The Process and Safety Regulations of Cosmetic Registration in Vietnam

Cosmetics registration in Vietnam is a subject to stricter requirements and conditions as the products are applied directly on the skin.

The value of the cosmetic industry in Vietnam reached US$2,011 million in 2021. Furthermore, Vietnam has worked on reducing tax prices of imported cosmetics by 0-5% through several free trade agreements signed with other countries.

The current development of the cosmetic sector in Vietnam indicates tremendous potential for foreign entrepreneurs with perfumes, make-up, hair products and essential oil being the most promising cosmetic items.

Read About Cekindo’s Cosmetics Product Registration Services in Vietnam

As such more and more foreign brands are willing to register their cosmetics in Vietnam and grab a piece of its potential, in fact, out of the 400 cosmetic businesses registered in Vietnam, 90 percent are owned by foreign investors — mostly from Korea (30%), Europe (23%) and Japan (17%).

Legal Authorities

Cosmetics are defined as substances or a preparation used externally and applied to outer parts of the human body (skin, hair, fingernails, lips) or teeth and mouth mucous membrane with the main purpose to clean, aromatize, change the external characteristics or form, or adjust body’s smell.

In Vietnam, the registration process of imported cosmetics is managed by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) through its safety regulations and certificates.

Furthermore, importers and exporters are required to obtain relevant local certificates before they start trading their products.

Registration Process of Cosmetics in Vietnam

To register a cosmetic product in Vietnam, the application dossier must consist of:

  • Proclamation report of cosmetics
  • Company registration certificate
  • The power of attorney of the producer/owner of the product
  • Free sales certificate

Also, a product registration file that consists of four parts (as follows) is required:

  • Product descriptions and summary of administrative documents
  • Product quality
  • Materials quality
  • Safety and efficiency

Safety of Cosmetics

Cosmetics producers and owners are obliged to assess the safety of their cosmetic poducts according to the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) safety guidelines and attributes.

Annex 06-MP specifies restrictions set out for heavy metals and microbial parameters. The ASEAN Cosmetic Treaty stipulates other requirements regarding safety.

The requirements are strict in order to prevent health-related issues as cosmetic products are in direct contact with the human body. Therefore, both locally produced and imported cosmetics must go through a proclamation procedure before the products can be distributed on the Vietnamese market.

Registration Number

All cosmetics products that are intended to be sold on the Vietnamese market must obtain DAV registration documents. Applicants will receive the registration number within three working days after the authority approves the application, and the registration fee is paid.

The registration number is valid for five years and can be extended before its expiration date. The registration fee is applicable as well.

Related article: An In-Depth Guidance on Market Analysis, Labeling, Claims, Packaging and Advertising for Cosmetics in Vietnam

Register Cosmetics in Vietnam with Cekindo

Cekindo is here to assist you and guide you through the whole process of cosmetic products registration in Vietnam. Contact us today, and we will get back to you with a free quotation on your specific cosmetic products.

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Tomas Svoboda - Cekindo - Vietnam Country Manager

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Ing. Tomas Svoboda

Tomas is the co-founder & Chief Business Development Officer responsible for Vietnam. His role is to define the key potential of the Vietnamese market and to ensure that Incorp's branch in Vietnam provides its clients with smooth and hassle-free market entry solutions.