Vietnam retail support · Đào Lê Duy
Entering Vietnam Without a Local Company: Who Handles Imports?
Before choosing a company structure, map the transaction. Identify the party that will import, own stock, invoice local buyers and handle returns. An introduction to a retailer does not answer these operational questions.
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Start with a responsibility map
ITA describes agents and distributors as possible indirect entry routes and recommends checking partner capabilities. This is a starting point, not a product-specific legal approval.
Do not assume the consultant, logistics provider or sales agent automatically becomes the importer. Ask each proposed party to confirm its role, authority and costs in writing.
Six responsibilities to assign
Open the working template
| Question | Evidence to request | Do not proceed until |
|---|---|---|
| Who imports the named products? | Legal entity, applicable permissions, product review | Qualified confirmation is available |
| Who owns and funds the stock? | Purchase terms, payment schedule, loss allocation | Funding and stock owner are named |
| Who invoices the local buyer? | Seller identity and transaction documents | Documents match the planned transaction |
| Who stores and replenishes goods? | Storage, delivery and returns process | Actual operator accepts the work |
| Who handles product issues? | Complaint, service and escalation contacts | Responsibility and budget are accepted |
| Who approves commitments? | Approval matrix for price, claims and delivery | A named person can approve each promise |
Prepare information before requesting a professional review
Provide the product’s intended use, model, materials, country of manufacture, packaging and existing technical documents. Keep brand origin, manufacturing origin and shipping country separate. Send sensitive material only after confidentiality and access arrangements are agreed.
The reviewer should identify missing inputs, applicable checks and the party responsible for obtaining them. A product being called a sample or a pilot does not itself settle whether it may be imported or sold.
What coordination can and cannot cover
Agreed support may organise the responsibility map, document requests and a question list for the importer and professional advisers. It is not a commitment to become importer, issue your local invoices, finance stock or provide legal representation.
The next decision may be to use a verified partner, investigate a direct presence, change the proposed products or pause. Decide from the actual transaction and professional advice, not a generic “no local company needed” promise.
Questions before you proceed
Must I establish a local company first?
No universal conclusion is made here. Compare the proposed partner route and direct presence with a qualified adviser for your products and transaction.
Does the consulting fee include customs clearance?
Not unless a separate, explicit scope names the responsible service provider and conditions. Do not assume it is included.
Tell me where your project is stuck
Send your company name, a public product link and the issue you need help with. No account or Vietnamese phone number is required.
Email your product linkI personally review and reply to enquiries by email. You may write in any language.
Email starter — optional
Company: Public product link: Issue to discuss:
Initial contact is free; paid work and fees are agreed before implementation. Please do not send confidential costs or contracts at this stage.