Vietnam?Air freight?Three New Market Trends

Vietnam's Industry in 2025Equipment importVolume is expected to grow by 18%, with precision instruments accounting for more than 37%. The market is showing three notable shifts:Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh CityCapacity is nearing saturation—Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport adds two new all-cargo routes; Vietnam Customs launches the updated HS code system; equipment over 500 kg is now required to provide a vibration monitoring report.

Four Screening Criteria for High-Quality Agents

When selecting an air freight forwarder, the key points to evaluate are:

• Special Equipment Handling Qualification
  • IATA Dangerous Goods Certification (DGR)
  • Certificate for Lifting Oversized Cargo
• Strong local customs-clearance network
  • We have our own customs clearance team stationed in Hai Phong/Da Nang.
  • Maintain AEO mutual recognition with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam
• Emergency Response Case Repository (it is recommended to request 10 similar project cases from the past two years)
• Seat protection capability (at least three flights with reserved seats are locked in during peak season)

2025 Air Freight Cost Structure Analysis

Take the transport of a 20-ton precision machine tool as an example:

• Basic freight: $4.2–5.8/kg (including 150% fuel surcharge)
• Vietnam import stage:
  • Value-added tax (VAT) 10%
  • Environmental Surcharge: $120 per shipment (new in 2025)
• Special handling fee:
  • Anti-tilt device $800
  • Incubator rental: $1,500

Latest requirements for customs clearance documents

Pursuant to Circular No. 15/2025/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam:

• A 3D dimensional drawing of the equipment (including the center-of-gravity mark) must be submitted.
• The operation manual must be authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in China.
• Electromechanical products must be accompanied by a Vietnamese translation of the CE/FCC certification.
• The invoice must specify the equipment serial number and the year of manufacture.

Professional Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if my equipment is stuck at a Vietnamese airport?
A: Immediately initiate the "Dual Customs Clearance" procedure and prepare in parallel: 1) the equipment usage commitment letter from the Vietnamese consignee, 2) the tax guarantee letter from the Chinese bank, and 3) the status report issued by a third-party inspection agency.

Q: How can transport vibration damage be avoided?
A: It is recommended to implement a three-tier protection: 1) Custom EPE cushioning modules; 2) Install digital vibration recorders; 3) Require the agent to provide a written guarantee that the acceleration throughout the entire journey will not exceed 3G.