Good news for New Zealand Exporters to Viet Nam

This update included important changes about completing the CoO form, which are backdated to 1 October 2015.

Shipments to Vietnamese importers since 1 October 2015, where CoOs were deemed non-compliant and where tariff preference was denied by the General Department of Vietnam Customs may be entitled to a refund of the duty paid.

In addition, the new circular advised that Box 10 of the CoO form must indicate the number and date of the commercial invoice issued by the exporter or the manufacturer or the third-party trader.

Previously, the Vietnamese Circular would not allow AANZFTA tariff preference for goods imported into Viet Nam where the manufacturer/exporter’s invoice number was not referenced on the CoO.

The New Zealand embassy in Viet Nam and New Zealand Customs have been in contact with MOIT and the General Department of Vietnam Customs to seek further clarification about the backdating of the amended circular.

We have been advised that companies which meet the requirements can apply for a refund of duty and that any application for duty refunds must be sent to the customs branch where customs declarations were registered.

We appreciate that some companies may require assistance in applying for a refund and we would like to offer exporters our support through the application process. To check your eligibility and discuss your options please email us on feedback@customs.govt.nz.