The EU is currently Vietnam’s top trading partner, the third largest export market and the fifth largest import market of Vietnam, according to data from the General Department of Customs.

In the past 8 months, Vietnam has increased imports of many products from the EU, such as pharmaceuticals (up 7.6%), chemicals (up 102%), wood and wood products, animal feed (up 102%), milk and dairy products (up 29.1%), other food products (45.3%), and input materials for production.

According to experts, the tariff reduction incentives under the EVFTA have significantly contributed to helping Vietnam improve its competitiveness and expand market share in the EU, and at the same time have access to high-quality goods of the EU.

So, how to import cargoes from the EU to Vietnam? The article below will give you a brief overview.

1. Trade relations between EU and Vietnam

Vietnam and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1990. The Vietnam – EU cooperation relationship started on humanitarian issues as overcoming war consequences, and then led to the signing of the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between the two sides (FCA) in July 1995.

Vietnam and the EU are maintaining a very profound relationship, which is reflected through many of the agreements signed by the two sides such as: the EU-VIETNAM Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which took effect in 2016, the EU – VIETNAM Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect from August 1, 2020, and the upcoming EU – VIETNAM Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

2. Export procedures for the shipments from EU to Vietnam

• Step 1: Research and opt for reputable businesses to negotiate for the order.

• Step 2: Signing the foreign trade contract

Some main contents of a commercial contract include the following mandatory provisions (according to the Commercial Law 2005):

• • Description of goods
  • Quality of goods
  • Quantity and weight of goods
  • Unit price, total cost of goods with commercial conditions (eg CIF port of loading)
  • Relevant attached documents
  • Term and place of delivery
  • Payment method 

• Step 3: Tracking the processes of the shipment

• Step 4: Do import customs clearance

• Step 5: Conducting payment to the exporter

3. Delivery of cargoes from EU to Vietnam

• By Sea freight: 
  • FCL (Full container loading) Service: If you have big volume and not delivery urgently you could consider using FCL service of SM Vietnam. We offer both Dry Container (Dry Container, Open Top container, Flat Rack container) and Reefer container service. Transit time from the EU to Vietnam by sea is normally from 20 to 33 days, depending on direct or transit service. Cut off CY is usually 2 days before departure date.

• • LCL (Less container loading) Service: If you have heavy cargo with volume < 10cbm you could consider LCL service of SM Vietnam. Cut off time at CFS Warehouse usually 4-5 days before departure date.

• By Air Freight:

• • Air Service is used for small volume and urgent leading time. SM server range of volume: Min, +45kgs, +100kgs, +300 kgs, +500 kgs, +1000kgs for range type of cargo: General cargo, Dangerous (DG cargo), Perishable cargo. Transit time by air is 7 to 8 days for classic air freight or 3-5 days for express air freight.

4. Why choosing SM Vietnam Global Logistics for your shipments

–          We have many year experience for exporting – importing shipments

SM Global Logistics is known as one of the leading freight forwarding companies in Vietnam, providing ocean freight, air freight for export- import cargo service, customs clearance and local trucking. We can handle all terms, including DDP until final destination. Until now, we have 4 branches in Vietnam and a network of agents all over the world to ensure handling shipment for many routes and types of commodities.

–          SM global Logistics has a good relationship with vendor and lines

SMG has our own trucking team with a big volume of trucks and we are able to arrange special vehicles for all kinds of cargo. Besides, we have contracts with many lines: MCC, MSC, YML,OOCL, COSCO, WANHAI, CMA CGM …so SM Global is confident with competitive rates

–          We always bring the best customer service, ready for 24/7

We are always ready to answer, solve problems related to shipment in order to provide the best service. With the spirit of international working, we not only work according to the Vietnamese time zone, but also have someone on duty to ensure that we do not miss any of our customers’ needs. We believe good service will be what keeps customers more than anything.

–          SM Global’s strength is exporting cargo from EU to Vietnam

We had experience in handling EU – Vietnam shipments, and EU – Vietnam shipments accounting for around 30% total volume cargo (data 2021) of my company.  With a big volume like that, we got competitive ocean freight to meet customer’s demands.