Effective Duty Rate
0%–6.5% MFN; no Section 301
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Medium
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
EPA/TSCA, DOT, FDA, OSHA
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Industrial Chemicals & Chemical Products from Vietnam
Importing chemicals from Vietnam into the United States carries medium compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0%–6.5% MFN; no Section 301. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant chemicals sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry.
Chemicals imported from Vietnam to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — Vietnam Origin
Vietnam has limited chemical manufacturing capacity but growing agrochemical and basic chemical production. No Section 301 surcharge. TSCA compliance is required regardless of origin country.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Chemicals from Vietnam
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component |
Amount |
Notes |
| Cargo Value (CIF) |
$50,000.00 |
Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) |
$0.00 |
ITA or preferential rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) |
$173.20 |
Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) |
$62.50 |
Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees |
$235.70 |
Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost |
$50,235.70 |
Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to chemicals sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
✓ ITA or preferential rates apply — base duty is 0%. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Chemicals Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to chemicals imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 2815 |
Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) & Potassium Hydroxide |
0%–5.5% MFN |
| 2902 |
Cyclic Hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene) |
0%–5.5% MFN |
| 2917 |
Polycarboxylic Acids & Derivatives |
0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3808 |
Insecticides, Herbicides & Disinfectants |
0%–5% MFN |
| 3824 |
Chemical Preparations & Products (not elsewhere classified) |
0%–6.5% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — VIETNAM ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Vietnam-Origin Chemicals
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Vietnam-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Vietnam-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from Vietnam |
COMPLIANCE — EPA/TSCA / DOT / FDA / OSHA
US Compliance Requirements for Chemicals Imports
Regardless of origin country, chemicals imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- TSCA Section 12(b) import certification — all chemical substances must be on the TSCA Inventory; new substances require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) before importation
- DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements (49 CFR Parts 171–180) — UN hazmat classification, proper shipping name, and hazmat packaging required
- EPA FIFRA registration required for pesticides, herbicides, and antimicrobial products before they can be imported or distributed in the US
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) — Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must accompany all chemical imports and conform to GHS format
Compliance Check Tool
Run an automated compliance check for your chemicals import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Vietnam.
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Chemicals from Vietnam
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Vietnam. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with CAS number, chemical name (IUPAC), and concentration
2
Packing List with hazmat classification and UN number
3
Bill of Lading with DOT hazmat declaration (if applicable)
4
TSCA Import Certification (EPA Form 7710-56)
5
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in GHS format
6
EPA/FIFRA registration number (for pesticides and antimicrobials)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Chemicals from Vietnam
20–40 days (ocean; hazmat routing may add delays); 3–10 days (air for non-hazmat chemicals)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Chemicals from Vietnam
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing chemicals from Vietnam?
The effective US tariff rate for chemicals from Vietnam is: 0%–6.5% MFN; no Section 301. Vietnam has limited chemical manufacturing capacity but growing agrochemical and basic chemical production. No Section 301 surcharge. TSCA compliance is required regardless of origin country.
What compliance agencies regulate chemicals imports from Vietnam?
Chemicals imports require compliance with: EPA/TSCA, DOT, FDA, OSHA. Specific requirements include: TSCA Section 12(b) import certification — all chemical substances must be on the TSCA Inventory; new substances require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) before importation and DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements (49 CFR Parts 171–180) — UN hazmat classification, proper shipping name, and hazmat packaging required.
What documents are required to import chemicals from Vietnam?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with CAS number, chemical name (IUPAC), and concentration; Packing List with hazmat classification and UN number; Bill of Lading with DOT hazmat declaration (if applicable); TSCA Import Certification (EPA Form 7710-56). Additional: Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in GHS format; EPA/FIFRA registration number (for pesticides and antimicrobials). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Vietnam.
How long does customs clearance take for chemicals from Vietnam?
Typical timeline: 20–40 days (ocean; hazmat routing may add delays); 3–10 days (air for non-hazmat chemicals). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on chemicals from Vietnam?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to Vietnam-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from Vietnam.
What TSCA compliance requirements apply to imported chemical substances?
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires that all imported chemical substances either be on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory or qualify for an exemption. Importers must certify compliance or non-coverage at entry on CBP Form 3540. New chemical substances require pre-manufacture notification (PMN) to EPA before import. Certain high-risk substances are subject to TSCA Section 5 significant new use rules (SNUR). Non-TSCA-compliant chemical imports are subject to CBP refusal of entry and EPA enforcement action.
What HTS codes and duty rates cover industrial chemicals?
Chemicals are classified primarily under HTS Chapters 28–29. Inorganic chemicals (Chapter 28): rates typically 0%–5.5% MFN. Organic chemicals (Chapter 29): 0%–6.5% MFN. Fertilizers (Chapter 31): 0%–5%. Plastics raw materials (Chapter 39): 3.4%–6.5%. Many specialty chemicals from China face 25% Section 301. Several categories — including certain industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical precursors, and agricultural inputs — have binding WTO zero duties. Consult a licensed customs broker for 10-digit HTS classification since rates vary significantly within each 4-digit heading.
Are hazardous chemicals subject to special import procedures or restrictions?
Yes. Hazardous chemicals face multiple regulatory requirements: (1) OSHA Hazard Communication Standard — SDS and GHS labeling required for workplace chemicals, (2) EPA TSCA and RCRA regulations on importing hazardous waste and regulated substances, (3) DOT 49 CFR hazmat regulations for transport of hazardous materials — proper UN classification and packaging required, (4) DEA controls on listed chemical precursors for drugs of abuse, (5) BIS Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for dual-use chemicals with weapons potential. Some chemical imports from China or Russia require additional screening under OFAC sanctions review.
Does Vietnam have a free trade agreement with the United States?
No. The US and Vietnam do not have a bilateral FTA as of 2026. TPP, which would have provided preferential access, was withdrawn by the US in 2017. IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) includes Vietnam but does not provide tariff preferences. Vietnamese-origin goods pay standard MFN rates, which are high for textiles (17%–32%) and some manufactured goods.
Why is Vietnam a popular sourcing alternative despite high MFN tariff rates?
Vietnam's manufacturing costs are significantly lower than China's, and Vietnamese-origin goods face no Section 301 tariffs. Even at 17%–30% MFN for textiles, total landed costs from Vietnam are competitive with China's effective rates (often 35%–55% including Section 301). Vietnam is now the #2 apparel and electronics exporter to the US as supply chains diversify away from China.
What anti-circumvention risks should I be aware of when sourcing from Vietnam?
CBP actively investigates circumvention — cases where Chinese goods undergo minor processing in Vietnam to re-export under Vietnamese origin and avoid Section 301 tariffs. CBP requires genuine substantial transformation: a change of character, name, and use that would not be achieved by simple assembly, re-labeling, or minor finishing. Maintain full bills of materials and production records to defend origin claims under CBP scrutiny.
TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.