The import customs clearance process at Hai Phong Port — Vietnam's second-largest container port — is now fully digitalized on the VNACCS/VCIS system. Procedures are fast and streamlined; many shipments are cleared within a few hours if documents are complete. Understanding each step helps businesses plan proactively and avoid incurred container storage costs.
What Is Import Customs Clearance?
Import customs clearance is the process of declaring and clearing goods through customs so that a shipment is permitted entry into Vietnam. Businesses must submit a document set including the contract, invoice, B/L, C/O, and customs declaration, and may be subject to physical inspection of the goods.
How Long Does Import Customs Clearance Take?
Typically 1-3 working days for the green lane (low risk), 3-5 days for the yellow lane (document review), and 5-7 days for the red lane (both document and physical cargo inspection).
What Are the Green, Yellow, and Red Lanes for Imports?
Green lane: inspection waived, immediate clearance. Yellow lane: customs reviews the document set. Red lane: both documents and physical goods are inspected.
What Costs Are Included in Import Customs Clearance?
Includes customs fees, declaration fees, specialised inspection fees (if applicable), warehouse/yard storage charges, container drop-off fees, and inland transport costs.
What Should You Note for First-Time Import Customs Clearance?
The HS Code must be accurate, the document set must be complete and consistent, and you must check whether the goods are subject to specialised inspection.
With our relationships with customs agents at Hai Phong Port, VTM Logistics we help accelerate the customs clearance process. On average, this significantly shortens clearance times compared with standard timeframes, helping customers save considerably on DEM/DET.
Read more container import costs to budget.
Once the cargo has been loaded onto the vessel at the origin port, the seller or forwarder sends the document set — B/L, Invoice, and Packing List — to the importer. Businesses need to verify that the documents are valid and prepare the customs declaration 2-3 days in advance so that clearance can be completed in time when the vessel arrives at port.
Customs declarations are submitted entirely online via the VNACCS/VCIS system. The system automatically analyses the information and determines the customs clearance channel within seconds:
The above times are for reference. Some goods requiring specialised inspection may take extra time, but generally, customs procedures are now fully digitalised and processing is very quick and streamlined — far different from before.
After the declaration is accepted, the company must pay import duty and VAT through the electronic banking system before collecting the cargo. Fees include: customs clearance fee (20,000-50,000 VND/declaration) and specialised inspection fee (if applicable).
After customs clearance, the business or forwarder receives the Delivery Order (D/O) from the shipping line or agent. The D/O is the document that allows the container to be taken out of the port.
The container is pulled from the port by a container truck and transported to the warehouse/yard or delivery location. This process includes: presenting the D/O and container lift ticket, paying port charges (THC, lifting/lowering fees), and inland transport.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| THC Fee | Charged by the shipping line |
| Container Lifting/Lowering Fee for Inspection | If physical inspection is required |
| Container Demurrage Fee (DEM) | Incurred after the free time expires |
| Warehouse Storage Fee (LCL cargo) | Applies to LCL cargo |
| Cargo Handling Fee | Based on actual handling |
| Handling fee (LCL cargo) | Applies to LCL cargo |
| Customs declaration fee | By agency service |
| Domestic transport fee | Depending on route and vehicle type |
| Infrastructure fee | Depending on cargo type and volume |
| Other fees charged by specialised regulatory agencies, shipping lines, and port terminals | According to actual regulations (if any) |
⚠️ The above list of fees is for reference only. These costs may or may not apply — depending on the type of goods, requirements, and actual handling.
Most of VTM's customers' shipments are cleared within a few hours or on the same day thanks to complete documents and accurate electronic declarations. For goods requiring specialised inspection, VTM Logistics tracks real-time progress to expedite as much as possible.
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