What Is an Import License? A Complete Guide from A to Z

Are you looking to understand the import license application process in Vietnam? This is a critical step in import-export operations, especially for goods under specialized management. In this article, ExtendMax provides the most comprehensive overview of import licenses – from legal definitions and common types to the application process and practical tips to avoid errors and optimize compliance costs.

1. What Is an Import License?

According to the 2017 Law on Foreign Trade Management, an import license is a document issued by the competent authority of a country, authorizing organizations or individuals to import specific goods into its territory.

In Vietnam, the import license is mandatory for importing goods, materials, and equipment from abroad. It ensures legal compliance, facilitates customs clearance, and prevents penalties or confiscation.

Currently, most licenses are issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Other ministries may issue licenses for specific goods as specified in Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.

To check whether your product requires an import license, visit the National Single Window portal at https://vnsw.gov.vn.

👉 See also: A to Z Guide to Preparing Import-Export Documentation

2. Types of Import Licenses

• Automatic Import License: For general consumer goods. The license is granted immediately upon submission of valid documents.

• Non-Automatic Import License: For goods under strict control, including encryption devices, cybersecurity equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, scrap, etc.

• Special Import License: For highly specialized goods requiring specific approval, such as used IT equipment, civil cryptographic devices, or used medical equipment.

3. Conditions for Granting Import Licenses

To be eligible, businesses must:

• Import goods that fall under licensing requirements and are not banned or suspended.

• Be one of the following:

  • Vietnamese enterprises without foreign capital

  • Foreign-invested companies, branches, or foreign firms established in Vietnam, following the procedures defined by the Ministry of Industry and Trade

👉 See also: Product Conformity Announcement Services | Trusted & Cost-Saving

4. Goods Requiring Import Licenses

Under Appendix III of Decree 69/2018/ND-CP, goods subject to import licensing include:

• Medicines, raw pharmaceutical materials, cosmetics, dietary supplements

• Insecticides, bactericides, fungicides, rodenticides, termite and bed bug killers

• Machinery, equipment, production lines, software, imported materials for production

• Items affecting health, environment, national security, and public interest:

  • Environmentally hazardous goods: Scrap, waste, toxic chemicals, radioactive substances, endangered wild flora and fauna

  • Health-related goods: Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food supplements, chemicals, pest control substances

  • Security-sensitive goods: Weapons, ammunition, explosives, precursor substances, defense-related equipment

5. Where to Apply for an Import License

Based on Decree 69/2018/ND-CP:

6. Required Documents

• Import license application form

• Business registration or investment certificate

• Commercial contract

• Invoice

• Packing list

• Certificate of origin (CO)

• Supporting documents for product origin

• Product catalog and technical documents

• Conformity or standard certificates (if applicable)

• Specialized licenses (if required)

The dossier must be submitted as one set, either in person or via post, to the relevant authority.

7. Import License Application Process

1. Prepare the complete and accurate dossier

2. Submit to competent ministry (MoIT, MoST, MoH, MONRE, etc.)

3. Authority reviews and verifies

4. Supplement documents if requested

5. Issuance decision or rejection (within 10 working days)

6. Receive import license

Amendments, re-issuance, or replacements follow these principles:

• Only relevant documents for the change need to be submitted

• The processing time must not exceed the original license timeline

• Rejections must include written explanation

Reference legal documents:

• Decree 47/2011/ND-CP – Postal stamps

• Circular 14/2011/TT-BTTTT – Radio transmitters

• Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT – Cosmetics

• Circular 40/2011/TT-BCT – Industrial chemicals

• Circular 42/2013/TT-BCT – Industrial precursors

• Circular 26/2012/TT-BCT – Explosive precursors

• Circular 88/2011/TT-BNNPTNT – Pesticides, wild animals, aquaculture, veterinary medicine

8. Trusted Import License Consulting – ExtendMax Vietnam

ExtendMax is Vietnam’s top-tier legal advisory firm offering:

• Licensing for IT, telecom, electronics (including used goods)

• Civil cryptography licensing

• Product conformity certification (QCVN)

• Outsourced import/export (IOR/EOR)

• End-to-end consulting for large-scale IT equipment imports

Why ExtendMax?

• 10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance

• Partnered with IBM, Dell, LEGO, Fujitsu, Lenovo

• Winners of prestigious awards: SME100 Asia (2023, 2024), Stevie Awards (2025)

• Deep legal knowledge in high-risk licensing (encryption, used goods, cybersecurity)

• Fast, efficient, and cost-optimized solutions

Head Office: ExtendMax Villa, C01-L18 An Vượng, Dương Nội Urban Area, Hà Đông, Hanoi

Business Registration Address: Room 903, Tower A, Sky City Building, 88 Láng Hạ, Đống Đa, Hanoi

Hotline: +84 915 836 555 | 024 6666 3066

Email: consultant@extendmax.vn | phuong.tran@extendmax.vn

Website: https://extendmax.vn