Plan the next buying step
Use this earlier article as background. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority or agent for the exact product, importer and route. The country EV import-guide directory is a starting point for passenger-EV enquiries; parts, machinery and other vehicle categories require their own assessment.
Keep the shipment scope explicit with the customs clearance and vehicle approval checklist. Have the destination assess the actual vehicle specification and approval route separately from customs release before scheduling road use.
Request a destination-specific sourcing and shipping quotation with the product identity, quantity and delivery scope.
Importation into Vietnam: Since the Vietnamese economy is expanding, and increasing number of people are owning cars, the need has grown for imported cars. However, actually carrying cars to Vietnam is not as simply as – you must go through a two-layered process of customs clearance – “double clearance” or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) as is often called. This article gives you complete details on the entire exportation process of vehicles from China to Vietnam, and offers the documents you need, the regulation concerning the vehicle exportation, the means of transportation and date of risk, etc. – for the manufacturer, dealer and logistics provider.
What Is “Double Clearance” (DDP) for Vietnam?
Double clearance, or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), is a trade term under which the seller is responsible for both the export customs clearance in China and the import clearance in Vietnam. This includes handling all taxes, tariffs, customs declarations, documentation, and final delivery to the buyer.
Why Choose DDP?
Pros: Hassle-free for the buyer, complete visibility and control for the seller, predictable costs.
Cons: High compliance burden on the seller, higher risk if not working with a reliable freight forwarder.
Step-by-Step Export Process from China to Vietnam
Step 1: Vehicle Selection and Pre-Export Checks
Vehicle Orientation: Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for import in Vietnam.
Emission Standards: Vehicles must meet Euro IV or higher; older cars below this standard may be denied entry.
Market Preferences: Japanese and Korean brands are widely accepted; Chinese EVs are gaining traction.
Year Limit: Most second-hand vehicles must be manufactured after 2010 to be eligible for import.
Step 2: Choosing a Freight Forwarder with DDP Experience
Working with a qualified logistics partner is essential. They must be capable of:
Coordinating sea freight bookings and container loading
Handling Vietnamese import procedures, taxes, and customs clearance
Ensuring insurance coverage and issuing local delivery receipts
Important Tip: Confirm in advance whether the quoted DDP price includes:
Import Duties: Typically between 15% to 70%, based on engine size and vehicle category.
VAT (Value-Added Tax): Flat rate of 10% across all vehicle types.
Special Consumption Tax (SCT): Varies from 35% to 150%, depending on engine capacity.
Step 3: Sea Freight Booking and Containerization
Shipping Options:
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): Economical, used primarily for used vehicles. However, risk of scratches during loading is higher.
Container Shipping (20ft or 40ft FCL): Offers better protection and is suitable for high-value or new vehicles.
Loading Requirements:
Use of wheel locks, cargo nets, and anti-slip pads to protect the vehicle during transit.
Container seals must be recorded with photographic evidence.
Step 4: Chinese Export Customs Declaration
Documents required for export declaration:
Commercial Invoice (accurately reflecting vehicle value)
Packing List with VIN and chassis number
Export License (if applicable)
Certificate of Origin (CO) or Form E (for ASEAN tariff preferences)
Vehicle Registration or Compliance Certificate
After declaration, Chinese customs will inspect and release the cargo for departure.
Step 5: Vietnam Import Customs Clearance
Upon arrival at major Vietnamese ports (e.g., Cat Lai Port or Hai Phong), your freight agent will handle the import procedures.
Mandatory Documents:
Vietnamese Import License (applied for by the buyer)
Commercial Invoice and Packing List (must be consistent with export documents)
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Certificate of Origin (Form E for tariff reduction under ASEAN-China FTA)
Certificate of Conformity (COC) for eligible vehicle categories
Insurance Certificate (under CIF terms)
Inspection:
Vietnamese customs may physically inspect the vehicle to confirm:
VIN and engine numbers match documents
The odometer is unaltered
The vehicle meets local emission and safety requirements
Taxes Payable at Import:
Import Duty: Typically 15%–70%
VAT: 10%
SCT: Based on engine capacity (e.g., 1.5L ≈ 35%, 3.0L ≈ 90%+)
Clearance usually takes 5–10 working days if documentation is complete.
Step 6: Final Delivery in Vietnam
Once customs release is secured:
Vehicles are released from port and delivered to the final buyer’s location.
Local registration and licensing must be handled by the buyer.
If DDP is agreed upon, all steps including delivery to the final address are part of the service.
Risk Management & Compliance Tips
Never Under-Invoice: Vietnam Customs uses internal valuation databases. Under-declaring value risks penalties or cargo seizure.
Document Consistency: Ensure the VIN, invoice amount, and origin are consistent across all paperwork.
Beware of Low-Cost DDP Offers: Some logistics providers offer low quotes only to add hidden fees later. Always confirm an “all-in” contract in writing.
Insurance Is Mandatory: Marine insurance covering at least 110% of CIF value is highly recommended.
Why Work With Auto From China?
At Auto From China, we specialize in full-service DDP vehicle exports to Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Our services include:
Compliance consulting (emission standards, documentation, import regulations)
Coordination with Vietnamese customs agents
Form E and COC documentation processing
DDP price quotes covering all local taxes and fees
Delivery to all major cities in Vietnam including Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City
We help businesses and individual buyers streamline their cross-border procurement of passenger cars, EVs, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
Conclusion
Relocating vehicles from China to Vietnam can be a lucrative move — if done right. From the selection of compliant vehicles and the handling of customs documentation to obtaining Form E and being informed on VAT and SCT responsibilities, there’s a lot to think about. Success depending on good logistics partner and full knowledge of the Vietnamese import system.
Looking to export vehicles to Vietnam with full DDP support?
Contact Auto From China for certified, end-to-end logistics and customs solutions tailored to the Vietnamese market.