Exporting to Vietnam | Seafish

Exporting to Vietnam




General guidance  

Requirements for exporting to the Vietnamese market include: 

Commercial invoice: A commercial invoice must be provided including the Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number, agreed international commerce terms, transaction value, product quantities, and detailed descriptions of the goods. 

Packing list: Providing an itemized breakdown of the contents, including weights, dimensions, and packaging details. 

Bill of lading, consignment note, or airway bill: Acts as proof of shipment and provides details about the transportation method and shipment. 

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing documentation: Includes a validated catch certificate (CC) to confirm compliance with the illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing regulations. Catch certificates must specify the fishing vessel, species, volume, and fishing zones. 

Certificates of origin: These documents establish whether the goods qualify for preferential tariffs under the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement or the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 

Customs declaration: all information about your shipment and the documentation will be evidenced on your export declaration. 

Registering with the Vietnamese authorities 

You must register your business with the Vietnamese Department for Animal Health (DAH) to export uncooked fish and seafood for human consumption.  

  • The registration process involves submitting Forms 7, 8, and 9 from Decree 15/2018/ND-CP (Seafish can provide a copy of these forms upon request). These forms outline product details, production standards, and compliance measures. The process can take several weeks to months, depending on the completeness of your submission and the capacity of the DAH.
  • UK exporters must have their local authority review and approve the required forms by adding a signature and stamp. These documents should then be submitted to the British Embassy in Hanoi (DIT.Vietnam@fcdo.gov.uk), which will forward them to the DAH. Supporting documentation includes hazard analysis critical control points plans, production records, inspection reports, and product descriptions.
  • It is crucial to provide thorough information about production processes, including safety measures, packaging, storage, and handling. This detail will help the DAH approve your application promptly and avoid unnecessary delays if you add new products in the future.
  • If you require any further assistance with the registration process, please contact the Seafish Regulation Team: Regulation@Seafish.co.uk

Export health certificate (EHC) requirements 

Once your business is listed and approved for export to Vietnam, the next step is to obtain an export health certificate which can be issued by your local authority and tailored to Vietnamese requirements. 

  • Local authorities may have an established EHC template that is accepted by the Vietnamese authorities. If not, guidance should be requested from the importer or Vietnamese partner to obtain a suitable template from the relevant Vietnamese regulatory body. 
  • The EHC must clearly demonstrate that the seafood products meet Vietnamese import requirements, including compliance with food safety, hygiene, and veterinary standards. 
  • The EHC must be completed with detailed information about the shipment. This is then verified, signed, and stamped by the local authority to serve as official documentation for the export. 

Trade Agreements with Vietnam 

The UK’s trade agreement with Vietnam and its recent membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) significantly reduce trade barriers. 

  • The trade agreement already allows preferential tariffs for seafood products meeting the rules of origin. 
  • The CPTPP ensures zero or reduced tariffs on most seafood exports. For more information about the benefits of exporting to CPTPP member countries, see our CPTPP guidance for seafood traders blog.

Advice and support from Seafish 

Our regulation experts can provide bespoke advice and support to your business. They have been responding to issues raised with us by businesses and individuals throughout the seafood supply chain and are working with government, local authorities and industry groups to find solutions. 

For further assistance email regulation@seafish.co.uk.

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