FIRST-TIME FDI IMPORTING INTO VIETNAM: 7 CRITICAL THINGS COMPANIES SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK

One important point businesses should understand is: securing vessel booking does not necessarily mean the shipment will arrive smoothly. For imports from China to Vietnam, the biggest risks often do not come from transportation itself, but from the preparation stage before shipping, including:

• HS codes
• Product descriptions
• Commercial documents
• Specialized inspection requirements
• Consistency among Invoice, Packing List, B/L, and C/O

1. Incorrect HS Codes or Overly Generic Product Descriptions

This is one of the most common issues for first-time importers. Many shipments are delayed not because of the products themselves, but because product descriptions are too vague, lack technical specifications, or use incorrect HS codes based on assumptions.

For FDI enterprises, this issue often happens because purchasing teams focus mainly on quotations and delivery schedules without conducting technical reviews before confirming orders.

Companies should verify HS codes and product descriptions as early as the stage when suppliers provide catalogues or technical specifications.

2. Failure to Verify Vietnam Import Regulations

A very common oversight is that businesses only check whether goods can be exported from China, without fully reviewing Vietnam’s import requirements.

In reality, many products may require:

• Specialized inspections
• Conformity declarations
• Quarantine procedures
• Import permits

Without early verification, cargo may arrive at the port without being eligible for customs clearance, resulting in storage costs and production delays.

3. Inconsistent Information Across Shipping Documents

A very common issue in first shipments is inconsistency between:

• Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (B/L)
• Certificate of Origin (C/O)

Even small discrepancies in:

• Product names
• Model numbers
• Units of measurement
• Weight details
• Product descriptions

can cause customs documents to be held for verification and clarification.

For new FDI companies in Vietnam, this issue often occurs because Chinese suppliers prepare documents based on export practices, while Vietnam customs requires documentation aligned with local clearance standards.

4. Underestimating Actual Leadtime

Many first-time importers calculate schedules based only on vessel transit time or estimated ETA, without including sufficient buffer for situations such as:

• Missing documents
• HS code verification
• Specialized inspections
• Port congestion

As a result, factory production schedules may be delayed by only a few days of customs-related issues.

5. Waiting Until Cargo Arrival to Start Customs Preparation

This is one of the biggest causes of unexpected logistics costs.

When cargo has already arrived at the port and businesses only then begin to:

• Review documents
• Reconfirm information with suppliers
• Research import regulations

they lose the advantage of proactive preparation.

Each day of delay may lead to:

• Container detention charges
• Port storage costs
• Delays in supplying materials for factory operations

Therefore, first shipments should be carefully reviewed before cargo departure together with logistics providers and customs brokers in Vietnam.

6. Focusing Only on Freight Rates Instead of Customs Handling Capability

A forwarder offering low pricing may not be the best choice if they lack experience handling Vietnam customs procedures.

For FDI companies, a single documentation error can easily cost more than the freight savings.

7. What Should Businesses Prepare Before the First Shipment?

To minimize risks from the very first shipment, FDI manufacturers should prepare:

Conclusion

For FDI enterprises importing into Vietnam for the first time, the biggest risks often do not come from transportation itself, but from preparation before cargo departs from the origin port.

When businesses:

• Understand Vietnam import regulations correctly
• Standardize shipping documents
• Review HS codes early
• Coordinate closely with logistics partners in Vietnam

the import process becomes more stable, more predictable, and better aligned with factory operation planning.