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.
With the automotive market in Southeast Asia growing, Vietnam has become a major importing country for Chinese – made cars, in particular for EVs, hybrids, and compact internal combustion vehicles. Fueled by robust consumer demand, changing regulatory regimes and bilateral trade pacts, Chinese exports of vehicles to Vietnam are on the rise. It faces a convoluted system of import requirements, stringent compliance regulations, and variable taxation rates depending on fuel type and engine size.
The Export process to Vietnam in our manual is described in full comprehensive details and is very easy to read and to follow! Start at the beginning of the vehicle dispatch system and learn step by step both of the export operations to the port and to the dealer agent!
1. Regulatory Landscape and Market Background
Vietnam has pursued a policy of partial liberalisation in automotive imports, motivated by both its internal industrial sheltering interests and its ASEAN free trade responsibilities. The country imposes strict technical parameters and distinctiveness in tax on vehicles, which have substantial impact on clearance and ultimate price of imported cars.
Key Market Characteristics:
Left-hand-drive country: All imported vehicles must be LHD; RHD models are banned.
New vehicles prioritized: Used vehicle imports are strictly restricted, except in special economic or diplomatic circumstances.
Emission standards: Only vehicles that meet Euro IV or higher are eligible for import (Euro V for some models as of 2024).
Growing EV acceptance: Incentives for EV imports include lower tariffs and VAT exemptions under specific conditions.
Free Trade Agreements: Under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), eligible Chinese-origin vehicles can enjoy preferential tariffs with a Form E certificate.
2. Export Preparation in China
A. Technical and Compliance Requirements
Emission Compliance: All vehicles must conform to Vietnam’s environmental standards (Euro IV+). Emission certificates may be required from a certified testing center.
Vehicle Homologation: Vehicles must be issued with a Vehicle Certificate of Conformity (VOC) to demonstrate safety and technical compliance.
Configuration Compliance: LHD configuration only; all mirrors, lighting systems, seat belts, and speedometers must comply with Vietnamese Design Standards (QCVN).
B. Essential Documentation Checklist
All documents must be prepared in English (or certified Vietnamese translation upon request):
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading (B/L) – issued by the shipping company after vessel loading
Certificate of Origin (Form E) – must be issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
VOC (Vehicle Certificate of Conformity)
Export License – required for certain high-capacity or restricted vehicle categories
Insurance Policy – marine cargo insurance recommended, with a value of 110–120% CIF
Note: Missing or inaccurate documents may result in shipment detainment and costly storage fees at Vietnamese ports.
3. Shipping and Port Logistics
A. Shipping Methods
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Best for standard passenger vehicles
Lower cost, minimal packaging required
Average transit time: 10–15 days
Containerized Shipping (FCL – 20ft or 40ft)
Recommended for EVs, luxury, or disassembled vehicles
Allows for moisture protection, better theft control
Complies with IMDG Code for vehicles containing lithium-ion batteries
B. Common Destination Ports
Cat Lai Port (Ho Chi Minh City) – Vietnam’s busiest container port
Haiphong Port (North Vietnam) – closer to Hanoi and major inland markets
Cai Mep International Terminal – for larger ocean vessels and OEM shipments
4. Customs Clearance in Vietnam
Upon vehicle arrival, the importer must go through a structured customs procedure:
A. Pre-Clearance Registration
All vehicles must be electronically pre-declared via Vietnam’s National Single Window (VNACCS/VCIS). Documentation must be uploaded at least 24–48 hours before arrival.
Required documents for customs submission:
B/L (original or telex release)
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Form E certificate
VOC (technical conformity)
Insurance certificate
Vietnamese importer’s business license
B. Import Taxation and Duties
| Vehicle Type | Import Duty | VAT | Special Consumption Tax (SCT) | Environmental Tax |
| Fuel vehicles (<1.5L) | 30% | 10% | 35%–40% | Based on CO₂/km |
| Fuel vehicles (>3.0L) | 70%+ | 10% | 60%–150% | Additional levy |
| Electric vehicles (EVs) | 0%–5% | Exempt* | 5%–15% | Lower or waived |
| Hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) | 5%–15% | 10% | 15%–25% | Moderate charges |
*VAT exemption for certain EV categories remains in effect as of 2024 based on Decision No. 1592/QD-TTg.
CIF valuation is used for all import tax calculations. Discrepancies between declared and assessed values may lead to revaluation and customs penalties.
5. Vehicle Inspection & Release
A. Technical Inspection
Vietnamese Customs and the Register of Vietnam (VR) conduct post-arrival inspection that includes:
VIN and Engine Number verification
Exterior and undercarriage condition check
Functional testing (brakes, lights, odometer)
Battery labeling and UN38.3 compliance for EVs
B. Registration Timeline
After customs release, the importer has 30 days to complete vehicle registration and roadworthiness certification. EVs may benefit from license plate incentives in some provinces.
6. Risk Management and Best Practices
A. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Do not ship RHD vehicles – even if legal in other ASEAN markets
Avoid under-declaring CIF values – this leads to inspection, fines, and clearing delays
Never omit Form E – Without it, vehicles are taxed at full MFN rates
Verify container packing – damage from poor bracing is common and rarely insured
B. Additional Tips
Electric vehicle importers should verify charging infrastructure compatibility (Vietnam uses Type 2/CCS standards)
All vehicle markings must be permanent and match declared specs
Appoint a local customs broker familiar with automotive HS codes (e.g., 8703.23, 8703.40)
Auto From China: Your Trusted Export Partner for Vietnam
Auto From China provides complete vehicle export support for clients looking to enter Vietnam’s fast-growing automotive market. We specialize in:
OEM-certified new energy vehicles (e.g., BYD Han DM-i, Aion Y Plus, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid)
Documentation: Form E, VOC, and CO preparation
Ro-Ro and containerized shipping from China to Ho Chi Minh City and Haiphong
EV charger exports and charging port modification (GBT to CCS2)
After-sales support and OEM parts sourcing (except lithium batteries)
Looking to Export to Vietnam?
Call us today for a quote, compliance check list, and personalized freight strategy for the Vietnamese market. Whether you are a fleet manager, dealer, or a start-up coming into Southeast Asia, Auto From China gives you professional, cost-effective and compliant delivery of your vehicles.
Visit www.auto-from-china.com or email us to get started.