Shipping & Logistics Guide
Everything you need to know about shipping goods from Vietnam: ports, transit times, documentation, and customs procedures.
Vietnam: Gateway to Global Trade
Vietnam has emerged as a major exporting nation with world-class port infrastructure. The country's strategic location on major shipping lanes makes it an efficient origin for exports to North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets.
Major Seaports
Cat Lai Port (Ho Chi Minh City)
VNCLIVietnam's largest and busiest container port, handling over 50% of the country's container throughput. Primary gateway for exports from southern Vietnam.
Hai Phong Port
VNHPHNorthern Vietnam's largest port, serving the Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor. Key gateway for electronics and manufacturing exports.
Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port
VNCMTDeep-water port complex capable of handling the largest container vessels. Fastest-growing port with 33% annual growth.
Da Nang Port
VNDADCentral Vietnam's main port, serving the central economic region. Important for regional trade and transshipment.
Air Cargo Hubs
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
VNSGNVietnam's busiest airport for air cargo, handling high-value electronics, garments, and perishables.
Noi Bai International Airport
VNHANNorthern Vietnam's main air cargo hub, serving Samsung and other electronics manufacturers.
Transit Times from Vietnam
| Destination | Region | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | North America | 20-35 days West: 17-22 / East: 30-39 | West Coast via direct service; East Coast via Panama Canal |
| Europe (Rotterdam/Hamburg) | Europe | 25-35 days | Via Suez Canal; Mediterranean ports slightly faster |
| United Kingdom | Europe | 28-38 days | Via Rotterdam or direct services |
| China (Shanghai/Shenzhen) | Asia | 3-7 days | Short sea routes; frequent sailings |
| Japan (Tokyo/Yokohama) | Asia | 5-10 days | Direct services available from major ports |
| South Korea (Busan) | Asia | 4-8 days | Frequent services; Busan is major transshipment hub |
| Australia (Sydney/Melbourne) | Oceania | 14-21 days | Direct services from Ho Chi Minh City |
| Singapore | Southeast Asia | 2-4 days | Major transshipment hub; very frequent services |
| India (Mumbai/Chennai) | South Asia | 12-18 days | Growing trade route; direct and transshipment options |
| Middle East (Dubai/Jebel Ali) | Middle East | 15-22 days | Via direct services or Singapore transshipment |
* Transit times are estimates for FCL (Full Container Load) shipments and may vary based on carrier, season, and port congestion.
Export Documentation
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Details of goods, prices, buyer/seller information. Must match other documents exactly.
Issued by: Exporter
Packing List
Itemized list of package contents, weights, dimensions, and marks/numbers.
Issued by: Exporter
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Contract of carriage, receipt for goods, and title document. Must include complete shipper/consignee details and 4-digit HS code.
Issued by: Shipping Line/Carrier
Certificate of Origin (C/O)
Certifies country of manufacture. Required for preferential tariff treatment under FTAs (EVFTA, RCEP, CPTPP).
Issued by: Vietnam Chamber of Commerce (VCCI)
Export Declaration
Electronic customs declaration submitted via VNACCS system. Requires company i-Key.
Issued by: Customs Authority
Conditional/Optional Documents
Phytosanitary Certificate
Required for agricultural products, wood, and plant-based goods.
Issued by: Plant Protection Department
Health/Veterinary Certificate
Required for seafood, meat, and animal products. Ensures food safety standards.
Issued by: Ministry of Health / NAFIQAD
Quality Inspection Certificate
May be required for certain products. SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek commonly used.
Issued by: Accredited Inspection Agency
Insurance Certificate
Proof of cargo insurance. Required for CIF/CIP terms.
Issued by: Insurance Company
Fumigation Certificate
Required for wooden packaging materials under ISPM-15 regulations.
Issued by: Accredited Treatment Provider
Incoterms 2020 Guide
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade. There are 11 official terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce.
7 RulesAny Mode of Transport
Seller Responsibility
Make goods available at their premises. Minimal seller obligation.
Buyer Responsibility
All transport, export/import clearance, insurance, and risks from seller's door.
Experienced buyers with strong logistics capabilities who want maximum control.
Seller Responsibility
Deliver goods to carrier or nominated place, export clearance completed.
Buyer Responsibility
Main carriage, insurance, import clearance, destination delivery.
Containerized cargo and multimodal transport. More flexible than FOB for modern logistics.
Seller Responsibility
Deliver to carrier, pay freight to destination, export clearance.
Buyer Responsibility
Insurance (risk transfers at origin), import clearance, destination costs.
Multimodal shipments where seller arranges transport but buyer assumes risk early.
Seller Responsibility
Deliver to carrier, pay freight and insurance (110% coverage) to destination, export clearance.
Buyer Responsibility
Import clearance, destination unloading and delivery.
Similar to CPT but with seller providing insurance. Good for high-value multimodal cargo.
Seller Responsibility
All transport and risks to named destination (not unloaded). Export clearance included.
Buyer Responsibility
Unloading, import clearance, duties.
Door-to-door convenience when buyer handles import formalities.
Seller Responsibility
All transport, risks, and unloading at destination. Export clearance included.
Buyer Responsibility
Import clearance, duties, onward transport.
When seller can manage unloading at destination (e.g., at a terminal or warehouse).
Seller Responsibility
All transport, risks, export AND import clearance, duties to buyer's door.
Buyer Responsibility
Receive goods at their premises.
Maximum convenience for buyer. Seller handles everything including import duties.
4 RulesSea and Inland Waterway Transport Only
Seller Responsibility
Deliver goods alongside vessel at port, export clearance completed.
Buyer Responsibility
Loading onto vessel, freight, insurance, import clearance.
Bulk cargo, heavy lift, or project cargo where buyer arranges vessel loading.
Seller Responsibility
Deliver goods on board vessel, export clearance, loading costs.
Buyer Responsibility
Main carriage (freight), insurance, import clearance, destination delivery.
Most common for Vietnam exports. Buyers who want to control shipping costs and have freight forwarder relationships.
Seller Responsibility
Deliver goods on board, export clearance, freight to destination port.
Buyer Responsibility
Insurance, import clearance, destination delivery.
Buyers who want seller to arrange shipping but want to handle insurance themselves.
Seller Responsibility
Deliver goods on board, export clearance, freight, and minimum insurance to destination port.
Buyer Responsibility
Import clearance, destination delivery.
Buyers who want convenience with seller handling freight and insurance. Common for first-time importers.
Source: Incoterms 2020, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) / U.S. International Trade Administration
Customs Clearance
VNACCS Electronic System
Vietnam uses the VNACCS (Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System) for all customs declarations. Exporters need an i-Key for electronic submission. Declarations are categorized into three lanes:
Automatic clearance for low-risk shipments. Exporters with clean compliance records typically receive green lane treatment.
Document review required. Officers verify paperwork accuracy before release.
Physical inspection required. Selected for high-risk goods or compliance concerns.
Free Trade Agreements
Vietnam participates in numerous FTAs that provide preferential tariff treatment. Ensure you have the correct Certificate of Origin to claim benefits.
EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
European Union (27 countries)
Elimination of 99% of tariffs over 7-10 years
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
15 Asia-Pacific countries including China, Japan, Korea
Simplified rules of origin, reduced tariffs
Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership
11 countries including Japan, Canada, Australia
Significant tariff reductions, streamlined customs
UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
United Kingdom
Continuation of EVFTA benefits post-Brexit
ASEAN-China Free Trade Area
China and ASEAN members
Zero tariffs on most goods
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