Why Do Vietnamese Companies Import Chemicals from China? Process and Key Considerations
If you work in paints, inks, adhesives, footwear, batteries or cleaning products, there is a good chance the raw materials you use every day come from China. China is one of the world's largest chemical suppliers and a familiar trading partner for many Vietnamese companies. This article explains why, and walks through the process, documents, costs and risks to watch for when importing.
1. Why do many companies choose to import chemicals from China?
Competitive prices: large production scale, a complete raw-material supply chain and low production costs often make the price per tonne lower than from many other sources.
Wide product range: one supplier can combine many items, such as solvents, glycol ethers, acids and food additives, into a single order, saving the effort of sourcing separately.
Short distance: sea freight from northern and eastern Chinese ports to Vietnamese ports usually takes from a few days to about two weeks, with freight costs lower than cargo from Europe or the US.
Limited domestic production: many solvents and basic chemicals are produced in small volumes or not at all in Vietnam, so imports are needed to meet manufacturing demand.
Established supply chains: many factories in Vietnam originate from Asian investors and are used to Chinese raw materials. Long-standing trade relationships make ordering faster.
Flexible order sizes: Chinese suppliers often accept various packaging types and moderate lot sizes, so small and medium companies can also buy.
2. Chemical groups commonly imported from China
| Group | Examples | Used for |
| Organic solvents | Isopropyl Alcohol, Cyclohexanone, THF, DMF | Paints, inks, adhesives, synthetic leather |
| Glycols and glycol ethers | Propylene Glycol, PM, PGMEA, 2-Butoxyethanol | Paints, cleaning products, cosmetics |
| Inorganic chemicals | Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide | Metal treatment, cleaning, food |
| Food additives | Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbic Acid | Bakery, beverages, food processing |
| Construction materials | HPMC, RDP/VAE | Dry-mix mortar, tile adhesive, wall putty |
| Battery materials | Battery-grade Dimethyl Carbonate | Lithium battery electrolytes |
3. The process of importing chemicals from China
Step 1. Define the product precisely: state the chemical name, CAS number, grade (industrial, food, battery), purity and packaging. This step prevents the most mistakes.
Step 2. Find and evaluate suppliers: request a COA, MSDS, samples and manufacturer information. Prefer suppliers with clear documentation and stable delivery.
Step 3. Negotiate price and delivery terms: agree on price, delivery terms (FOB, CFR, CIF), delivery time and payment method.
Step 4. Sign the contract and pay: the contract should state technical specifications, quantity, packaging and how off-spec goods will be handled. Payment is usually by T/T or L/C.
Step 5. Shipping and formalities: the supplier books the vessel and prepares export documents. The Vietnamese side prepares customs declaration and chemical-related procedures.
Step 6. Customs clearance and inspection: pay duties, complete customs procedures, receive goods at port and check the condition of packaging.
Step 7. Receive goods and verify quality: compare actual goods with the COA, keep a retained sample from each lot and record any incident so claims can be made in time.
4. Common delivery terms (Incoterms)
| Term | Meaning | Who pays sea freight |
| FOB | The seller delivers goods on board at the port of departure. The buyer arranges sea freight, insurance and the rest | Buyer |
| CFR | The seller pays sea freight to the destination port. Risk passes to the buyer once goods are on board | Seller |
| CIF | Same as CFR, and the seller also buys minimum insurance for the goods | Seller |
State the delivery term clearly in the quotation, because for the same product an FOB price and a CIF price cannot be compared directly.
5. Documents you typically need
| Document | Purpose |
| Commercial contract | Legal basis of the transaction |
| Commercial invoice | States value and delivery terms |
| Packing list | Lists quantity, packaging and weight |
| Bill of Lading | Transport document and proof of title to the goods |
| Certificate of Origin (C/O) | May allow preferential duty rates; Form E under ACFTA is commonly used when conditions are met |
| COA | Analysis results for the shipment |
| MSDS/SDS | Chemical safety data sheet, required for hazardous chemicals |
6. Chemical regulations in Vietnam
Chemicals are a regulated commodity, unlike ordinary goods. Depending on the substance, a company may need to complete some of the following (check current legislation, for example the Law on Chemicals and its implementing decrees):
Declaration of imported chemicals: some chemical groups must be declared before or at the time of import.
Restricted, conditional and precursor chemicals: some substances require permits or special business conditions, so check the lists before ordering.
Safety data sheets and labeling: hazardous goods must carry an SDS and Vietnamese labels as required.
Food additives: must meet separate rules on food additive management issued by the Ministry of Health.
Regulations change over time, so confirm with the authorities or your customs broker before each new type of shipment.
7. Common risks and how to avoid them
Goods not meeting quality: require a COA for every lot, test samples first and compare the COA with actual inspection results.
Wrong grade: state the grade (industrial, food, battery) in the contract, especially for food use or lithium batteries.
Wrong CAS number or product name: always state both name and CAS number and check them against the manufacturer's documents.
Damage or leakage in transit: choose suitable packaging (drums, IBC, flexibag), inspect on receipt and take photos as evidence.
Vessel delays and storage charges: track sailing schedules and prepare documents and a customs broker before the cargo arrives.
Price volatility: chemical prices move with oil and raw-material costs. Order according to a plan and split imports into sensible lots.
8. Costs to count beyond the goods price
The goods price is only part of the total cost. When comparing quotations, add:
Freight and insurance: borne by the buyer or the seller depending on the delivery term.
Import duty and VAT: depends on the HS code and whether origin preferences apply.
Port charges, THC and storage: arise once goods reach port and increase if clearance is delayed.
Declaration and specialized inspection fees: if the chemical is subject to declaration or inspection.
Domestic transport: from port to warehouse; hazardous goods may need specialized vehicles.
9. How to choose a reliable chemical supplier
Complete documentation: a COA, MSDS and clear origin records for every lot.
Transparent sourcing: you know the manufacturer and can trace each lot.
Consistent quality between lots: avoids variation that disrupts your production line.
On-time delivery: clear sailing schedules and fast document support.
After-sales support: quick resolution when quality or shipping problems occur.
CHEINGAR-CHEM CO., LTD was founded in 2017 and has two subsidiaries, Shandong Kingsin Fine and Qingdao Cheingarchem. We supply chemicals to customers in Vietnam and more than 30 countries, and support you from product selection and quotation to documents and delivery.
10. Frequently asked questions
Is importing chemicals from China cheaper?
Usually yes, thanks to large production scale and low freight costs, but compare on the same delivery terms and add all additional costs.
What do I need to prepare for a first order?
You need the product name, CAS number, grade, quantity, packaging and destination port. Request a sample and COA before placing a large lot.
Which chemicals need declaration or a permit?
It depends on the substance. Check the lists of chemicals subject to declaration, restriction or conditions before ordering, and ask your customs broker.
Is a C/O mandatory?
Not always, but a suitable C/O may give you preferential duty rates if conditions are met.
How long from order to delivery?
It depends on production lead time, sailing schedules and clearance procedures. Ask your supplier for a specific schedule for each order.
How can I get a quote and a sample?
Send us the product name, CAS number, grade, quantity and delivery location. We will reply with a quotation and the matching technical documents.
Need a quotation or import advice for chemicals?
Contact CHEINGAR-CHEM CO., LTD for a quotation, a sample and technical documents for each product.
