Overview of Importing Aluminum Sheets and Coils

Aluminum coil and aluminum sheet are two widely used semi-finished metal products in many industries. Due to high demand, importing these items into Vietnam is increasingly common. Good news for businesses is that aluminum is not on the list of goods requiring specialized quality inspection or import licenses, making the procedure relatively simple.

However, to ensure a smooth customs clearance process, businesses need to understand HS code classification, prepare a complete set of documents, and be aware of the applicable taxes.

HS Code Classification and Import Taxes

Correctly identifying the HS (Harmonized System) code is the most critical step, as it determines tax policies and customs procedures. Below is a reference table:

Tax Policy:

• Value-Added Tax (VAT): 10% (applies to all shipments).
• Preferential Import Duty: The standard rate ranges from 3% to 5%.
• Special Preferential Import Duty: The rate can be reduced to 0% if the goods have a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O), for example: Form E (from China), Form D (from ASEAN), Form AK (from South Korea), etc.

Customs Dossier and Clearance Process

1. Required Customs Documents

As this is a standard commodity, the customs dossier is quite basic and includes:

• Import Customs Declaration (made on the VNACCS/VCIS system).
• Sale Contract.
• Commercial Invoice.
• Packing List.
• Bill of Lading.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O) to enjoy preferential duties (if any).
• Product catalogue or technical documents (if needed).

2. Customs Clearance Steps

1. Step 1: Customs Declaration: The business or a service provider declares the shipment information on the customs software.
2. Step 2: Declaration Submission: After transmitting the data, the system will return a clearance channel result (Green, Yellow, Red).
3. Step 3: Dossier Submission and Inspection (if applicable): For the Yellow channel, submit the paper documents. For the Red channel, customs will conduct a physical inspection of the goods.
4. Step 4: Tax Payment: The business fulfills its obligation to pay the Import Duty and VAT.
5. Step 5: Clearance and Goods Collection: Once the declaration is cleared, the business can proceed with collecting the goods.

Important Notes

• Correct HS Code Identification: This is the most crucial point. Declaring the wrong HS code can lead to tax arrears and administrative fines. If unsure, it is advisable to send a sample for analysis or request a pre-classification.
• Avoid Confusion with Scrap: Aluminum scrap is a conditionally imported item with much more complex procedures than new aluminum.
• Document Consistency: All information regarding the product name, specifications, and material on the contract, invoice, and declaration must be consistent.