Importing silicone sealant into Vietnam may seem like a straightforward chemical product, but in practice it is one of the most disputed goods categories in logistics when it comes to the HS code — since the same “silicone glue/sealant” product can be classified into at least three different code groups depending on its composition, intended function, and packing format.
Not every business fully understands the silicone sealant import procedure, especially the need to cross-check technical documentation and catalogues instead of relying solely on the product name written on the invoice to accurately determine the HS code.
In this article, 3W Logistics presents the complete silicone sealant import procedure under the current legal regulations and the latest tariff schedule — from legal conditions, the 8-digit HS code, tax calculation, documentation, a step-by-step process, to real-world risks, from the perspective of a forwarder experienced in handling imported chemicals and industrial adhesives.
1. Legal conditions for importing silicone sealant into Vietnam
Silicone sealant is not on the list of goods prohibited from import and is generally not subject to special specialized management, except in certain cases related to specific chemical composition or intended use.
| Condition | Detailed Content |
|---|---|
| Chemical declaration | Mandatory if the silicone sealant contains substances on the list requiring chemical declaration under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP; requires cross-checking the CAS number and actual product composition |
| Conformity certification (if applicable) | Certain types of silicone sealant used in construction may require conformity certification under TCVN 7899-1:2008; wood glue may require a separate specialized quality inspection |
| Product labeling | Under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and 111/2021/ND-CP: manufacturer name, importer name, product composition, instructions for use, and manufacturing date must be clearly stated on the packaging |
| Customs declaration deadline | Within 30 days of the goods arriving at port, the business must complete the customs declaration; exceeding this deadline results in an administrative penalty |
Practical note: The most important point in the silicone sealant import procedure is that the documentation is generally quite simple, not subject to the same special specialized management as many other chemical categories. However, businesses should not casually skip the step of checking the product’s composition and CAS number — if the silicone sealant contains a solvent or additive on the list requiring declaration under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP, overlooking this step can cause the shipment to be held up in customs clearance even when all other documentation is complete.
2. 8-digit HS code and import duty for silicone sealant
This is the most complex part of the silicone sealant import procedure, as there is no single HS code that applies uniformly to every type of silicone sealant — classification depends on the predominant chemical component, the intended function (bonding, sealing joints, waterproofing), and the scope of application in construction or industry.
| Product Type | 8-Digit HS Code | Detailed Description | Import Duty (MFN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone sealant for joint sealing, construction bonding | 3214.10.00 | Mastics, caulking compounds — the most common code for silicone sealant used for filling, sealing, and bonding in construction and industry | 5% |
| Silicone glue in retail packaging ≤1kg | 3506.10.00 | Products suitable for use as glue/adhesive, put up for retail sale, with a net weight not exceeding 1kg | 3–5% |
| Other silicone glue (bulk/industrial packaging) | 3506.99.00 | Other glues/adhesives not specified under the above subheadings, typically used for large-scale industrial manufacturing | 5% |
| Raw silicone material (not yet a finished glue product) | 3910.00.90 | Other primary-form silicone — applies to raw silicone input material, not yet a finished, complete glue product | 3–10% |
Important note on HS code: Determining the HS code in the silicone sealant import procedure cannot be based on the product name written on the commercial invoice — it must be cross-checked against technical documentation, catalogues, and a detailed description of the product’s composition. Many businesses confuse code 3910 (raw silicone material) with codes 3214/3506 (finished glue product) — these are two groups with an entirely different underlying nature, even though both are commonly referred to as “silicone.” Declaring the wrong HS code risks retroactive tax collection and penalties under Decree 128/2020/ND-CP. For goods imported from China or Thailand with a valid C/O, import duty can drop to 0% under the relevant FTA — this is the prerequisite condition for receiving this special preference.
3. Documentation for the silicone sealant import procedure
The documentation package for the silicone sealant import procedure is generally quite simple compared to many other chemical categories, but must still be complete and accurate to avoid issues during customs clearance.
| Document | When to Prepare | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Contract | Before placing a deposit | Must clearly state the glue type, composition, origin, and provision terms for the C/O and technical documentation |
| Commercial Invoice & Packing List | Before the goods are shipped | Must fully state the product name, packing specifications (tube, box, drum), and net weight for each type |
| Bill of Lading | After the goods are loaded onto the vessel | Silicone sealant is typically shipped in standard dry containers; must be stored away from high temperatures that could affect the glue’s quality |
| Technical documentation (MSDS, catalogue) | Before declaring the HS code | A chemical composition table with CAS numbers, the basis for accurately determining the HS code and checking whether chemical declaration is required |
| Chemical declaration documentation (if applicable) | Before the goods reach port | Carried out via the National Single Window Portal under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP if the product contains a chemical on the managed list |
| C/O (Certificate of Origin) | Before the goods are shipped | A prerequisite for special preferential import duty, which can drop to 0% from China/ASEAN |
| Electronic customs declaration (VNACCS/VCIS) | Within 30 days of the goods arriving at port | Declare the correct HS code, duty rate, product name, and origin — errors can result in a penalty under the Customs Law |
4. Step-by-step silicone sealant import procedure
Step 1: Negotiate the contract and collect technical documentation
Sign the contract to purchase the silicone sealant, requesting the supplier to send the MSDS and a technical catalogue clearly showing the chemical composition, CAS numbers, and intended function, to serve as the basis for determining the HS code.
Step 2: Determine the HS code and check whether chemical declaration is required
Cross-check the actual composition against the export-import tariff schedule to correctly determine whether the HS code falls under heading 3214.10, 3506.10/99, or 3910.00.90; simultaneously check whether the product falls on the list requiring chemical declaration under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP.
Step 3: Carry out chemical declaration (if subject to management)
If the silicone sealant contains a chemical on the managed list, complete the declaration via the National Single Window Portal before the goods reach port, to avoid delaying customs clearance.
Step 4: Transport the goods to a Vietnamese port
Silicone sealant is typically shipped in standard dry containers; temperature conditions during transport should be monitored to avoid affecting the product’s quality and shelf life.
Step 5: Customs declaration and duty payment
Within 30 days of the goods arriving at port, open the VNACCS/VCIS declaration with the complete HS code, C/O number (if applicable), and chemical declaration number (if applicable). Pay the import duty and VAT to clear the declaration.
Step 6: Bring the goods to storage and put them into use
Once the declaration is cleared, complete the declaration settlement and any necessary procedures to bring the goods to a storage warehouse, ready for manufacturing or commercial distribution.
5. How to calculate import duty for silicone sealant
Silicone sealant is not subject to special consumption tax, only import duty and VAT. For example, take a shipment of construction joint sealant (HS code 3214.10.00) imported from China, with a CIF value of VND 200 million, comparing the case with and without a C/O Form E:
| Tax / Cost Item | No C/O (MFN 5%) | With C/O Form E (0%) |
|---|---|---|
| CIF Value | VND 200,000,000 | VND 200,000,000 |
| Import duty | 5% × 200M = VND 10,000,000 | 0% × 200M = VND 0 |
| VAT (10%) | 10% × (200+10)M = VND 21,000,000 | 10% × (200+0)M = VND 20,000,000 |
| Total tax payable | VND 31,000,000 (~31 million) | VND 20,000,000 (~20 million) |
| Savings with a C/O | ~VND 11,000,000 — a meaningful difference for businesses regularly importing large volumes of silicone sealant to supply the construction and industrial manufacturing sectors. | |
From 3W Logistics’ real-world experience: With silicone sealant, the most common mistake we see isn’t in the customs procedure itself (which is fairly simple) but in HS code determination — many businesses reuse the HS code from a previous shipment without carefully checking when the supplier has changed the product’s formulation, leading to a declaration error and a request for explanation or mid-process adjustment. We always recommend clients cross-check the latest technical documentation whenever there’s a change in supplier or product formulation, even for a minor change in composition. – Ms. Apple, CCO, 3W Logistics
6. Common risks in the silicone sealant import procedure
| Risk | Manifestation | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong HS code based on the product name | Declaring the HS code based on the silicone glue’s name on the invoice rather than cross-checking actual composition — customs reclassifies and collects the duty difference retroactively | Always cross-check the MSDS and technical catalogue before declaring; consult a forwarder experienced in chemicals and adhesives |
| Overlooking the chemical declaration requirement | The product contains a substance on the managed list under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP but was not declared in advance — goods held up in customs clearance at port | Check the CAS numbers in the composition table before signing a contract for large-volume import |
| Missing the customs declaration deadline | Failing to complete the declaration within 30 days of the goods arriving at port — administrative penalty under the Customs Law | Closely track the vessel schedule, proactively preparing documentation to open the declaration within the prescribed timeframe |
| Not updating the HS code when the formulation changes | The supplier changes the product formulation but the business still applies the old HS code — resulting in an incorrect declaration and a request for adjustment | Request updated technical documentation whenever there’s a change in supplier or product composition |
| Degradation due to improper temperature storage | Silicone sealant hardens or loses quality due to transport/storage under unsuitable temperature conditions | Check the manufacturer’s storage recommendations and choose a suitable transport and storage method |
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the silicone sealant import procedure
Question 1: What documents does the silicone sealant import procedure require?
The complete documentation package for the silicone sealant import procedure includes: the Sales Contract; Commercial Invoice and Packing List; Bill of Lading; C/O (if seeking FTA preference); technical documentation (MSDS, catalogue); chemical declaration documentation (if the product is subject to management); and the VNACCS/VCIS electronic customs declaration.
Question 2: What is the HS code for silicone sealant?
There is no single HS code for every type of silicone sealant. Depending on composition and intended use, silicone sealant may fall under code 3214.10.00 (mastics, sealing compounds used in construction), 3506.10.00/3506.99.00 (packaged glues/adhesives), or 3910.00.90 (raw silicone material, not a finished glue product). This is why the silicone sealant import procedure requires careful cross-checking of technical documentation before declaration.
Question 3: How many types of tax must be paid when importing silicone sealant?
Silicone sealant is subject to only two layers of tax: (1) Import duty, calculated on the CIF value, typically ranging from 3-10% under MFN depending on the HS code and origin, which can drop to 0% with a valid FTA C/O; and (2) 10% VAT, calculated on the total CIF plus import duty. Silicone sealant is not subject to special consumption tax.
Question 4: How long does the silicone sealant import procedure take?
The total time from signing the contract to the goods arriving at the warehouse is typically 15-30 days for goods not subject to chemical declaration, and can extend further if chemical declaration under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP is required. Within this: transport from China/Thailand takes 5-10 days; customs declaration and clearance take 2-5 days, which must be completed within 30 days of the goods arriving at port per regulations.
How does 3W Logistics support the silicone sealant import procedure?
With experience handling a wide range of imported chemicals and industrial adhesives, and registered as an OTI-NVOCC with an FMC bond (Federal Maritime Commission) in the United States, 3W Logistics provides a full-package service for businesses on the silicone sealant import procedure — from HS code classification advisory through to the goods arriving at the distribution warehouse.
3W Logistics offers comprehensive logistics services:
- Advisory on accurately determining the HS code by composition and function: Cross-checking the MSDS and technical catalogue to correctly classify between heading 3214, 3506, and 3910, avoiding the risk of reclassification and retroactive tax collection.
- Checking the chemical declaration requirement before ordering: Reviewing CAS numbers in the composition table, proactively completing chemical declaration early if the product falls on the managed list.
- Support obtaining the correct FTA-form C/O from the supplier: Guiding Chinese suppliers in applying for Form E, and Thai/ASEAN suppliers in applying for Form D, to optimize import duty costs.
- Tracking the declaration timeline: Ensuring the customs declaration is completed within 30 days of the goods arriving at port, avoiding administrative penalties.
- Electronic customs declaration via VNACCS/VCIS and resolving issues at the border: Declaring the correct HS code, quickly handling any requests for explanation that arise.
Why choose 3W Logistics for your silicone sealant import shipment? The silicone sealant import procedure, while not complex from a licensing standpoint, requires deep experience in accurately classifying the HS code among several easily confused groups, along with the ability to correctly identify cases requiring chemical declaration. We stand alongside you from the HS code determination step through to the goods arriving at the warehouse — helping your business shorten customs clearance time and avoid unnecessary additional costs. Contact 3W for specific advice before signing your import contract.
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Hotline: +84 28 3535 0087
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Hotline: +84 225 355 5939
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3W LOGISTICS CO., LTD – We here serve you there!
Email: quote@3w-logistics.com
Website: www.3w-logistics.com
Ms. Apple is the CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) at 3W Logistics, with over 10 years of experience in sales and business operations management.
At 3W Logistics, Ms. Apple is responsible for commercial strategy, corporate customer development, managing a team of more than 50 sales professionals, and improving business performance in the logistics sector.
With practical experience in sales management and market development, Ms. Apple shares professional insights on business logistics solutions, international transportation, freight forwarding, customer management, trade lane development, and growth strategies in the logistics industry.
