Mandatory Specialized Inspection for Imported Goods
When carrying out import activities, not all goods can go through customs clearance using the regular procedure. Some product groups are required to undergo a specialized inspection to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with current legal regulations. So, which specific product groups are subject to this specialized inspection, and what documents and certificates do businesses need to prepare to avoid goods being held, incurring extra costs, and delaying the customs clearance process? This article will provide you with a comprehensive and updated overview.
Why is a Specialized Inspection Necessary for Imports?
Purpose of the specialized inspection
Specialized inspection during import is a mandatory requirement from various State management agencies to ensure consumer safety, environmental protection, and quality control of goods.

Why is a Specialized Inspection Necessary for Imports?
Risks of non-compliance
Businesses that fail to comply with this regulation may face numerous risks such as having goods held at the port awaiting inspection results, incurring storage and demurrage fees, or even facing administrative penalties and being forced to re-export.
Therefore, right from the import planning stage, businesses need to clearly identify whether their goods are subject to specialized inspection to proactively prepare documents and allocate appropriate time.
Product Groups Subject to Mandatory Specialized Inspection
Cosmetics, Food, and Pharmaceuticals
This group of goods is strictly managed by the Ministry of Health and the Drug Administration of Vietnam. When importing, businesses are required to have a complete set of documents and licenses, such as:
- Cosmetics: Product announcement before import
- Functional foods: Quality standard announcement and food safety inspection
- Pharmaceuticals, vaccines: Import license and quality control for each batch
- Medical equipment (Type B, C, D): Circulation license or product announcement

Product Groups Subject to Mandatory Specialized Inspection
Note: The product announcement file must be approved before the goods arrive at the port; otherwise, customs clearance will not be permitted.
Chemicals and Industrial Materials
For chemicals and industrial materials, the law stipulates that a license or declaration is mandatory before import. Some specific requirements include:
- Hazardous chemicals: Import license from the Ministry of Industry and Trade
- Fertilizers, pesticides: Circulation registration certificate
- Common medical materials: Quality inspection before customs clearance
- Industrial scraps: Import license from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Even if not on the prohibited list, many types of chemicals still require a declaration of their composition, use, and origin for legal customs clearance.
Machinery, Equipment, and Components
Machinery, equipment, and components account for a large proportion of imports, and many types are required to undergo specialized inspection procedures. Some typical requirements:
- Used machinery and production lines: Requires a certificate of eligibility for import
- Electrical and electronic equipment: May require energy efficiency inspection and energy labeling
- Engines and emission-generating equipment: Must have an environmental standard compliance certificate
- Vehicles and specialized machinery: Must have a technical safety inspection

Machinery, Equipment, and Components
Small tip: Businesses should prepare information about the year of manufacture, capacity, and condition of the goods in advance to apply for the appropriate certification, avoiding extra costs and extended customs clearance times.
Other Special Product Groups
In addition to the groups above, some other special types of goods are also subject to specialized inspection when imported, including:
- Live plants and animals: Must undergo plant/animal quarantine
- Wood and wood products: Must have a CITES license (for endangered species) and an import license
- Textile raw materials, leather and footwear: Some specific products require a conformity certification for customs clearance
Businesses need to carefully check the regulations to avoid having goods returned or held at the port.
Important Notes for Specialized Inspection Procedures
Accurately determine the HS code
Determining the correct HS code is the first and most crucial step to know whether your goods are subject to specialized inspection. An incorrect HS code will lead to incorrect declarations, wrong tax rates, or the inability to clear customs.
Prepare documents early
Specialized inspection documents should be prepared early, before the goods arrive at the port, to avoid incurring storage and demurrage fees or delays in the customs clearance process.

Important Notes for Specialized Inspection Procedures
Update new regulations
Regulations on specialized inspections are frequently updated by various ministries such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Businesses need to proactively follow these updates to avoid violations.
Use a reputable logistics service
For businesses without experience, it is advisable to authorize a reputable logistics company like Viet Trung Company to receive support from preparing documents and obtaining specialized inspection licenses to carrying out official customs clearance procedures quickly and in compliance with regulations.
Viet Trung Company – A Leading Reputable China-Vietnam Freight Forwarder
Viet Trung Company is a reputable logistics enterprise with over 15 years of experience in the field of freight forwarding and importing goods from China to Vietnam. The company provides a comprehensive official customs clearance service, assisting with customs declarations, obtaining specialized inspection licenses, and handling all related procedures, ensuring goods arrive quickly, safely, and in compliance with the law.

Viet Trung Company – A Leading Reputable China-Vietnam Freight Forwarder
With an experienced team of specialists, a professional order tracking system, transparent pricing, and clear insurance policies, Viet Trung Company has partnered with thousands of small and large businesses, contributing to the promotion of two-way trade between Vietnam and China.
Contact Information:
VIET TRUNG TRADE PROMOTION COMPANY
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- Hanoi Office: 189 Quan Hoa Street, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi
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- Warehouse 17/2, Da Sha Tou, Guangzhou, China
- Jia Yuan Hotel, 405 YanJiang Dong Road, Guangzhou, China
Warehouse System At:
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Với hơn 15 năm kinh nghiệm.Việt Trung Company tự hào là đơn vị nhập & vận chuyển hàng Trung Quốc chính ngạch TRỌN GÓI, NHANH CHÓNG, MINH BẠCH. Quý khách chỉ cần cung cấp nhu cầu (loại hàng, số lượng, ngân sách), phần còn lại chúng tôi sẽ xử lý A–Z từ: tìm nguồn hàng/xưởng uy tín, so sánh giá, chốt đơn, thanh toán an toàn, kiểm tra hàng, đóng gói và vận chuyển về Việt Nam, giao tận nơi. Giấy tờ và thuế phí hợp pháp để Quý vị an tâm kinh doanh.