1. Introduction

In international business operations, complying with the list of prohibited imports is mandatory to avoid legal risks, financial penalties, and damage to corporate reputation.
In this article, Viet Trung Company provides a comprehensive summary of the prohibited import list in Vietnam under current regulations – particularly useful for those importing goods from China for business purposes.

List of Prohibited Imports

2. List of Goods Prohibited from Importing into Vietnam

2.1. Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives

  • Includes: guns, ammunition, grenades, explosives, military equipment.
  • Regulated under Circular 173/2018/TT-BQP.
  • Exception: Industrial explosives permitted with approval from the Ministry of Defense.

2.2. Fireworks

  • Prohibited: explosive fireworks, unauthorized firecrackers, sky lanterns, radar jamming devices.
  • Exception: Marine signal flares allowed as per Ministry of Transport regulations.

2.3. Chemicals

  • Schedule 1 Chemicals under the Chemical Weapons Convention → absolutely banned.
  • Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention → strictly prohibited in all forms.

2.4. Used Consumer Goods, Medical Equipment, and Vehicles

  • According to Circular 12/2018/TT-BCT:
    • Prohibited: second-hand electronics, refrigeration equipment, household appliances.
    • Prohibited: used medical equipment.
    • Prohibited: used bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes.

2.5. Cultural Products under Ban

  • According to Circular 24/2018/TT-BVHTTDL:
    • Prohibited: books, CDs, films with banned content.
    • Banned from import for distribution or exhibition.

2.6. Used Technology Products

  • According to Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT: Prohibited imports of used computers, printers, and telecom devices.

2.7. Banned Publications

  • Prohibited: postage stamps under circulation bans.
  • Prohibited: non-compliant radio transmission devices.

2.8. Right-Hand Drive Vehicles

  • According to Circular 13/2015/TT-BGTVT:
    • Prohibited: right-hand drive vehicles, except for limited-use specialized vehicles.

2.9. Used Materials and Vehicles

  • Prohibited: used car engines and chassis.
  • Prohibited: cars over 5 years old.

2.10. Banned Pesticides

  • According to Circular 15/2018/TT-BNNPTNT.

2.11. Endangered Wildlife Specimens

  • According to CITES Convention: Prohibited imports of specimens from endangered species such as rhinos and African elephants.

2.12. Waste and Scrap Using C.F.C.

  • Prohibited under Circular 01/2013/TT-BTNMT.

2.13. Asbestos-Containing Materials

  • According to Circular 25/2016/TT-BXD: Prohibited imports of Amphibole group asbestos.

3. Regulations on Handling Prohibited Imports

According to Decree 98/2020/NĐ-CP:

  • Administrative fines: 10 million – 100 million VND depending on value of goods.
  • Additional penalties: confiscation of goods.
  • Remedial measures:
    • Destruction of hazardous goods.
    • Forced re-export out of Vietnam.
    • Return of illicit profits.

4. Important Notes for Traders

  • Always check the prohibited import list before placing orders.
  • For sensitive goods, consult Viet Trung Company for advice.
  • Avoid unofficial import channels to minimize risks.

👉 Get Free Consultation for Official Import Services

VIET TRUNG COMPANY provides services such as ordering from Taobao, 1688, Tmall, Alibaba, hunting sales from Zara, H&M, Lining… and transporting goods from China to Vietnam with speed, reasonable prices, credibility, and guaranteed quality. We continuously strive to improve our services to become a trusted logistics provider, delivering real value and complete satisfaction to customers.

Contact Viet Trung Company

For more information about China – Vietnam shipping, customers can contact us via the following channels:

Email: viettrungcompany2012@gmail.com
Website: www.viettrungcompany.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viettrungcompany
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@viettrungcompany
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viettrungcompany

Additionally, you can reach our offices across Vietnam:
– Hanoi Office: No. 189 Quan Hoa Street, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi. Tel: 0965551166
– Da Nang Office: 2nd Floor, Savico Building, 66 Vo Van Tan, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang. Tel: 0935131816 – 0967371118
– Ho Chi Minh City Office: 264-264A Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Ward 7, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: 0935086838 – 0962259911