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 Title | Implementation 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 Management | March 16, 2021 |
Decision No. 1609/QLD-MP: Guidance on Cosmetic Classification and Announcement of Cosmetic Characteristics | February 10, 2012 |
Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP: Guidelines for the Law on Foreign Trade Management | May 15, 2018 |
Decree No. 155/2018/ND-CP: Amendments to Articles Related to Business Conditions under State Management by the Ministry of Health | November 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:
Cosmetics Notification in ASEAN: A Comprehensive Guide to the Regulatory Process
Malaysia NPRA Cosmetic Notification: Requirements and Process – ASEAN
Indonesia Cosmetic Notification Process: BPOM Requirements and Timeline - ASEAN
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.