Import entrustment services are increasingly attracting the attention of businesses as import activities require a deeper understanding of customs procedures, product policies, and specialized regulatory requirements.
What Are Import Entrustment Services?
Import entrustment is a form of service in which a business or individual (the entrusting party) hires another company (the entrusted party) to carry out the necessary procedures to import goods from overseas into Vietnam.
Depending on the agreement and scope of services, the entrusted party may handle transactions with foreign suppliers, sign contracts, make international payments, arrange transportation, complete customs declarations, process relevant licenses and documents, carry out customs clearance, and hand over the goods to the entrusting party.
The parties involved in import entrustment include:
- Entrusting party: A business or individual that needs to import goods, provides product information, pays the agreed costs, and receives the goods.
- Entrusted party: The service provider responsible for import transactions, customs documentation, and other tasks specified in the contract.
- Foreign supplier: The seller responsible for providing the goods and documents in accordance with the foreign trade contract.
When Should Businesses Use Import Entrustment Services?
Import entrustment services are suitable for:
- Businesses that are new to importing and lack experience in handling documents, customs procedures, or establishing their own import-export department.
- Individuals and household businesses that do not have sufficient conditions or capacity to directly conduct international import transactions.
- Businesses importing goods subject to special management requirements, including licensing, specialized inspections, or specific standards.
- Businesses importing goods from a new market for the first time and unfamiliar with the procedures, documentation, and customs clearance requirements.
- Businesses looking to minimize errors related to product policies, tax obligations, and legal procedures during the import process.
How Much Do Import Entrustment Services Fees Cost?
Currently, import entrustment fees generally range from 1% to 3% of the shipment value. The specific fee is agreed upon by both parties, as there is no mandatory standard fee schedule.
For example, if a business imports a shipment worth VND 800 million with an entrustment fee of 2%, the service fee payable is: VND 800 million × 2% = VND 16 million. This amount does not include import duties, import VAT, transportation costs, port fees, or other additional expenses.
Businesses should clearly determine the value used as the basis for calculating the fee and the costs included in the quotation before signing the contract.
Import Entrustment Process
The import entrustment process generally consists of 6 steps, from checking import conditions to delivering the goods and completing the documentation. The specific scope of work may vary depending on the type of goods, transportation route, and service agreement.
Step 1: Check Product Information and Import Policies
The business provides information about the product name, composition, uses, origin, quantity, estimated value, and technical specifications.
The import entrustment company uses this information to determine the expected HS code, import policy, applicable taxes, and requirements for licenses, specialized inspections, or conformity certification, if applicable.
>>> See Also: Conveyor import procedures: HS codes and key considerations
Step 2: Quotation and Entrustment Contract Signing
After evaluating the shipment, both parties agree on the import plan, service fees, scope of work, and responsibilities through a contract. Businesses should request a quotation that clearly separates the entrustment fee, transportation costs, taxes, and other expenses to maintain better budget control.
Step 3: Placing Orders and Making International Payments
The entrusted party communicates with the foreign supplier, places orders, and makes payments. Both parties agree on the required documents, including the contract, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and bill of lading. If preferential tariffs apply, the business should check the applicable rules of origin and C/O requirements.
Step 4: Transportation and Customs Documentation Preparation
The goods are transported to Vietnam by sea, air, or another suitable method. During this process, the Entrusted Import-Export prepares the customs documentation, including the contract, Invoice, Packing List, bill of lading, C/O, and specialized licenses, if applicable. Depending on the type of goods, customs authorities may request additional documents.
Step 5: Customs Declaration and Clearance
The entrusted party submits the customs declaration and handles document inspections and physical inspections of the goods. Import duties, VAT, and other taxes are determined based on the HS code, customs value, origin, and applicable tax policies. After completing financial obligations and customs clearance procedures, the goods are transported to the warehouse.
Step 6: Goods Handover and Final Settlement
After customs clearance, the entrusted party delivers the goods according to the agreement, hands over the relevant documents, and reconciles the costs. The business checks the quantity, condition of the goods, invoices, and payment documents. All documentation should be properly retained for accounting, tax declaration, and post-clearance inspection purposes.
Benefits and Risks of Import Entrustment
Import entrustment helps businesses save resources and simplify the import process. However, to minimize unexpected costs and disputes, businesses should consider both the benefits and risks before choosing an entrustment service.
| Benefits | Risks |
| – Saves time, personnel, and operating costs.
– Reduces errors in documents, customs records, and procedures. – Enables businesses to proactively estimate import costs and the cost of imported goods. – Leverages the experience of the entrusted service provider. – Combines transportation, customs clearance, and delivery into an integrated process. |
– Additional costs may arise beyond the initial quotation.
– Disputes may occur over responsibility when goods are damaged or lost. – Foreign supplier information may be exposed when shared with the service provider. |
Import Entrustment Services at Trường Thành Logistics
For businesses without a dedicated import-export department or those facing difficulties when importing goods from overseas, choosing an experienced logistics provider can make shipment implementation more convenient and proactive.
Trường Thành Logistics is one of the companies operating in the logistics sector in Vietnam. We provide transportation solutions and support for Comprehensive Customs Services for businesses.
When using services at Trường Thành, businesses receive consultation and support for the following services according to their actual needs:
- Consultation on import policies, required documents, and supporting paperwork.
- Support with customs procedures, licenses, and certificates of origin within the agreed scope of services.
- Integration of international transportation, freight forwarding, and delivery to the warehouse.
- Consultation on implementation plans, cost estimates, and shipment progress monitoring.
With branches in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Trường Thành Logistics aims to help businesses handle import-export operations efficiently, reduce operational pressure, and take greater control of their business plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Import Entrustment Services
Does Import Entrustment Apply to All Types of Goods?
No. Goods included in the list of prohibited imports under Appendix I of Decree 292/2026/ND-CP cannot be imported through an entrustment arrangement. Goods subject to licensing or conditions under Appendix III must still obtain the required licenses or satisfy the relevant conditions before signing the contract.
How Can Businesses Prevent Foreign Supplier Information from Being Disclosed When Using Import Entrustment?
To minimize the risk of foreign supplier information being disclosed, businesses should include confidentiality provisions (NDA), control access to documents, and choose a reputable entrustment service provider.
Which Markets Does Trường Thành Logistics Provide Import Entrustment Services For?
Trường Thành Logistics provides import entrustment services from various markets. We regularly handle routes from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China, the United States, France, and others. The company flexibly accepts orders based on actual requirements without limiting services to specific markets.
Overall, import entrustment services help businesses take greater control over their import operations, optimize resources, and minimize difficulties related to procedures and documentation. However, the effectiveness of the service depends on choosing an experienced entrusted party with a clearly defined scope of work and transparent costs from the outset.
Are you planning to import goods from overseas? Contact Trường Thành Logistics to develop a suitable import plan, optimize costs, and proactively manage every step of your shipment.
Trường Thành Logistics – Professional and Dedicated
Hotline: 0915 36 38 39
Head Office: 5th Floor, Tower A, Song Da Building, Pham Hung, Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi.
Email: sale@truongthanhjsc.com / info@truongthanhlogistics.com
Website: https://truongthanhlogistics.com/en/
HAI PHONG BRANCH
Address: Room C103, TTC Building, 630 Le Thanh Tong, Hai An, Hai Phong
DA NANG BRANCH
Address: 126 Chau Thi Vinh Te, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang City
HO CHI MINH CITY BRANCH
Address: Room 41, 4th Floor, Casanova Building, 85 Nguyen Son, Phu Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Fanpage: TRUONG THANH LOGISTICS
