On June 16, 2026, the General Department of Customs issued Official Dispatch No. 17552/CHQ-GSQL on strengthening the inspection, verification of origin, and labeling of import and export goods, with the aim of preventing trade fraud, false declaration of origin, and illegal transshipment.
The details are as follows:
1. Guidelines for Inspection of Imported Goods
a. Customs Documentation Review
Cross-check the country-of-origin code (based on the UN/LOCODE standard) and detailed product information such as brand, model, technical specifications, characteristics, and intended use.
Verify the validity and expiry date of the Certificate of Origin (C/O).
Determine the applicable origin criteria (e.g., Wholly Obtained – WO; Produced Entirely – PE; or based on the Product Specific Rules – PSR list).
If fraud is suspected, the case shall be escalated to physical inspection. Where a C/O is found to be forged or invalid, preferential tariff treatment shall be denied and the matter handled in accordance with applicable regulations.
b. Physical Inspection of Goods
Cross-check information on labels and packaging against customs declarations.
Particular attention shall be paid to imported goods that already bear labels reading “Made in Vietnam,” “Produced in/by Vietnam,” or “Origin: Vietnam.” Such goods are considered to bear counterfeit labels and will be subject to strict enforcement action.
Goods that are missing labels or mandatory labeling information will be subject to administrative penalties in accordance with applicable regulations.
2. Guidelines for Inspection of Exported Goods
a. Customs Documentation Review
Cross-check the goods description, HS code, and model number stated on the customs declaration against supporting documents.
Where there are indications of suspected origin fraud (particularly for goods produced under processing or manufacturing-for-export arrangements), customs authorities will require the enterprise to provide a written explanation or additional supporting documentation proving the declared origin.
b. Physical Inspection of Goods
Verify origin information on packaging.
Where sufficient grounds for a conclusive determination are lacking, customs may conduct verification at the C/O-issuing authority or carry out an on-site inspection at the enterprise’s manufacturing facility.
Goods labeled “Made in Vietnam,” “Product of Vietnam,” or similar designations that show signs of origin fraud will be handled in accordance with applicable regulations.
3. High-Risk Practices to Be Aware Of
- Minimal processing carried out in Vietnam while labeling goods as Vietnamese-origin.
- Simple assembly of imported components solely for the purpose of affixing a “Made in Vietnam” label.
- Use of falsified documents, invoices, or records to obtain a Certificate of Origin.
4. Priority Goods and Customs Regimes
a. 18 Priority Product Groups
The following product groups are designated as priorities for enhanced inspection: Wood and wood products (plywood, cabinets, chairs), machinery and equipment, steel, electric bicycles, solar panels, tires, ceramic tiles, footwear, handbags, food products, agricultural produce, and others.
b. Customs Regimes Subject to Enhanced Scrutiny
Export regimes:
- B11 – Commercial export
- E52 – Export of processed products on behalf of foreign traders
- E62 – Export of manufactured goods produced for export
- C12 – Goods from bonded warehouses exported abroad
Import regimes:
- A11 – Import for commercial consumption
- A12 – Import for commercial production
- E31 – Import of raw materials for manufacturing goods for export
- E21 – Import of raw materials and supplies for processing on behalf of foreign traders
Recommendations for Enterprises: Enterprises are strongly advised to carefully review their product labels, origin documentation, and Certificates of Origin (C/O) prior to customs clearance. They should also maintain comprehensive records evidencing the origin of their goods, in order to minimize the risk of being denied preferential tariff treatment, incurring administrative penalties, or becoming subject to origin fraud investigations.
(Accroding to Official Dispatch No. 17552/CHQ-GSQL dated June 16, 2026)
Related Services: Certificate of Origin (C/O) Application Services & FTA Consulting
📞 Contact UNI Customs Consulting for free consultation:📧 Email: uni@eximuni.com📱 Hotline: (+84) 24-7308-7988 (Hanoi) | (+84) 28-7301-8910 (HCM)