News

After four years impacted by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, war, and inflation, the current market situation is gradually stabilizing, helping Vietnam’s seafood exports return to a growth trajectory.

In the third quarter of this year, seafood exports reached $2.76 billion, up nearly 13%. Catfish exports increased by 13.5%, shrimp by 17.5%, crabs by 56%, and shellfish by 95%. However, tuna exports decreased by nearly 6% in September, only increasing by 4% in the third quarter, totaling $715 million, a 16% increase overall. Catfish exports reached $1.46 billion, up 8%. Shrimp exports approached $2.8 billion, an increase of 10.5%. Squid and octopus exports fell by 2.7%, totaling $464 million, while crab exports surged by 66%, reaching $227 million, driven by demand from China.

HS Codes for Frozen Seafood

HS codes are crucial for classifying and calculating import-export taxes on frozen seafood. Here are some common HS codes:

Frozen Seafood Export Procedures

Step 1: Check Exportable Seafood
Businesses must verify that the seafood is included in the exportable list as stipulated in Article 31 of Circular 04/2015/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Step 2: Determine HS Code for Seafood
Identifying the HS code helps classify goods and determine the applicable export tax rate.

Step 3: Register for Inspection
Inspection documents for frozen seafood include:

• Registration form for inspection.
• Importing country’s inspection requirements (if any).
• Inspection certificate from the relevant authority (if required).

For live seafood inspection:

• Registration form for inspection.
• Cultivation permit from the relevant authority (if needed).
• Permit from Vietnam’s CITES authority (for endangered or rare seafood species).

After submitting the documents to the Department of Animal Health, businesses will receive inspection results and a certificate if they meet the requirements.

Step 4: Complete Customs Procedures
Required documents for customs declaration include:

1. Commercial invoice.
2. Packing list.
3. Certificate of origin (C/O).
4. Health certificate (HC).
5. Customs declaration form.

Considerations for Transporting Frozen Seafood

Certificate of Origin (C/O)
A C/O is not mandatory during customs procedures, but businesses should note that some importing markets may require a certificate of origin to benefit from preferential tax rates under trade agreements.
The C/O application documentation includes: Bill of Lading, Invoice, Packing List, customs declaration, production process, and raw material import declaration.

Storage Considerations

• For live seafood: Use specialized foam boxes or cardboard boxes with dry ice to maintain temperature.
• For frozen seafood: Package in plastic bags or foam boxes, maintaining a temperature of -20°C to ensure quality.

Contingency Time Management
Accurate management of container unloading times is essential to avoid incurring extra costs at the port and ensuring that the goods do not suffer quality degradation upon arrival.

Contact KFLV for Assistance

King Freight Logistics Vietnam is committed to providing safe and efficient frozen seafood transport services, helping businesses optimize costs and ensure project timelines. Contact us at hotline (+84) 938.188.796 for the best consulting and support.