guide7 min read2026-02-16
Vietnam Customs for Korean Products: What You Need to Know
Everything about Vietnam customs, duties, and taxes when importing Korean products. Duty-free threshold, VAT rates, restricted items, and clearance tips.
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Understanding Vietnam Customs for Korean Imports
Ordering Korean products is easy — but understanding Vietnam's customs process helps you avoid surprises. This guide covers everything you need to know about importing Korean goods to Vietnam.
Duty-Free Threshold
Vietnam's duty-free threshold for personal imports is approximately ₫1,000,000 (around $40 USD). This means:
- Under ₫1,000,000: Generally no customs duty or import tax
- Over ₫1,000,000: Subject to import duty + 10% VAT
Many personal orders (a few cosmetics, an album, stationery) fall under this threshold.
Import Duty Rates by Product Type
| Product | Import Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics/Skincare | 20-30% | Higher duty rate for beauty products |
| K-pop Albums/Books | 0-5% | Generally low or zero duty |
| Food/Snacks | 15-30% | Varies by food category |
| Stationery | 5-10% | Low duty |
| Electronics | 0-15% | May require additional permits |
| Fashion/Clothing | 20-30% | Higher duty rate |
VAT (Value Added Tax)
- Standard rate: 10%
- Applied to: CIF value (product + shipping + insurance) + import duty
- Note: VAT applies on top of import duty for items above the threshold
How Vietnam Customs Clearance Works
For EMS Shipments
- Package arrives at Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) airport
- Vietnam Customs scans and assesses the package
- If under ₫1,000,000 → typically auto-cleared
- If over threshold → customs may contact you for documentation
- VNPost delivers to your address
If Customs Requires Documentation
- You may receive a call or notification from VNPost
- Provide:
- EMS tracking number
- Purchase invoice (KboxShop provides this)
- Pay any assessed duties/taxes
- Package is released for delivery
Restricted Items (Cannot Ship to Vietnam)
- Standalone lithium batteries
- Flammable liquids and aerosol sprays
- Perishable food requiring cold chain
- Prescription medications
- Weapons and related items
- Cultural materials that violate Vietnamese regulations
Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance
- Keep orders under ₫1,000,000 — stay below the duty-free threshold
- Split large orders — if ordering many items, consider separate shipments
- Keep your invoice — KboxShop provides a detailed purchase invoice
- Accurate declarations — we declare actual product values (no under-declaration)
- Include phone number — so customs/VNPost can contact you if needed
- Personal use quantities — order reasonable amounts to avoid commercial import scrutiny
KboxShop Customs Support
If your package encounters customs issues, we help:
- We provide official Korean store purchase receipts
- We help prepare any customs documentation
- We guide you through the clearance process step by step