
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s busiest international trade gateway, home to Cat Lai Port, Tan Son Nhat Airport, and hundreds of logistics hubs. For importers and exporters, navigating customs procedures here requires expert knowledge, experience, and precision.
At AlphaTrans, we specialize in Customs Declaration Services in Ho Chi Minh City, helping businesses clear cargo quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with Vietnamese regulations.
Our team of licensed customs brokers and logistics professionals ensures your shipments move seamlessly from port to warehouse — saving time, money, and effort.
Table of Contents
I. Why Customs Declaration in Ho Chi Minh Requires Expertise
As Vietnam’s largest logistics hub, Ho Chi Minh City handles over 50% of the country’s import and export cargo volume.
With such scale, customs clearance in this area involves complex procedures, strict inspection policies, and multiple agencies.
Common issues businesses face include:
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Congestion at Cat Lai Port
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Varying customs rules for each terminal (SP-ITC, Tan Cang, Phuoc Long ICD, etc.)
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Inspection delays during peak season
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Incorrect HS code or tax classification
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Language and documentation challenges for foreign traders
Without professional support, even a minor declaration error can lead to long delays or heavy penalties.
That’s why companies choose AlphaTrans — a trusted Vietnam customs broker with on-site presence at all major HCMC ports and airports.
II. Overview of Customs Procedures in Ho Chi Minh City
Main Customs Offices and Points:
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Cat Lai Port Customs Branch – Main terminal for containerized cargo
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Tan Son Nhat Airport Customs – Air freight import/export clearance
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Saigon Port Area I & II – Bulk and general cargo terminals
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ICD Phuoc Long, Song Than, Long Binh – Inland customs depots for bonded cargo
Each location follows Vietnam’s electronic customs system (VNACCS/VCIS) but may have different documentation requirements.

AlphaTrans provides on-spot declaration services across all of them.
III. AlphaTrans – Professional Customs Declaration Service in Ho Chi Minh City
As a licensed customs brokerage and freight forwarding company, AlphaTrans provides complete customs declaration solutions in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces (Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An).
Our Key Customs Services:
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Electronic Customs Declaration via VNACCS system
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HS Code verification and tax calculation
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Import/export documentation preparation
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Inspection coordination with customs authorities
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Handling Green, Yellow, and Red channel shipments
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Import license & permit application (MOIT, MOH, MARD)
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Post-clearance compliance consulting
We also integrate customs with our freight forwarding, warehousing, and last-mile delivery services for full logistics efficiency.
IV. Step-by-Step Customs Declaration Process
Step 1 – Document Verification
Our team checks all shipment documents — invoices, packing lists, C/O, and licenses — for accuracy and consistency.
Step 2 – Declaration Submission
We file electronic declarations through VNACCS/VCIS, assigning the correct HS code and duty rate for your goods.
Step 3 – Customs Channel Classification
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Green channel: automatic clearance
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Yellow channel: document verification
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Red channel: physical inspection
AlphaTrans ensures each process is handled promptly to minimize waiting time.
Step 4 – Tax & Duty Payment
We calculate and pay customs duties and VAT directly through the official e-payment system.
Step 5 – Cargo Release & Delivery
Once cleared, our in-house trucking fleet delivers your goods from the port or airport to your warehouse safely and on schedule.
V. Required Documents for Customs Declaration in Ho Chi Minh
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declares cargo value and details |
| Packing List | Verifies quantity and packaging |
| Bill of Lading / Airway Bill | Confirms shipment route and consignee |
| Certificate of Origin (C/O) | Enables tariff reduction (e.g. ASEAN, EVFTA) |
| Import/Export License | Required for restricted goods |
| Customs Declaration Form | Submitted via VNACCS/VCIS |
| Specialized Certificates | e.g. Health, Quarantine, Safety Compliance |
AlphaTrans ensures every document matches customs requirements to prevent declaration rejection.

AlphaTrans ensures every document matches customs requirements to prevent declaration rejection.
VI. Industries and Goods We Handle
We provide customs declaration services for a wide range of sectors:
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Manufacturing and industrial machinery
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Consumer goods and electronics
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Medical and pharmaceutical imports
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Perishable and seafood exports
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Chemicals and dangerous goods
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E-commerce shipments and small parcels
Each type of cargo requires specific permits and classification — our experts handle all compliance steps for you.
VII. Advantages of Choosing AlphaTrans in Ho Chi Minh City
✅ Local Expertise, National Reach
With headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City and branches across Vietnam, we offer both local insight and national coverage.
✅ On-Spot Customs Teams
Our licensed brokers operate directly at Cat Lai Port, Tan Son Nhat Airport, and nearby ICDs for real-time customs handling.
✅ Fast & Compliant Clearance
We use automated declaration tools and maintain strong relationships with customs officers to ensure quick clearance.
✅ Integrated Logistics Support
From freight forwarding to warehousing and last-mile trucking, we handle the full supply chain.
✅ Transparent Communication
Clients receive live updates on declaration progress, duty payments, and inspection status.
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does customs declaration take at Cat Lai Port?
Typically 1 working day for Green channel shipments, 2–3 days if inspection is required.
Q2: Can AlphaTrans handle customs clearance for both imports and exports?
Yes. We process both import and export declarations for sea and air freight.
Q3: What if my goods are stuck at customs?
Our brokers immediately coordinate with customs officers to resolve document or inspection issues and expedite release.
Q4: Do you provide trucking after customs clearance?
Yes. We offer door-to-door delivery from Cat Lai Port and Tan Son Nhat Airport across Vietnam.
IX. Partner with AlphaTrans for Customs Declaration in Ho Chi Minh City
For businesses trading through Vietnam’s southern logistics hub, choosing a reliable customs declaration partner is crucial.
At AlphaTrans, we combine local expertise, professional customs knowledge, and integrated logistics capabilities to keep your shipments moving — fast and compliant.
📞 Contact AlphaTrans today for consultation on
Customs Declaration Services in Ho Chi Minh City, tailored to your business needs.

