Cosmetic

Vietnam Cosmetic Product Notification – DAS - ASEAN

Vietnam offers a growing cosmetics market, but strict regulatory oversight is enforced by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAS). This guide covers the notification requirements, procedural steps, and compliance measures necessary for businesses to legally market cosmetic products in Vietnam.

Understanding ASEAN Cosmetic Regulations


The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) introduced the ASEAN Harmonised Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS) to ensure consistent safety and quality standards across its 11 member states: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. Since the full implementation of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) in 2008, cosmetic products manufactured or sold in one ASEAN country can be marketed across other member states, provided they meet local notification requirements. However, businesses must still complete separate notifications for each country to comply with local regulations.

Vietnam Regulatory Documents on Cosmetic Product Notification


Document TitleImplementation Date
ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)January 1, 2008
Consolidated Document No. 7/VBHN-BYT: Consolidation of Circulars (Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT and Circular 29/2020/TT-BYT) on Cosmetic ManagementMarch 16, 2021
Decision No. 1609/QLD-MP: Guidance on Cosmetic Classification and Announcement of Cosmetic CharacteristicsFebruary 10, 2012
Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP: Guidelines for the Law on Foreign Trade ManagementMay 15, 2018
Decree No. 155/2018/ND-CP: Amendments to Articles Related to Business Conditions under State Management by the Ministry of HealthNovember 12, 2018



Competent Authority in Vietnam


The Ministry of Health (MoH) is in charge of formulating and issuing the major cosmetic regulations in Vietnam. The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the MoH is responsible for issuing specific enforcement rules and measures, processing notifications, and conducting post-market surveillance.

Who Can Apply for a Cosmetic Notification in Vietnam?


According to the Vietnam cosmetic regulations, only a company in the territory of Vietnam can apply for notification with the DAV and place the products in the market. In such a case, exporters can choose to set up a subsidiary, find a reliable and experienced local distributor, or a third-party consulting company.

Cosmetics Notification Process in Vietnam


  • Step 1: Formula and Packaging Review

Ensure the product’s formula and packaging comply with Vietnam’s regulatory standards.

  • Step 2: Preparation of Vietnamese Labeling

Labels must include usage instructions, notification entity, and precautions in Vietnamese.

  • Step 3: Apply for NSW Account

Before accessing the NSW (National Single Window) system, the NSW company account should be applied.

  • Step 4: Online Submission and Payment

Submit all required documents through the NSW. The notification dossier will be delivered to the DAV for review. During this time the applicant should also pay for the administration fee. The notification fee is 21 USD for each product.

  • Step 5: Notification Approval:

It takes the DAV around 1 month to review the notification dossier. If the DAV confirms the dossier is valid and completed, the DAV will issue the notification receipt number. The receipt number is valid for 5 years.Notification Completion Time: 2–3 months.

Documents Required for Vietnam Cosmetic Notification


  • Brand and Product Name

  • Product Type (e.g., skincare, haircare, makeup)

  • Intended Usage

  • Manufacturer/importer/packaging company/notification applicant Information

  • Country of Origin

  • Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): in English or Vietnamese

  • Complete Ingredient List

  • Letter of Authorization (LoA): issued by the brand owner to notification applicant, in English or Vietnamese, must be a notarized copy and legalized by the consulate

Note: Usage instructions, notification entity, and precautions on the label must be written in Vietnamese to meet regulatory standards. To know your ingredient regulatory status, try our COSMETIC INGREDIENT SEARCH TOOL for a comprehensive search.

How REACH24H Can Help


At REACH24H, we specialize in ensuring cosmetic products meet Vietnam’s regulatory standards. Our comprehensive services include:

  • Review of banned/restricted cosmetic ingredients specific to Vietnam regulations

  • Formula and labeling compliance review

  • Preparation and submission of required documentation, including Vietnamese labeling

  • Assistance with online notification submission via the DAV portal

  • Regular updates and alerts on Vietnam’s cosmetic regulatory changes

Why Trust REACH24H’s Expertise


At REACH24H, we have helped over 1,000 cosmetic companies worldwide achieve compliance. Our innovative regulatory solutions set us apart in the industry. For any questions, contact us at customer@reach24h.com. Read more:


FAQs

Q: Do novel cosmetic ingredients require approval from the regulatory authority? Or is it only the final formulated product that needs to be submitted for approval? What happens if the novel ingredient is not yet included in the positive list?

A: No, Vietnam does not have a specific procedure for registering new cosmetic ingredients. As long as the ingredient is not banned and is used in accordance with the ACD annexes, it can be used.


Q: Is cosmetic registration in Vietnam carried out on a formula basis rather than per product reference?

A: Yes. Cosmetic notification in Vietnam is conducted on a formula basis. Each notification must include all required information and supporting documents, including formula for each sku/shade/scent.


Q: How long does the cosmetic registration (DAV approval) take? Around 2–3 months?

A: In Vietnam, the lead time for cosmetic notification may vary from case to case, but it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 months on average. If the DAV raises objections or requests additional clarification, the timeline may be extended depending on the complexity of the response.


Q: Can we use in vitro UVA test results (PA value) to support sunscreen product claims on the label in Vietnam?

A: In Vietnam, sunscreen labeling follows the ASEAN Sunscreen Labeling Guidelines, which require that sunscreens demonstrate protection against both UVB and UVA. UV protection is typically expressed through the SPF value (for UVB protection). If a product makes UVA-related claims, the PA value should also be included to substantiate those claims.


Q: Are product labels required for DAV approval?

A: A product label is not officially listed as a required document for cosmetic notification in Vietnam. However, in practice, the DAV may request the product label during the approval process. If so, companies should ensure that the information on the original label is compliant, as the DAV may review it carefully and raise objections in cases of over-claims or misleading statements.


Q: Can we claim “anti-bacterial” (kháng khuẩn) for a body wash product?

A: In theory, antibacterial claims may be presented as secondary claims for cosmetics in Vietnam. However, in practice, such claims are often challenged or rejected during the cosmetic notification process by the DAV, as they may imply a therapeutic function. Companies should therefore be cautious when considering antibacterial claims for cosmetic products.


Q: For cosmetics or personal care products imported into Vietnam, do we need to consider the inventory status of the Vietnam NCI?

A: For finished cosmetic or cleaning products, there is no requirement to check the Vietnam National Chemical Inventory (NCI). However, if you are importing raw ingredients of cosmetics or cleaning products as standalone substances, they may fall under Vietnam’s chemical management regulations. In such cases, inventory listing and certain declaration requirements under the chemical regulatory framework may apply.

Q: Does the label for cosmetics registration in Vietnam have to be in Vietnamese, or is it sufficient to add a Vietnamese label after the registration is complete?

A: Vietnamese language labels are required during registration. After registration is complete, a Vietnamese label can be added to the original packaging.


Q: In Vietnam, do imported ingredients for cosmetics need to go through the same registration process as cosmetic products?

A: No, Vietnam does not have ingredient registration process. The focus is on registering products. The ingredients in the products must comply with ACD regulations.

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