Cosmetics may only be placed on the market in Vietnam once a receipt number for the cosmetic product notification has been issued. 7S Law reviews ingredients, labels and legal documents, prepares the dossier, files online and follows it through to the receipt number.

1. Who this service is for

a) Cosmetic importers: that must notify products with the Drug Administration of Vietnam before customs clearance and circulation.

b) Domestic brand owners: using contract manufacturers that must notify products with the Department of Health.

c) Cosmetic manufacturers: that need to review manufacturing conditions and notify their product range.

d) Companies with expiring receipt numbers: that need to re-notify or update product information.

2. Scope of work

a) Product review: checking formulas and ingredients against ASEAN annexes of prohibited and restricted substances; reviewing product names, claims and draft labels.

b) Document review: manufacturer's letter of authorisation, certificate of free sale for imports, manufacturing conditions for domestic products.

c) Preparing the dossier: notification form, ingredient list and supporting documents.

d) Filing: online filing, monitoring, explanations and amendments as requested by the receiving authority.

e) Receiving the result: receiving the receipt number and advising on the product information file (PIF), labelling and advertising.

The following are quoted separately when required: translation and consular legalisation of foreign documents, design and review of sub-labels, registration of cosmetic advertising content and certificates of eligibility for cosmetic manufacturing.

See also: Product declaration services, Food product declaration, Barcode registration.

3. Process

Step 1. Intake and review: 7S Law receives the formula, label and documents, reviews ingredients and reports required adjustments

Step 2. Completing documents: the client provides the letter of authorisation, legalised certificate of free sale or manufacturer documents as advised

Step 3. Preparing the notification: 7S Law prepares the notification form and document list for the client to sign and seal

Step 4. Filing and monitoring: 7S Law files online, monitors and responds to requests for amendments

Step 5. Result: 7S Law receives the receipt number, hands it over and advises on post-notification obligations

4. Timeline and deliverables

Under Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT, the receiving authority issues the receipt number within 3 working days of receiving a valid dossier and fee. Preparation time depends on the manufacturer's documents, particularly foreign documents requiring consular legalisation.

Note: actual timelines may change if the authority requests supplements or amendments, if documents are provided late or incomplete, or if procedures or laws change.

Deliverables: the cosmetic product notification receipt number, the filed dossier and written guidance on labelling and the product information file.

5. Service fees

Fees are quoted separately according to the scope of each matter, based on the following factors:

Note: Service fees exclude 8% VAT, government fees, translation, certification, consular legalisation and travel expenses. The exact fee is confirmed in a fee proposal before work begins.

For a tailored fee proposal, please call +84 877 523 888 or email lienhe@7slaw.vn.

6. Information we need from you

Product name and form; full formula with percentages; draft label; manufacturer and packer details; manufacturer's letter of authorisation and certificate of free sale (imports); enterprise registration certificate of the notifying organisation.

7. Legal basis

This service is provided on the basis of the following legal instruments:

a) Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT dated 25 January 2011 of the Ministry of Health on cosmetics management, as amended, including by Circular No. 34/2025/TT-BYT dated 3 July 2025, effective from 18 August 2025

b) Decree No. 93/2016/ND-CP dated 1 July 2016 on conditions for cosmetic manufacturing, as amended

8. About 7S Law

7S Law has offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, works in Vietnamese and English, and serves Vietnamese companies, foreign-invested enterprises and individuals.

9. Frequently asked questions

a) Which authority receives cosmetic notifications?

Imported cosmetics are notified with the Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health. Domestically manufactured cosmetics are notified with the Department of Health where the factory is located.

b) Does the receipt number expire?

Under current Circular No. 06/2011/TT-BYT, the receipt number is valid for 5 years. The Ministry of Health is drafting a decree on cosmetics management proposing to remove this time limit; 7S Law will update clients once it is issued.

c) Can products be sold while waiting for the receipt number?

No. The responsible organisation may only place products on the market after the notification receipt number is issued.

d) What should be done after notification?

The company must keep a product information file (PIF), label products consistently with the notification and comply with advertising procedures when advertising cosmetics.

10. Contact 7S Law

CÔNG TY CỔ PHẦN TƯ VẤN VÀ DỊCH VỤ LUẬT 7S (7S Law Consulting and Services JSC)
Address: No. 60, Lane 18 Mac Thai To Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City office: 18th Floor, TNR Tower, 180 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: +84 877 523 888 | Email: lienhe@7slaw.vn
Send us your request via the contact page.