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Vietnam

Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing used-car markets in Asia (2024 market size estimated at about US$10.9 billion, with double-digit annual growth expected through 2029). It bans right-hand-drive vehicles, caps used imports at under 5 years, and applies heavy duties — especially on non-ASEAN sources. ASEAN-origin (Thailand/Indonesia) passenger cars enter at 0% under the AFTA/ATIGA agreement.

What are the rules for importing a car from China into Vietnam?
  • Age limit: Used cars must be under 5 years old from the date of manufacture — vehicles over 5 years are banned. Private used vehicles must also carry a 2-year or 50,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).
  • Import duty & taxes: For non-ASEAN used cars the burden is heavy: a special consumption tax (SCIC) of 35–150% by engine displacement for passenger cars, plus a fixed import duty per engine band (for example about US$10,000–15,000 added on 1.0–1.5L units, or 150–200% of value). ASEAN-origin passenger cars enter at 0% under ATIGA. A 2025 tariff revision (effective 31 March 2025) cut some new-vehicle import tariffs from 64% to 32%. VAT is 10%. Confirm the current method with Vietnam Customs.
  • Authority & certification: Vietnam Customs; Ministry of Industry and Trade issues the import licence; quality, safety and environmental certification under Decree 60/2023/ND-CP (fully applicable from 1 August 2025) and the VINAPLAS / SPECVN framework.

Import facts at a glance

Age limitUsed cars must be under 5 years old from the date of manufacture — vehicles over 5 years are banned. Private used vehicles must also carry a 2-year or 50,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).
SteeringLeft-hand drive only. Right-hand-drive vehicles are banned (except a narrow list of special-use vehicles such as certain cranes, airport shuttles, port/warehouse handlers and sweepers).
Import duty & taxesFor non-ASEAN used cars the burden is heavy: a special consumption tax (SCIC) of 35–150% by engine displacement for passenger cars, plus a fixed import duty per engine band (for example about US$10,000–15,000 added on 1.0–1.5L units, or 150–200% of value). ASEAN-origin passenger cars enter at 0% under ATIGA. A 2025 tariff revision (effective 31 March 2025) cut some new-vehicle import tariffs from 64% to 32%. VAT is 10%. Confirm the current method with Vietnam Customs.
Main ports / entryHai Phong serves the north, Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) the south, and Da Nang the central region. Vehicles are typically containerised.
Authority & certificationVietnam Customs; Ministry of Industry and Trade issues the import licence; quality, safety and environmental certification under Decree 60/2023/ND-CP (fully applicable from 1 August 2025) and the VINAPLAS / SPECVN framework.
Required documentsImport licence from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, original bill of lading (showing VIN, engine number, displacement, manufacture date, brand and model), customs import declaration, vehicle registration and deregistration certificate from the export country, and a roadworthiness / conformity certificate.

Figures indicative. Vietnam bans right-hand drive, caps used imports at under 5 years, and applies heavy duty on non-ASEAN used cars while ASEAN-origin passenger cars enter at 0%. The 2025 tariff cut mainly affects new vehicles. Confirm current rates with Vietnam Customs. Sources: General Department of Vietnam Customs (customs.gov.vn); Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (moit.gov.vn). Last reviewed 2026-09.

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Vehicles currently available — Vietnam

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Import guides

Import process: where shipments stallChina export ports by marketImport glossary: terms that decide a shipmentZOFRI Iquique: legal route for used cars

Our experience in this region — Southeast Asia

EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia, with sea freight from Chinese ports (Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou) to the region's main gateways — Singapore as a trans-shipment hub, Ho Chi Minh City / Cat Lai, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok and Yangon — handling China export clearance and full documentation. Where a market prohibits used imports (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new Chinese vehicles, including EVs; where used imports are permitted we advise on each country's real framework. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance. We do not operate local offices in Southeast Asia — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.

FAQ

Can EZ Auto ship cars to Southeast Asia?
Yes. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across Southeast Asia with full export documents and sea freight to the main regional ports (Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang, Tanjung Priok, Yangon). Where used imports are prohibited (Thailand, Indonesia) we supply new vehicles, including EVs. Import clearance is handled by you or a local broker; we supply all paperwork.
Which Southeast Asian markets allow used-car imports?
Vietnam (under 5 years, left-hand drive), the Philippines (about 5 years, left-hand drive, licensed importers only) and Malaysia (under 5 years, right-hand drive, with an Approved Permit) allow used imports under conditions. Thailand and Indonesia largely prohibit used-vehicle imports and are served by new vehicles. Myanmar allows used imports and from 2025 grants China-origin used cars a 0% customs-duty incentive. Rules change, so confirm the current position before you buy.
What steering side does each market require?
Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia require left-hand drive. Malaysia and Thailand require right-hand drive (they drive on the left). Myanmar also requires left-hand drive. Sourcing the correct steering from the factory is far cheaper than converting later, so we confirm the configuration before you order.
How long does shipping from China to Southeast Asia take?
Sea freight from Chinese ports to most Southeast Asian ports is short — typically about 7–14 days to Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Laem Chabang, Port Klang or Yangon, with trans-shipment via Singapore common. Transit times vary with the sailing and season, so we confirm the current schedule for your route before shipment.
Do you handle import clearance in my country?
Export clearance in China is on us. Import clearance is handled by you or your local broker; we supply all documents and advise on requirements per country, including the certification that Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines may require.

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