Guide to Machinery and Equipment Export to Port of Ho Chi Minh City: Detailed Analysis of the Export Process of New and Used Equipment, Vietnam Customs Clearance Requirements and Logistics Arrangements, Helping Enterprises Operate Compliantly and Efficiently Complete the Equipment Export to Port of Ho Chi Minh City!

Category: Machinery & Equipment Date: Ho Chi Minh Port is one of the largest ports in Vietnam and an important passage for machinery. However, the Vietnamese customs have very different customs clearance requirements for new and used equipment. A slight mistake may lead to customs detention, return of goods or additional costs. Used equipment requires the original factory nameplate and fumigation certificate. Special container transportation requires lashing and reinforcement, and local agents are needed for customs clearance... How to ensure a smooth export process? This article will provide you with a detailed interpretation of every key link in the export of mechanical equipment from Ho Chi Minh Port, enabling your goods to reach the Vietnamese market safely and efficiently!

Home » Machinery & Equipment » Guide to Machinery and Equipment Export to Port of Ho Chi Minh City: Detailed Analysis of the Export Process of New and Used Equipment, Vietnam Customs Clearance Requirements and Logistics Arrangements, Helping Enterprises Operate Compliantly and Efficiently Complete the Equipment Export to Port of Ho Chi Minh City!

: Used equipment needs to provide the factory production date, photos of the original factory nameplate, and a description of its use (such as a factory relocation agreement).Equipment ExportImport license of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (used equipment needs to be approved)

I. Pre - preparation and documents

Equipment classification and compliance
Distinction between new and old: There is no mandatory certification in Vietnam, but it is recommended to provide CE or ISO documents to enhance the trust in customs clearance.

Document list:

Basic documents	Special documents (for used equipment)
Commercial invoice, packing list, contract	Container loading list (to prevent missing loading), original factory serial number certificate
Bill of lading (marked with HS code)	Fumigation certificate (solid wood packaging requires IPPC marking)
Declaration elements (working principle, parameters)	Fix the equipment with wooden boxes/frames. Solid wood packaging needs to be fumigated (with IPPC mark).

Certification and packaging
- Certification RequirementsApply anti - rust oil to exposed metals (liquid oil is prohibited), and wrap with plastic wrap + bubble film for moisture protection.
- Packaging Reinforcement:
  Book shipping space 7 days in advance and check the overweight fee (if a single container exceeds 21 tons).
  The lashing and reinforcement cost is about USD 800 - 1200/container.

II. Booking space and transportation

Selection of Transportation Solutions

Equipment type	Transportation method	Key operation points
Small - sized equipment	Large - quantity importsMaritime Transportation(20GP/40HQ)	China - Vietnam land transportation
Large - sized equipment	Special containers (open - top containers/flat - rack containers)	A Chinese - Vietnamese bilingual packing list is required.
Urgent small - batch equipment	Take photos of the container loading process: empty container status, half - loaded container status, and seal number (the Vietnamese customs may inspect).	Lithium - battery - powered equipment: A dangerous goods packing certificate (UN3481) is required, and some shipping companies refuse to accept it (such as ONE).

Matters needing attention for container loading
- Submit documents: Customs declaration power of attorney, packing list, invoice, contract, declaration elements (including HS code).
- Key inspections: The new or used status of the equipment, and the compliance of the packaging (the customs may open the wooden box to check the IPPC mark).

III.Export Clearance

Customs Declaration Process
- After release: Pay terminal handling charges (THC, document fee is about USD 120/container) and obtain the bill of lading.
- Vietnamese import license (new equipment is handled by the consignee, and used equipment needs to be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade).
- Vietnamese packing list, invoice (need to be stamped, electronic version is invalid).

IV. Vietnam customs clearance and distribution

Customs clearance documents
- (Enjoy ASEAN 0 - tariff preference).
- : The tax rate for mechanical equipment is 0 - 5% (used equipment is evaluated according to the residual value, and a 10% environmental protection tax may be levied additionally).
- It is recommended to verify through the following methods:: 10% (can be deducted with the EAN code).
Taxes and inspections
- Tariff: Check the nameplate information and packaging integrity (damage may incur a demurrage fee of USD 50/day).
- Value - added TaxAfter customs clearance, it is delivered by local Vietnamese logistics (it takes about 2 days from Haiphong Port to Hanoi, and the freight is USD 200 - 300/vehicle).
- Key inspection points: For the export of used equipment, 25 - 30 days should be reserved (including 7 - 10 days for Vietnamese approval).
Terminal distribution
- Purchase cargo insurance (the premium is about 0.15% of the cargo value, covering transportation damage).

Precautions

Time controlChoose a local Vietnamese customs clearance agent to handle unexpected inspections.
Risk avoidance:
- : The Vietnamese customs tend to conduct pre - inspection. Equipment photos and parameters can be sent to the agent in advance for pre - review.
- A factory in Shandong exports an injection molding machine to Haiphong Port
Cultural adaptation: Use a 40HQ container, reinforce with a wooden box + anti - rust film. The total time taken is 18 days (including 2 days for Vietnamese customs clearance), and the cost is reduced by 12% after tariff reduction.

Reference cases

Guangzhou exports an old machine tool: Due to the failure to provide the original factory serial number, the Vietnamese customs detained the goods for 3 days, incurring a demurrage fee of USD 150.
The export of mechanical equipment to Ho Chi Minh Port involves complicated document preparation, customs clearance and transportation arrangements, especially the approval process for used equipment is more complex. Through reasonable planning, compliant declaration, and entrusting professional freight forwarders and customs clearance agents, enterprises can effectively reduce export risks and improve customs clearance efficiency. We hope this guide can help you successfully complete the export of mechanical equipment to Ho Chi Minh Port, enabling your products to quickly enter the Vietnamese market and seize business opportunities!Export of Mechanical Equipment to Ho Chi Minh Port: Why is Your Equipment Stuck at the Port?_Shanghai Zhongshen International Trade Import and Export Agency Service

January 11, 2025 10:33