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: first 2 digits = Chapter, 4 = Heading, 6 = international Subheading, 8 = Vietnam's tariff line. The HS code determines duties, control policies and required documents for a shipment.

Type the product name in the search box — accents optional, but typing WITH accents gives the most precise results. Press ⌘K on any page (or the 🔍 icon on mobile) for quick search. You can also type a partial code (e.g. 8415), browse the Section/Chapter tree, paste up to 200 codes in Batch lookup, or describe/attach a photo for AI suggestions.

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

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

It means the item can fall under several VAT rates depending on conditions: 10% standard, 8% when eligible for the current VAT reduction, 5% or exempt (*) for specific groups. Use the site's Tax calculator to pick the right rate and get the final amount — it also converts EXW/FOB/CIF… invoice prices to the customs value (see the Delivery terms page).

The Q&A bot answers only from the site's own normalised datasets (nomenclature, tariffs, origin rules, policies, digitised documents) — every question triggers real lookups, and every number is mechanically verified against that data before display; a mismatch blocks the answer. Answers carry source links. It is still reference information, not customs advice.

It looks up company/person names in the Consolidated Screening List — the merged US export-restriction lists of three departments (Entity List, SDN…), via the official ITA API. Screen your buyer, L/C bank and forwarder before signing a US-bound contract, or when importing US-origin technology. Note: a name match is not proof of identity — compare address and country before concluding.

It means that product group is subject to Vietnam's anti-dumping/anti-subsidy/anti-circumvention measures against certain origins — additional duties can be very high (over 60%). The warning shows heading-level scope; look up per-exporter rates on the site's trade-remedy page (/pvtm), and check the original decisions at pvtm.gov.vn when you need the legal basis.

The AI can only pick from real codes taken from the tariff itself (it cannot invent codes) and explains its choice, but it can still be wrong. Treat it as a starting point: verify against heading texts, the 6 GIR rules and SEN notes before using a code on a declaration.

Data is compiled from Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC, the 2026 tariff decrees and ASEAN's SEN notes — see the About page for details and the Data updates page for dates. All features are free, no account needed.