Frequently asked questions

The HS (Harmonized System) code is the global goods classification issued by the World Customs Organization. Vietnam uses 8-digit codes under ASEAN's AHTN: the first 2 digits give the Chapter, 4 the Heading, 6 the international Subheading and 8 Vietnam's tariff line. The HS code determines the duties, control policies and documents required for a shipment.

Type the product name in the search box. Accents are optional, but typing with accents gives the most precise results. On any page, press ⌘K (or tap the magnifier icon on mobile) to open quick search. You can also type part of a code (for example 8415), browse the Section and Chapter tree, paste up to 200 codes in Batch lookup, or describe the goods and attach a photo for AI suggestions.

The MFN rate (preferential import duty) applies to goods from WTO members and requires no special origin documents. FTA rates are lower (often 0%) and apply only when the goods both originate in a member of the agreement and come with a valid C/O in that agreement's form. Without a valid C/O, the MFN rate applies.

A C/O (Certificate of Origin) is issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, and each agreement has its own form: form D (ATIGA), form E (ACFTA), AK (AKFTA), AJ (AJCEP), EUR.1 (EVFTA), the RCEP form… The importer asks the seller or exporter to obtain it in their country. On HSCodeVN, each code's FTA comparison table shows the form required.

The item can fall under several VAT rates depending on the case: 10% is the standard rate, 8% applies when the item qualifies for the current VAT reduction, and 5% or exemption (*) applies to certain groups. Please use the Tax calculator to pick the right rate and work out the amount payable. It also converts EXW, FOB, CIF… invoice prices to the customs value (see the Delivery terms page).

The Q&A answers only from HSCodeVN's own data (the nomenclature, tariff schedules, rules of origin, commodity policy and digitised documents). For every question the system looks the facts up directly, and every number in the answer is checked automatically against the source data before it is shown; an answer with any mismatch is not displayed. Each answer links to its sources so you can verify it. It remains reference information, not customs advice.

It looks up company or person names in the Consolidated Screening List, the merged export-restriction lists of three US departments (Entity List, SDN…), through the official ITA API. You should screen your buyer, the bank opening the L/C and your forwarder before signing a contract to export to the US, or when importing US-origin technology. Note that a matching name is not necessarily the same organisation or person; please compare the address and country before drawing a conclusion.

It means the product group is subject to one of Vietnam's anti-dumping, anti-subsidy or anti-circumvention measures against certain origins. The additional duty can be very high, in some cases over 60%. The scope is shown at heading level as an early warning. Per-exporter rates are listed on the Trade remedies page (/pvtm); when you need the legal basis, please check the original decisions at pvtm.gov.vn.

The AI can only choose from real codes in the tariff schedule (it cannot produce a code that does not exist) and always explains its choice, but it can still be wrong. Please treat a suggestion as a starting point and check it against the heading text, the 6 GIR rules and the SEN notes before using the code on a declaration.

The data is compiled from Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC, the 2026 tariff decrees and ASEAN's SEN notes. Sources are detailed on the About page and update dates on the Data updates page. All features are free and no account is needed.