Customs procedures

Procedure for importing steel

Steel import procedures, HS codes of steel, alloy steel, steel pipes, stainless steel, shaped steel, T-shaped steel I H V L Y, wire steel, steel plates, import tax, VAT and import policy of all types of steel. These are the main contents that Anlita wants to share with you in these articles.

Iron and steel are materials used a lot in life, especially in construction. Steel is imported from many different countries around the world such as China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia. Steel is imported in many forms such as: rolls, bars, tubes, and plates.However, when carrying out procedures to import steel, it is divided into two types:

  1. New steel import procedures
  2. Procedures for importing used steel

Next, Anlita would like to share about procedures for importing steel of all types, HS codes of steel plates, square steel, round steel, rolled steel, I, H, V, L steel, import tax, VAT and policies Import all kinds of steel. 

 

1. Steel import policy

1.1. Legal basis Steel is a commodity imported a lot into Vietnam, mainly for construction purposes. Procedures for importing steel of all types are specified in the following legal documents:

  1. Circular 58/2015/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN dated December 31, 2015
  2. Circular 18/2017/TT-BCT dated September 21, 2017
  3. Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated March 25, 2015; Amended and supplemented 39/2018/TT-BTC dated April 20, 2018.
  4. Decree 69/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018
  5. Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP dated February 2, 2018
  6. Decision No. 583/QD-TCHQ dated March 22, 2019
  7. Decision 3390/QD-BCT dated December 21, 2020
  8. Decision 920/QD-BCT dated March 20, 2020
  9. Official dispatch 638/TCHQ-TXNK dated February 22, 2022

According to the legal documents above, it can be seen that new steel products are not on the list of goods banned from import. For used items, they must be imported as scrap. If you want to import, you must have an import license. There are many different types of steel and when carrying out import procedures, there will be different regulations for each type. The most important point of importing steel is to check the quality of imported goods. Besides, the import tax of steel is also very different, some types are subject to anti-dumping tax.

 

1.2. Policy on importing steel of all types

When importing steel into Vietnam, the following points must be noted:

  1. Must accurately determine the HS code of the imported steel;
  2. Some types of steel must be inspected for quality when imported;
  3. Some types of steel will be subject to anti-dumping tax and self-defense tax;
  4. There must be a steel mark on the product clearly stating the contents of the label.

The list of steel products subject to quality inspection is specified in Appendix II and III of Circular 58/2015/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN. Steel products that must be inspected for quality include the following: 

Annex II  
Product code Product description
7206 Iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms (excluding iron of heading 72.03)
7207 Semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel
7208 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated
7209 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), not clad, plated or coated
7210 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated
7212 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm, clad, plated or coated
7213 Bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of iron or non-alloy steel
7214 Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, but including those twisted after rolling
7215 Other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel
7216 Angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel
7217 Wire of iron or non-alloy steel
7219 Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a width of 600 mm or more
7220 Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a width of less than 600 mm
7224 Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel
7225 Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more
7226 Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, of a width of less than 600 mm
7227 Bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, of other alloy steel
7228 Other bars and rods of other alloy steel; angles, shapes and sections, of other alloy steel; hollow drill bars and rods, of alloy or non-alloy steel
7229 Wire of other alloy steel
7306 Other tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (for example, open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed), of iron or steel
Annex III  
7207 Semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel
7210 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated
7224 Other alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms; semi-finished products of other alloy steel
7225 Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more
7306 Other tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (for example, open seam or welded, riveted or similarly closed), of iron or steel

Above are all types of steel that must be inspected for imported quality according to Circular 58/2015/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN. We only give the HS code of the first 4 numbers, to know more clearly and in more detail about steel import procedures and HS code details that must be inspected for quality. Please contact our hotline or hotmail for advice.

2. Label imported goods

Labeling imported goods is not a new regulation. However, since Decree 128/2020/ND-CP was issued, the labeling of imported goods has been more closely monitored. Labeling goods is intended to help administrative agencies manage goods, determine the origin and unit responsible for the goods. Therefore, labeling goods is one of the indispensable steps when carrying out procedures to import steel from different countries.

2.1. Label content

In addition to labeling, label content is also very important. Label content of goods is regulated in Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP. For shelf products, the content of a full label includes the following information:

  1. Information of the exporter (address, company name);
  2. Information of the importer (address, company name);
  3. Product name and product information;
  4. Origin of goods.

Those are the basic label contents that need to be affixed to the goods. Information presented must be in English or other languages must be translated. When carrying out steel import procedures, if you encounter a red channel, customs inspection will pay close attention to the label content above.

2.2. Label position on goods

Sticking labels on goods is necessary, but sticking them in the right position is more important. When importing, product labels need to be affixed to the surfaces of the package such as: On cartons, on wooden packages, on product packaging. Or anywhere as long as it’s convenient to check and easy to see. Labeling in the right location will help save inspection time when carrying out procedures to import steel of all kinds.

For retail goods on the market, more information needs to be shown. Such as the manufacturer, quantity of goods, technical specifications, date of manufacture, safety warnings.

2.3. Risks encountered when not labeling

Labeling goods is illegal according to the law. If the goods were not labeled when imported or the content of the label is incorrect. Importers must face the following risks:

  1. Being fined according to regulations, the penalty level is specified in Article 22 of Decree 128/2020/ND-CP;
  2. Not entitled to special preferential import tax because the certificate of origin will be rejected;
  3. Goods are easily lost or damaged because there are no warning labels for loading, unloading and transportation.

With the above risks, we recommend that you put labels on the goods when carrying out iron and steel import procedures. If you do not fully understand the regulations on product labels. Please contact hotline or hotmail for advice.

3. Determine the HS code of imported iron and steel

Looking up HS codes is the most important task before carrying out iron and steel import procedures. To be able to accurately determine the HS code, it is necessary to understand the properties, components, functions, and materials used to produce the product.

3.1. HS code of steel types

HS code (Harmonized System) is a series of codes used for all goods worldwide. Between different countries in the world, only the ending numbers differ. Therefore, the first 6 numbers of the HS code worldwide for an item are the same. The HS code of iron and steel is divided into two chapters in the import and export tariff as follows:

Chapter 72: Iron and Steel;

Chapter 73: Articles of iron or steel.

To accurately determine the HS code, it is necessary to learn about the product’s characteristics and its description in the import-export tariff. For iron and steel products, you need to pay attention when looking up the HS code to determine the size, type of stainless steel or regular steel, cold rolled or hot rolled, alloy or non-alloy. There are many factors that can cause you to misidentify the HS codes of steel and steel products.

3.2. Risks when applying the wrong HS code

Determining the correct HS code is very important when carrying out import procedures for steel and steel products. Misidentifying the HS code will bring certain risks to you such as:

  1. Delaying customs procedures: Declaring the wrong HS code can lead to delays in customs procedures, because it takes time to check and verify accurate information about the type of goods.
  2. Delayed delivery: If the goods are found to have an incorrect HS code declared, the customs authority may request correction or clarification of the information. This can lead to delays in delivery and affect the production and business cycle of the business.
  3. Penalties for declaring incorrect HS codes according to Decree 128/2020/ND-CP;
  4. In case of import tax, you will face a penalty of at least 2,000,000 VND and a maximum penalty of 3 times the tax amount.

To accurately determine the HS code for each specific type of iron and steel. Please contact hotline or hotmail for advice.

4. Import tax on steel of all kinds

Import tax is an obligation that the importer must refund completed when importing goods to Vietnam. There are two main types of import tax on steel products: import tax and import VAT. In addition, some HS codes also have anti-dumping taxes and self-defense taxes.

How to calculate tax when carrying out procedures to import steel of all types as follows:

  • Self-defense tax on steel products Self-defense tax = CIF value x % of self-defense tax rate
  • Anti-dumping tax Anti-dumping tax = CIF value x % anti-dumping tax rate
  • Import tax Import tax = CIF value x % import tax rate
  • Import VAT is determined according to the formula:
  • Value added tax = (CIF value + Import tax + Safeguard tax + Anti-dumping tax) x % VAT rate.

According to the above formula, it can be seen that the import tax on steel of all types depends on the tax rate according to the HS code. To get the lowest and most accurate tax rate, you must determine the correct HS codes of steel types. Besides, it also depends on whether the shipment has a certificate of origin or not, to enjoy special preferential tax rates.

Anti-dumping tax and safeguard tax depend on each specific type of steel. Regulated according to different steel hs codes. Safeguard tax is adjusted according to Circular 918/QD-BCT, anti-dumping tax is adjusted according to Circular 3162/QD-BCT.

5. Documents for steel import procedures

The dossier set for importing steel of all types includes the following documents:

  1. Customs declaration
  2. Commercial contract (Sale contract) Packing list (Packing list)
  3. Commercial invoice
  4. Bill of lading
  5. Certificate of origin (if any)
  6. Check the quality of imported goods
  7. Catalog (if any), and other documents if required by customs.

Above are all documents used to carry out customs clearance procedures for shaped steel, wire steel, and other type steel. The most important are customs declarations, commercial invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin. Other documents will be added if requested by the Customs authorities.

If you do not understand the above documents, please contact our hotline or hotmail for advice.

 

6. Imported steel quality inspection process

Most imported steel materials must be inspected for quality. The quality inspection of imported steel is under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology, regulated according to Circular 58/2015/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN. The following is the process for checking the quality of steel imported into Vietnam.

Step 1. Register information on the one-stop system

To register documents for quality inspection of imported goods. First, you must have an account on the national one-stop site vnsw.gov.vn. Once you have an account, you can enter data and register for quality testing.

The registration dossier will be managed by the Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality. Each locality will have its own management department to facilitate steel import procedures.

Step 2. Sampling and quality checking

After the application is accepted on the national single-window information portal. Then you can contact the quality control unit to take samples and test them. Choosing a sample testing unit depends on the business. However, the unit must still be on the list approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Step 3. Receive results and upload results to the one-stop site.

Once you have the quality test results, you can upload the results to the one-stop information portal to complete procedures for importing all kinds of steel.

This result can be uploaded by the testing center or uploaded by the business itself using its account.

Above are three basic steps to carry out imported steel quality inspection procedures. Quality inspection depends on the HS code of the imported steel. If you do not understand the process of quality inspection and steel import procedures. Please contact our hotline or hotmail for advice.

7. Steel import procedures

Procedures for importing steel and steel products as well as many other items. Very specifically stipulated in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated March 25, 2015, amended and supplemented 39/2018/TT-BTC dated April 20, 2018. We summarize the steps in a short description so you can get an overall picture. The procedure for importing shaped steel, I H T V L Y steel, pipe steel, alloy steel, and rebar of all kinds includes the following steps:

Step 1. Declare the customs declaration

After having all import and export documents: Contract, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, notification of arrival and determining the steel HS code. You can then enter declaration information into the customs system via software. After having the customs declaration, you can register quality inspection documents on the national single-window system. According to each type of steel, there are types that do not require quality inspection.

Declaring customs declarations on customs software. Requires importers to have an understanding of data entry into the software. Do not arbitrarily declare customs declarations when you do not clearly understand this work. Arbitrary declaration can easily lead to irreparable points on the customs declaration. Then it will take a lot of money and time to fix.

Within 30 days from the date the goods arrive at the port, the customs declarant must declare the customs declaration. If this deadline is exceeded, the importer must face fines from customs.

Step 2. Open the customs declaration

After completing the customs declaration, the customs system will return the results of declaration classification. If there is a declaration flow, print out the declaration and bring the import dossier to the customs department to open the declaration. Depending on the green, yellow, and red channeling, follow the steps to carry out import procedures for I-shaped H L V Y steel, pipe steel, round steel, and stainless steel.

The opening of the declaration must be carried out as soon as possible, at the latest within 15 days from the date of declaration. The declarant must bring documents to the Customs Branch to open the customs declaration. If the declaration exceeds 15 days, the declaration will be canceled and you will have to face customs fines.

Step 3. Customs clearance of goods

After checking the documents, if there are no questions, the customs officer will accept the customs declaration. You can now pay import tax for the customs declaration to clear the goods.

In some cases, the declaration will be released to bring the goods to the warehouse for preservation first. After completing all documents, customs will proceed to clear the customs declaration. When the declaration has not yet been cleared, procedures must be carried out to clear the declaration. If it is overdue, you will have to face penalty fees and it will take a lot of time.

Step 4. Bring the goods for preservation and use.

Upon customs clearance, proceed with the liquidation of the declaration and carry out the necessary procedures to bring the goods to the warehouse. To be able to bring goods to the warehouse, you need to prepare in advance a delivery order, a pick-up note at the port, and arrange a vehicle to pick up the goods. Avoid the situation where the declaration has been completed but there is an order from the shipping company to take the goods out of the port.

Above is the procedure for importing steel and steel products. If you do not understand the process steps, please contact us via hotline or hotmail for advice.

 

8. Things to note when carrying out steel import procedures

In the process of carrying out steel import procedures for customers. Anlita has drawn experiences that she wants to share with you. When carrying out steel import procedures, you need to note the following points:

  1. Import tax is an obligation to be fulfilled by the state.
  2. Raw steel has many different HS codes, in addition to self-defense tax and anti-dumping tax. Need to check carefully before importing to avoid unexpected taxes.
  3. Value added tax for steel products is 10%.
  4. When importing steel, goods must be labeled according to 43/2017/ND-CP;
  5. Determine the correct HS code to determine the correct tax and avoid penalties.
  6. You should prepare documents before importing goods. Avoid warehousing and warehousing, which increases costs.

Those are the notes that we want to send to you for your reference. If you find it useful, you can share it with your friends for reference. If there are any inappropriate points, please give us feedback so we can improve the article.

9. Conclusion

Above is all about steel import procedures, hs codes of stainless steel, alloy steel, I H T L V Y steel, round steel, steel plates, import tax, VAT, import policy and quality inspection of all types. steel. Hopefully this article will bring the information you are looking for.

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