Customs Guide
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Vietnam has strict import regulations. This guide helps you avoid customs delays, confiscations, and penalties when shipping from Canada.
Important Notice
This list is for general guidance only and may not reflect the latest regulations. Vietnam customs laws are updated frequently. Always verify current restrictions with Vietnamese customs authorities before shipping. ASH is not liable for items seized by customs.
🚫
Completely Prohibited
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (heroin, cocaine, opium, methamphetamine)
- Weapons, firearms, ammunition, and explosives
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Pornographic materials
- Endangered animal and plant species (CITES-listed)
- Radioactive and toxic waste
- Cultural antiques and national heritage artifacts (without export permits)
📄
Restricted — Requires Permit
- Prescription medications (require valid prescription & import license)
- Health supplements and vitamins above personal-use quantities
- Cosmetics and skincare products (requires MOH registration)
- Electronic devices with lithium batteries (quantity limits apply)
- Alcohol and tobacco products (duty & quantity restricted)
- Books, printed materials, and media (subject to content review)
- Religious texts and materials (subject to review)
🛡️
Special Handling Required
- Food and beverages (quarantine & food safety inspection)
- Plant seeds, grains, and agricultural products (phytosanitary certificate)
- Wood products and furniture (fumigation certificate required)
- Used clothing and textiles (disinfection certificate)
- Biological samples and medical equipment (health ministry approval)
- Industrial chemicals (hazardous goods declaration)
⚠️
Commonly Flagged Items
- E-cigarettes and vaping products (vape juice, devices)
- Air soft guns and replica weapons
- Lithium batteries shipped separately (not installed in devices)
- Cash and negotiable instruments above USD 5,000
- Credit cards and financial cards sent through mail
- Jewelry and precious metals (declared value limits)
Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance
1Declare all items accurately with correct values and descriptions.
2Keep original receipts and invoices for higher-value items.
3Check medication restrictions and carry prescriptions for health products.
4Avoid shipping large quantities that exceed personal-use limits.
5Label packages clearly in both English and Vietnamese where possible.
6Ask our team before shipping if you're unsure about an item.
Have questions about an item?
Our team can help you check if your items are safe to ship before you order.
