Before starting the import process, the buyer needs to fully prepare important documents and comply with the conditions in Decree 116/2017/ND-CP.

The specific provisions are as follows:

Import license: For business enterprises, an import license is required from the Ministry of Industry and Trade according to Decree 116/2017/ND-CP. In case of import for personal purposes, the buyer can apply for a license at the local Department of Industry and Trade.

Commercial Invoice: This is a required document to prove the transaction between the buyer and seller. This invoice will confirm the value of the vehicle when going through customs procedures.

Vehicle registration and related documents: Including the original vehicle registration, Certificate of Origin and Certificate of Quality from the vehicle's country of origin. These documents are necessary to prove the origin and quality of the vehicle.

Payment Documents: The buyer must have payment-related documents such as bank receipts or money transfer certificates to prove the financial transaction.

After completing the above documents, the vehicle will be transported to a Vietnamese seaport, the vehicle owner must carry out the following customs clearance procedures:

Customs declaration: This is the first step in the customs clearance process. The importer will submit all relevant documents such as commercial invoice, import license, vehicle registration and payment documents to the customs authority at the port. The declaration procedures must be carried out correctly and completely to avoid legal problems.

Pay import tax: Imported cars will be subject to taxes such as import tax, special consumption tax (based on engine cylinder capacity), value added tax (VAT). Each car model will have different tax rates, so buyers need to research carefully before importing a car.

Physical inspection of goods: After declaring and paying taxes, customs will conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle to ensure that the declared information matches the condition of the vehicle. Any discrepancies may result in delays in the process or additional paperwork.

After the vehicle has cleared customs, the vehicle owner needs to continue carrying out the procedures for the vehicle to be allowed to circulate in Vietnam:

Technical safety and environmental protection inspection: Vehicle owners need to take their vehicles to inspection centers to check the technical condition and environmental protection level of the vehicle. This is a mandatory step to ensure that the vehicle meets technical and environmental standards in Vietnam.

Vehicle registration: After inspection, the vehicle owner must submit the vehicle registration application to the Traffic Police Department. The application includes the inspection certificate, vehicle registration documents and related documents. Once the procedure is completed, the vehicle owner will receive the license plate and vehicle registration, officially completing the import process.

The process of importing cars from abroad to Vietnam is not only complicated in terms of procedures but also requires importers to comply with many strict regulations related to taxes and technical standards. To ensure the process goes smoothly, importers should carefully study the current regulations and work with reputable consulting units or import companies for the best support.