Shipping from Vietnam to Europe: 5 Best Practices

Europe remains one of Vietnam’s most important export markets, supported by strong trade ties and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Five years after the agreement took effect, it has facilitated nearly US$300 billion in bilateral trade1, helping position Vietnam as the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2025, the Netherlands remained Vietnam’s biggest EU trading partner, with Vietnamese exports reaching US$13.5 billion2, including fishery products, timber, garments, textiles, and agricultural goods such as coffee and rice.

As demand continues to grow, shipping from Vietnam to Europe has become a key part of many businesses’ expansion strategies. To stay competitive, exporters must understand EU customs regulations, European customs duties, product requirements, and documentation needed for international shipping. In this guide, we outline five best practices to help Vietnamese businesses optimize their international shipping from Vietnam, meet Europe’s import requirements, and deliver goods to European markets more efficiently.

Navigate customs duties and tax obligations proactively 

Before shipping from Vietnam to Europe, businesses should understand the financial obligations linked to EU customs regulations. Preparing for these costs early helps exporters avoid unexpected charges and ensures smoother customs clearance when importing goods to Europe.

While the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has reduced many tariffs, exporters must still account for European customs duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) when calculating the landed cost of their shipments.

Key cost factors to plan for include:

• Import duties: Although the EVFTA provides preferential tariff treatment for many Vietnamese products, some goods may still face European customs duties ranging from around 5% to 14%, depending on product classification and origin.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): VAT is applied when goods enter the EU and varies by country. For example, France applies a standard VAT rate of 20%, while Denmark applies a 25% rate, which means the total import cost differs depending on the destination market.
• The EU’s “zero de minimis” rule: The EU has removed the VAT exemption previously applied to low-value shipments. As a result, all goods entering the EU are now subject to VAT3, regardless of their declared value. Businesses involved in international shipping from Vietnam must factor this into pricing and cost planning.

To remain competitive when shipping to Europe, Vietnamese exporters should carefully review product classifications, confirm applicable duty rates, and leverage EVFTA preferences whenever possible. Taking these steps early helps ensure compliance with import requirements while reducing the risk of delays or unexpected costs during customs clearance.

2. Secure required product certifications and permits early

Before shipping to Europe, businesses should confirm that their products meet all EU product requirements and regulatory standards. Europe maintains strict market entry rules to protect consumer safety, environmental standards, and product quality. Verifying these requirements early helps exporters avoid shipment holds, rejected goods, or delays when importing goods to Europe.

Some products entering the EU may be restricted or require import permits, licences, or official notifications before they can be released into the market. Exporters can check the EU’s TARIC database to determine whether an import licence or additional documentation is required for their goods.

Product categories that commonly face Europe import requirements or regulatory controls include:

• Agricultural and food products
• Medicinal and pharmaceutical goods
• Chemicals
• Iron and steel products
• Textiles and clothing
• Cultural goods and protected items
• Plants, animals, and products containing animal or plant materials

For many of these products, exporters must obtain the appropriate certificates or approvals before shipping.

In addition, certain goods must comply with specific technical and safety certification requirements. For example, many industrial and consumer products require CE marking4, which confirms compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental protection standards. This requirement commonly applies to electronics, toys, medical devices, electrical appliances, and construction products.

Exporters should also review product and other labeling requirements across the EU before shipment. Mandatory labels may include safety information, ingredient disclosures, product origin details, or expiration dates depending on the product category.

3. Ensure compliant documentation

Accurate documentation is essential when shipping from Vietnam to Europe. Even small errors in the document required to ship to Europe can lead to inspections, delays, or additional clearance procedures under EU customs regulations.

To minimize issues when importing goods to Europe, exporters should follow these documentation best practices:

• Use precise product descriptions: Avoid vague terms such as “clothing.” Instead, specify details such as material, product type, and quantity (e.g. “women’s cotton t-shirts”). Clear descriptions help customs authorities classify goods correctly.
• Include the correct HS code: Accurate Harmonized System (HS) codes ensure the correct duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements are applied during customs clearance.
• Adopt digital documentation tools: Platforms such as MyGTS (My Global Trade Services) and MyDHL+ help automate HS code selection, generate commercial invoices, and review destination-specific import requirements for Europe before shipping.
• Pre-declare shipments whenever possible: Submitting shipment details electronically before arrival allows customs authorities to begin reviewing the documentation in advance, helping speed up clearance once the goods reach Europe.

4. Optimize packaging for long-haul integrity 

When shipping from Vietnam to Europe, proper packaging and labeling are essential to protect goods during long-haul transit and ensure compliance with the EU’s product labeling requirements. Furthermore, well-prepared shipments are less likely to be damaged in transit or delayed during customs inspections.

Follow these packaging and labelling best practices:

• Ensure sufficient cushioning: Fragile or high-value goods should be packed using a box-in-box method. Place the item in an inner box and surround it with at least 6 cm of cushioning material on all sides before placing it in a sturdy outer carton.
• Use transit-proof materials: Choose durable outer cartons and shock-absorbing packing materials such as foam inserts, air pillows, or bubble wrap to protect goods during long-distance international shipping.
• Label shipments clearly and accurately: Labels should be visible, secure, and include the correct shipping information. In addition, exporters must comply with product labelling requirements, which may require safety markings, product information, or language-specific labels depending on the product category.
• Check destination-specific labeling rules: Some EU markets have additional requirements. For example, product labels in France may require French-language information, while certain industrial products entering EU countries must carry regulatory markings such as the CE mark.

5. Opt for express shipping