
Importing and exporting fresh seafood requires precision, speed, and absolute compliance. Because seafood is perishable and highly regulated, even a few hours of customs delay can result in financial loss and product spoilage.
At AlphaTrans, we provide specialized Customs Clearance Service for Fresh Seafood, ensuring your goods are cleared quickly, safely, and in compliance with all Vietnam customs and food safety regulations. Our experts handle every step — from temperature-controlled logistics to customs documentation and inspection coordination — so your seafood shipments arrive fresh and on time.
Table of Contents
I. Why Fresh Seafood Customs Clearance Is Critical
Vietnam is both a leading exporter and importer of seafood. Whether shipping frozen shrimp, live fish, or chilled tuna, each shipment must go through a detailed customs clearance and food safety inspection process.
Delays can occur due to:
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Strict quarantine and inspection requirements
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Additional food safety documentation
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Temperature control verification
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Complicated import/export permits
With AlphaTrans, these challenges are managed proactively. We ensure all seafood shipments comply with the regulations of the Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish), NAFIQAD, and Vietnam Customs Authority.
II. Key Regulations for Seafood Import & Export
To import or export seafood in Vietnam, businesses must comply with:
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Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP – Food safety management
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Circular No. 11/2021/TT-BNNPTNT – Veterinary and quarantine inspection for aquatic products
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Decree 26/2019/ND-CP – Fisheries Law implementation
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Vietnam Customs Law 2014 – Customs declaration, classification, and inspection procedures
Seafood products also require:
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Certificate of Origin (C/O) for tariff reduction
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Health Certificate (HC) for food safety compliance
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Temperature control proof for frozen or chilled products
AlphaTrans ensures full compliance with these laws before your shipment reaches the port or airport.
III. Challenges in Customs Clearance for Fresh Seafood
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Time-sensitive nature | Delays can cause spoilage and loss of product value |
| Cold chain logistics | Requires temperature-controlled transport and storage |
| Multiple inspections | Both customs and food safety agencies inspect shipments |
| Complex documentation | Health certificates, packing lists, and origin papers must match |
| Limited on-spot clearance capacity | Requires experienced brokers for immediate release |
Our team at AlphaTrans handles all these challenges with precision and real-time coordination at Vietnam’s ports and airports.
IV. AlphaTrans Customs Clearance Service for Fresh Seafood
Our Specialized Services Include:
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Pre-import/export consultation – Regulatory check and document verification
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Preparation of customs declaration using VNACCS/VCIS system
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Coordination with quarantine and inspection agencies (NAFIQAD, MOIT, MOH)
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HS Code classification and tax estimation
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Cold chain customs clearance for frozen and live seafood
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On-spot support at ports (Cat Lai, Hai Phong) and airports (Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai)
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Temperature-controlled inland transportation and warehousing
We work 24/7 to ensure your perishable seafood shipments are cleared and delivered without delays.
V. Required Documents for Seafood Customs Declaration
Importers and exporters must prepare the following documents before customs clearance:
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Packing List
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Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
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Certificate of Origin (C/O)
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Health Certificate (HC) issued by authorized agency
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Import or Export License (if required)
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Quarantine Registration Certificate
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Temperature Monitoring Record (for cold chain shipments)
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Customs Declaration Form
AlphaTrans ensures all these documents are accurate and aligned with customs and inspection requirements, reducing the risk of delays.
VI. Step-by-Step Customs Clearance Process
Step 1 – Document Review
Our specialists verify all paperwork, including quarantine and health certificates, before submission.
Step 2 – Customs Declaration
We submit the declaration electronically through VNACCS/VCIS, selecting the correct HS code for seafood products.
Step 3 – Quarantine & Inspection Coordination
AlphaTrans arranges inspections with NAFIQAD and customs officers directly at ports or airports, ensuring fast sample testing and approval.
Step 4 – Tax & Duty Payment
We manage customs duties and VAT payments using official electronic systems for faster processing.
Step 5 – Cargo Release & Delivery
Once cleared, our refrigerated trucks and cold storage partners deliver seafood directly to your warehouse, restaurant, or processing plant — maintaining freshness at every stage.
VII. Seafood Products We Handle
Our Customs Clearance Service for Fresh Seafood covers a wide range of products:
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Fresh and frozen fish (tuna, mackerel, tilapia)
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Shrimp, prawns, and lobsters
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Crabs and shellfish
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Squid, octopus, and cuttlefish
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Live seafood (eel, crab, fish)
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Processed or semi-processed seafood for export
We handle both import and export shipments via air freight, sea freight, or multimodal transport.



AlphaTrans specializes Customs Clearance Service for Fresh Seafood imported and exported to other countries.
VIII. Advantages of Working with AlphaTrans
✅ Expertise in Perishable Goods Customs
We specialize in perishable cargo customs clearance, ensuring zero spoilage risk and fast handling.
✅ Temperature-Controlled Logistics Integration
AlphaTrans integrates customs, cold chain transport, and warehousing for complete visibility.
✅ On-Spot Customs Teams
Our brokers are stationed at major airports and ports for immediate declaration and release.
✅ 24/7 Support
We operate round-the-clock to align with seafood import/export schedules.
✅ Compliance Guarantee
We strictly adhere to Vietnam’s food safety and customs laws, minimizing inspection delays or fines.
IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do seafood shipments require quarantine inspection?
Yes. All seafood imports and exports must pass quarantine and quality inspection by NAFIQAD or other authorized agencies.
Q2: How fast can fresh seafood be cleared through customs?
AlphaTrans can complete customs clearance within 4–8 hours for eligible shipments with valid documentation.
Q3: Does AlphaTrans handle live seafood shipments?
Absolutely. We provide customs clearance and transport for live seafood with full oxygenation and cold chain support.
Q4: Can AlphaTrans manage both export and import seafood shipments?
Yes. We handle both directions, including temperature monitoring and export documentation.
X. Partner with AlphaTrans for Fresh Seafood Customs Solutions
When handling perishable goods, speed, expertise, and reliability make all the difference.
With AlphaTrans, your seafood shipments are managed by professionals who understand both logistics and food safety compliance.
From origin to destination, we ensure your products remain fresh, legal, and on schedule.
📞 Contact AlphaTrans today for professional consultation on our
Customs Clearance Service for Fresh Seafood in Vietnam.

