need to prepare for? When importing officially, businesses will incur the following costs:
+ Goods Value: Calculated according to the commercial invoice.
+ Freight Charges: Depend on the mode of transport, such as sea, air, or road.
+ Import Duties & VAT: Calculated based on the HS code of the goods and any preferential tariffs.
+ Customs & Service Fees: Include customs declaration fees, storage fees, and logistics service fees.
+ Other Potential Costs: Such as quality inspection fees or import license application fees (if applicable).
Tip for saving: Request detailed quotes from suppliers and logistics providers before importing goods to effectively control your budget.
5. How to Import Officially Without Worrying About Risks?
Are you afraid of making mistakes or encountering risks during your first import? Don’t let fear hold you back! To minimize risks, businesses can apply the following measures:
+ Thorough Partner Verification: Carefully check your foreign partners by verifying their reputation, financial capacity, and transaction history.
+ Contract Review: Read the contract carefully to ensure clear terms, especially regarding product quality and compensation responsibilities.
+ Reputable Logistics Partner: Choose a reliable logistics provider like Truong Thanh Logistics to professionally handle any issues that arise.
+ Full Legal Compliance: Thoroughly understand import policies for your specific goods to avoid violations.
+ Cargo Insurance: Purchase cargo insurance to ensure financial safety in case goods are damaged or lost.
6. Fast Official Imports – Contact Truong Thanh Logistics Now!
Are you looking for a reliable partner to conquer your first import? Truong Thanh Logistics is the answer! With over [number of years of experience] years in the logistics industry, we pride ourselves on offering you:
+ All-inclusive Service: From document consulting, transportation, customs declaration, to door-to-door delivery.
+ Expert Team: Deeply knowledgeable about import procedures and legal regulations.
+ Competitive Costs: Thanks to flexible transportation solutions that help optimize your budget.
+ 24/7 Support: Always ready to answer questions and resolve any issues arising during the import process.
Official import is no longer a major challenge if you understand the process and have the support of experts. Truong Thanh Logistics is committed to making your first import journey a smooth, efficient, and successful experience.
Contact us today for a free consultation and detailed quote!
For assistance with import and export information, international freight, sea transport or import entrustment, please contact Truong Thanh Logistics at the address:
Truong Thanh Logistics – Dedication, Prestige
Hotline: 0915 36 38 39
Headquarter: 5th Floor, Tower A, Song Da Building, Pham Hung, Tu Liem, Hanoi.
Email: sale@truongthanhjsc.com
info@truongthanhlogistics.com
Website: www.truongthanhlogistics.com
Hai Phong Branch
Address: R.A11, TTC Building, 630 Le Thanh Tong, Hai An, Hai Phong
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Address: 27 Nguyen Ba Lan, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang.
HCMC Branch
Address: Room 41, 4th floor, Casanova building, 85 Nguyen Son street, Phu Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
