Complete Guide to Exporting from Vietnam to Europe

The European Union offers Vietnamese exporters access to one of the world’s most attractive markets—€17 trillion in combined GDP across 27 member states with 450 million consumers who value quality, sustainability, and innovation. With the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) eliminating 99% of tariffs over ten years and bilateral trade exceeding €56 billion annually, European market opportunity has never been stronger for Vietnamese businesses ready to meet sophisticated regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Yet the EU’s attractiveness comes with complexity that intimidates many Vietnamese exporters. CE marking requirements vary by product category with technical specifications running hundreds of pages. REACH chemical registration can cost €50,000-500,000 per substance depending on tonnage and complexity. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes fines up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue for violations. And sustainability requirements—from carbon border adjustments to deforestation regulations—create new compliance obligations that many Vietnamese companies have never encountered in other markets.

This comprehensive guide provides Vietnamese exporters with a practical framework for European market success. We’ll examine the EU regulatory environment and how to navigate it efficiently, EVFTA benefits and rules of origin requirements that unlock tariff preferences, step-by-step export procedures from compliance through customs clearance, sector-specific requirements for key Vietnamese export categories, and market entry strategies that work for different business models and resources. Whether you’re exploring European market feasibility or expanding existing operations, these insights will help you build sustainable EU market presence while managing regulatory complexity and costs effectively.

Understanding the EU Regulatory Framework

The European Union operates as a customs union with a single market for goods, meaning products cleared in one member state can move freely throughout all 27 EU countries without additional customs procedures. This creates tremendous opportunity—clear customs once in Rotterdam, then distribute freely to Germany, France, Italy, and beyond—but also demands understanding how EU-wide regulations interact with member state-specific requirements.

EU Single Market Fundamentals

The EU Customs Union establishes a common external tariffapplicable to all imports regardless of entry point. Unlike other trade blocs where tariffs vary by member country, EU tariffs are harmonized—the duty rate for furniture entering Germany equals the rate for furniture entering Spain. This predictability simplifies planning and enables flexible logistics strategies where you choose entry points based on operational efficiency rather than tariff arbitrage.

The Union Customs Code (UCC), effective since 2016, standardizes customs procedures across member states through electronic systems that have largely eliminated paper-based processes. Import declarations file through national customs systems interfacing with EU-wide databases. Risk analysis occurs automatically using common risk criteria. And customs simplifications—like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status or centralized clearance—function EU-wide once approved in any member state.

EU Regulatory Body	Scope of Authority	Key Requirements for Vietnamese Exporters
European Commission	Trade policy, customs union, market surveillance, standards	EVFTA rules of origin, EUR.1 certificates, customs procedures, product safety directives
Member State Customs	Import clearance, duty collection, compliance verification	Customs declarations (SAD/electronic), physical cargo clearance, examination procedures
EMA European Medicines Agency	Pharmaceuticals, medical devices	Medical device classification (I-III), conformity assessment, clinical evaluation, registration
EFSA Food Safety Authority	Food safety, novel foods	Novel food authorization, health claims approval, food additive approval, scientific assessments
ECHA Chemicals Agency	REACH, CLP, chemicals	Substance registration (>1 ton/year), safety data sheets, authorization for SVHCs, restriction compliance

EVFTA Benefits and Requirements

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in August 2020, represents the most comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and a developing country. For Vietnamese exporters, EVFTA offers dramatic tariff reductions that improve price competitiveness—but only when you meet stringent rules of origin requirements proving products qualify as Vietnamese origin.

Tariff Elimination Schedule

EVFTA eliminates 99% of tariffs over a 10-year period following different schedules by product category. Electronics and machinerysaw immediate tariff elimination (2020) for most products—critically important for Vietnam’s largest export category. Textiles and garmentsfollow 7-year elimination schedules, with duties up to 12% being phased out gradually. Footwearbenefits from progressive elimination of 4-8% duties over similar timeframes. Agricultural productshave product-specific schedules reflecting EU sensitivities for certain commodities.

For example, Vietnamese coffee previously faced 7.5% EU duties—eliminated immediately under EVFTA, saving €75 per ton or €7,500 per 40-foot container. Vietnamese furniture faced 2.5-4% duties, now progressively eliminated. Shrimp faced 4.2-12% duties depending on processing level, with staged elimination providing growing price advantages over competitors from Thailand, India, or Ecuador that pay full duties.

Rules of Origin Compliance

Origin Criterion	Requirements	Documentation
Wholly Obtained	Products entirely produced/harvested in Vietnam (agricultural products, minerals, seafood caught by Vietnamese vessels)	EUR.1 movement certificate from Vietnam Customs, evidence of Vietnamese production/harvest
Sufficient Transformation	Non-originating materials undergo substantial processing meeting product-specific rules (change in tariff classification, value-added thresholds, specific processes)	EUR.1 certificate, production records, supplier declarations for inputs, value-added calculations
Tolerance Rules	Up to 10% non-originating materials allowed for industrial products without affecting origin (15% for textiles under specific rules)	Detailed material sourcing records, percentage calculations, compliance documentation
Cumulation	Materials from EU treated as Vietnamese origin when used in Vietnamese production (bilateral cumulation only—no third countries)	Supplier declarations from EU suppliers, evidence of EU origin, cumulation documentation

Registered Exporter System (REX)provides an alternative to EUR.1 certificates for approved Vietnamese exporters. Register with Vietnam Customs to receive REX number, then issue origin declarations on commercial invoices without separate certificates. This simplifies documentation and reduces costs, but requires maintaining comprehensive origin documentation supporting all declarations for potential verification audits.

Product Compliance Requirements

EU product requirements are among the world’s most stringent, reflecting European priorities for consumer protection, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Understanding which requirements apply to your products—and how to demonstrate compliance cost-effectively—determines market access feasibility.

CE Marking

CE marking indicates product conformity with applicable EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. Required for products in multiple categories including machinery, electrical equipment, medical devices, toys, personal protective equipment, and construction products. CE marking is not optional—products requiring it cannot be sold in the EU without proper compliance and marking.

The CE marking process involves four steps. First, identify which EU directives and harmonized standards apply to your product—this determines specific technical requirements. Second, conduct product testing and technical documentation preparation, often requiring testing by EU notified bodies for higher-risk products. Third, perform conformity assessment following procedures defined in applicable directives (self-declaration for some products, third-party certification for others). Fourth, affix CE marking to products and prepare EU Declaration of Conformity documenting compliance.

Costs vary dramatically by product category and risk level. Low-risk electrical products might require €2,000-5,000 for testing and documentation. Medical devices can cost €20,000-100,000+ depending on classification. Machinery with safety implications might require €5,000-15,000. Budget both money and time—testing and certification typically requires 2-4 months for straightforward products, 6-12 months for complex or higher-risk categories.

REACH Chemical Compliance

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulates chemical substances manufactured in or imported into the EU above 1 ton annually. For Vietnamese exporters, REACH creates obligations when products contain chemicals—everything from plastics to textiles to electronics contains chemical substances potentially requiring registration.

Vietnamese manufacturers cannot register substances directly. Appoint an Only Representative (OR)in the EU who acts as your REACH compliance representative, registers substances on your behalf, and serves as the responsible party for EU authorities. OR services typically cost €10,000-30,000 annually plus registration fees that scale with tonnage: 1-10 tons (€2,000-5,000 registration), 10-100 tons (€10,000-25,000), 100-1,000 tons (€30,000-80,000), 1,000+ tons (€80,000-500,000+ for full registration dossiers).

Many Vietnamese exporters overlook REACH until enforcement actions create problems. Customs can detain shipments pending REACH verification. Market surveillance authorities can order product recalls. Buyers often require REACH compliance declarations before placing orders. Start REACH compliance assessment early—substance identification and registration preparation can take 6-12 months.

Food Safety and Labeling

EU food law requires all food businesses to implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems ensuring food safety. Vietnamese food exporters must document hazard analysis, identify critical control points, establish monitoring procedures, maintain corrective action protocols, and verify system effectiveness through regular audits.

EU food labeling requirements mandate specific information: product name, ingredients list (descending order by weight), allergen declarations (14 major allergens highlighted), net quantity, best-before or use-by date, storage conditions and preparation instructions, nutritional declaration (energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, salt per 100g/ml), and business operator name and address. All information must appear in languages understood by consumers in target markets—French for France, German for Germany, etc.

Novel Foods—foods not significantly consumed in the EU before May 1997—require pre-market authorization from the European Commission. Many traditional Vietnamese foods potentially qualify as novel foods requiring authorization before sale. The process takes 18-24 months minimum and costs €50,000-200,000+ including safety dossier preparation, scientific studies if needed, and administrative fees. Determine novel food status early to avoid launching products that face authorization requirements you didn’t anticipate.

Customs Procedures and Logistics

EU customs clearance follows standardized procedures across member states, though practical implementation details vary. Understanding the process and choosing entry points strategically optimizes costs and transit times.

Import Declaration and Clearance Process

Import declarations file electronically through member state customs systems using harmonized procedures. The Single Administrative Document (SAD)or its electronic equivalent contains all information needed for customs processing: product descriptions and HS codes, customs values and currency, country of origin and preferential treatment claims, statistical information, and transportation details.

EU customs uses automated risk assessment scoring every shipment. High-risk shipments face documentary review or physical examination. Risk factors include: new importer without trade history, products with historical compliance issues, mismatched documentation, origin irregularities, or random selection for audit purposes. First-time Vietnamese exporters should expect 15-30% examination rates initially, declining to 2-5% once compliant trade history establishes low-risk status.

Shipping and Port Selection

Route/Port	Transit Time	Best For
Northern Europe Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp	25-32 days ocean from Vietnam	Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Scandinavia, UK markets; largest port capacity and logistics infrastructure
Southern Europe Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa	22-28 days via Suez Canal	Spain, France, Italy, Mediterranean markets; shorter ocean transit but sometimes limited port capacity
Air Freight Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris CDG	3-7 days door-to-door	High-value products, time-sensitive shipments, product launches, fashion, perishables with short shelf life
Rail (via China) China-Europe rail corridors	15-20 days	Emerging option for certain routes; faster than ocean, cheaper than air; requires consolidation in China

Port selection affects total landed costs beyond just ocean freight rates. Rotterdam offers excellent infrastructure and efficiency but serves northwestern European markets most effectively. Barcelona provides shorter ocean transit and good access to Spain, France, and Italy. Consider final destination markets, inland transportation costs (€500-1,500+ per container), port congestion and reliability, customs clearance efficiency and examination rates, and available warehouse and distribution services near ports.

Market Entry Strategies

European market entry strategy selection depends on product characteristics, target customer segments, available resources, and long-term market objectives.

Distribution Model Options

Distributor partnershipsoffer the most common entry model for Vietnamese exporters. European distributors provide established customer relationships, local market expertise, warehousing and logistics infrastructure, and after-sales service capabilities. Exclusive distributors receive territorial rights (single country or multiple countries) in exchange for volume commitments and active market development. Non-exclusive arrangements allow multiple distributors per market, maximizing coverage but potentially creating channel conflicts.

Distributor selection criteria should emphasize market reach and customer access, financial stability and creditworthiness, product category expertise and complementary portfolios, logistics and service capabilities, and cultural and language compatibility. Many Vietnamese exporters select distributors primarily on initial order size—but distributor quality and longevity matter more than first purchase volume. Conduct thorough due diligence including financial reference checks, customer references, market visits when possible, and clear written distribution agreements defining territories, targets, pricing, payment terms, and termination procedures.

E-commerce platformsenable direct European market access with moderate investment. Amazon Europe operates integrated marketplaces across multiple countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Netherlands, etc.) with single registration and pan-European fulfillment. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) provides warehousing across Europe, picking and packing, customer service, and returns management—though at fees totaling 30-45% of sales. Local platforms like Bol.com (Netherlands/Belgium), Cdiscount (France), or Otto (Germany) serve specific markets effectively but require separate relationships and integrations.

Direct-to-consumer websitesoffer full control over brand, customer experience, and margins—but require significant marketing investment, EU logistics capabilities, multilingual customer service, and GDPR-compliant data processing. Best for established brands with marketing resources, niche products with passionate customer communities, or high-margin products justifying customer acquisition costs.

Pricing and Positioning

Calculate total landed cost for European markets including: product manufacturing cost, Vietnam export costs, international shipping (ocean €2,000-4,000 per 40ft container, air 5-10x higher), marine insurance (0.3-0.5% of value), EU customs duties (0% with EVFTA origin compliance, standard tariff without), customs clearance fees (€150-400 per entry), inland transportation to final destination, warehousing and distribution, and VAT (17-27% depending on member state and product category—charged to end consumer but affects working capital).

European consumers expect premium quality, sustainable production, and ethical sourcing. Position Vietnamese products on quality and craftsmanship, sustainability and environmental credentials, cultural authenticity and heritage, or innovation and modern design—not primarily price. Price-based positioning puts you against competitors from Bangladesh, Pakistan, or China with even lower costs. Value-based positioning protects margins while meeting European buyer preferences for responsible sourcing and quality assurance.

Sustainability and ESG Compliance

The European Union leads globally on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements affecting imports. Vietnamese exporters must understand emerging regulations and prepare compliance strategies.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

CBAM, phasing in from 2023-2026, imposes carbon pricing on imports of emission-intensive products starting with cement, iron/steel, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. Vietnamese producers exporting these products to the EU must report embedded carbon emissions from October 2023, then pay carbon charges from 2026 based on emissions exceeding EU benchmarks.

While CBAM initially affects limited product categories, the mechanism will likely expand to other emission-intensive sectors including chemicals, plastics, and potentially broader manufacturing. Vietnamese exporters should assess carbon footprints proactively, identify emission reduction opportunities, document environmental performance credibly, and communicate carbon efficiency to European buyers as competitive advantage.

Deforestation Regulation

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from December 2024, prohibits imports of forest-risk commodities linked to deforestation after December 2020. Covered products include palm oil, cattle, cocoa, coffee, rubber, soy, and wood—plus derived products like furniture, paper, chocolate, and leather. Vietnamese coffee and rubber exporters face direct obligations. Furniture exporters using wood must verify forest sourcing doesn’t contribute to deforestation.

Compliance requires implementing due diligence systems proving products are deforestation-free and legally produced. Maintain geolocation data for production areas (GPS coordinates), supply chain traceability to plantation or forest origin, legality verification including harvest permits, and risk assessment identifying potential deforestation concerns. Non-compliance results in significant penalties—fines up to 4% of annual EU turnover plus potential import bans.

Related Resources

• Complete Guide to Exporting from Vietnam to USA: Compare EU and US market requirements and opportunities
• International Trade Compliance Best Practices: Master export control and regulatory compliance fundamentals
• Vietnam Customs Clearance Guide: Navigate Vietnam export procedures efficiently
• HS Code Classification Guide: Ensure accurate classification for EU imports
• Essential Import/Export Documentation: Understand required documentation comprehensively