Garlic is one of the most commonly imported agricultural products into Vietnam, widely used in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The increasing demand has created many business opportunities for enterprises importing garlic into Vietnam. However, to ensure successful business operations, it is essential to understand the legal procedures and import processes thoroughly. Let’s take a look at the garlic import procedures below:

Determine the Purpose of Importing Garlic

The first and most important step is to determine the purpose of importing garlic, as each purpose requires a different procedure and process. For example:

Importing fresh garlic for food business: Requires Plant Quarantine and Food Safety inspection.

Importing garlic for planting (seed garlic): Requires Plant Quarantine.

Importing processed garlic: Requires Food Safety inspection.

Procedures and Processes for Garlic Importation in Vietnam

Applicable Circulars and Regulations

There are quite a few legal documents, but here are the most common ones for your reference:

• Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BNNPTNN
• Circular No. 01/2024/TT-BNNPTNN

(Understanding these thoroughly takes a fair amount of time!)

Required Documents for Garlic Import Procedures in Vietnam

• Contract
• Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Import Permit (required when importing garlic for planting)
• Product Self-Declaration (required when importing processed garlic)
• Certificate of Origin (C/O)
• Import Customs Declaration

Garlic Import Procedures in Vietnam

Plant Quarantine Procedure in Vietnam

For fresh garlic imported as food:

• Register documents on the PQS system.
• Collect samples for plant quarantine at the port or airport.
• Wait for issuance of the Phytosanitary Certificate and Food Safety Certificate.

For garlic imported as seed (for planting):

• Apply for an Import Permit for seed garlic before shipment arrival.
• Register documents on the PQS system.
• Collect samples for plant quarantine at the port or airport.
• Wait for issuance of the Phytosanitary Certificate.

For processed garlic:

• Food Safety registration must be completed before the shipment arrives.
• Product self-declaration is required (from 2025 onward, this step will take more time).
• Depending on the product type, sample testing may or may not be required.
• Wait for issuance of the Food Safety Certificate.

Customs Clearance Procedures for Garlic Importation in Vietnam

Register for plant quarantine and food safety inspection for imported garlic.

Declare the import customs form.

Work with customs authorities at the port or airport.

Conduct sample collection for plant quarantine and wait for certificates.

Complete customs clearance and collect goods from the port or airport.

HS Code and Import Tax, VAT tax for Garlic

HS Code: Garlic falls under Chapters 0703 and 0712.

Import Duty: Ranges from 0% to 22%. With a valid C/O, the rate may be reduced to 0%.

VAT tax:

• Fresh garlic / Seed garlic: 0%
• Processed garlic: 10%

Notes When Importing Garlic in Vietnam

Importing fresh garlic, seed garlic, or processed garlic is not overly complicated, but requires professional handling to ensure quick completion, maintain garlic quality, and avoid unnecessary costs such as power fees or container storage charges.

Sea Dragon Company’s Garlic Import Services

Sea Dragon Logistics Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive garlic import services, including plant quarantine, food safety inspection, product declaration, international transportation, and more — quickly and accurately.

For more information, contact:

Mr. Long – 090 262 0898

Email: jack@seadragonlogistics.com

Source: Sea Dragon International Logistics Co., Ltd.