How to Import Thai Products into Vietnam: A 6-Step Process for Importers and Wholesalers

Step 1: Define your product category and business model

Before looking for suppliers, be clear about who you sell to and how. Online sellers on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop need a varied, fast-moving range; Thai specialty stores need familiar brands; distributors need a few core lines to build channel coverage.

Thai product groups that Vietnamese buyers look for most include:

• **Cosmetics & personal care:** Mistine, Srichand, Cathy Doll, Beauty Buffet, Snake Brand
• **Herbal products & balms:** Tiger Balm, Siang Pure, Hong Thai, Poy-Sian
• **Food & snacks:** MAMA, Tao Kae Noi, ChaTraMue
• **Household:** Comfort, Downy, Hygiene

Each group has different procedures and shipping needs, so choosing your category first makes every later step clearer.

Step 2: Choose the right sourcing channel

There are three common channels for Thai goods: working directly with manufacturers, buying through official distributors in Thailand, or using a single-point sourcing partner that consolidates many brands and categories.

Manufacturers suit buyers focusing on a few products in larger volumes or planning a private label. Official distributors and single-point partners suit buyers who need a broad range or want to test small batches before scaling.

When assessing a source, ask: where the goods come from, which documents are provided per item, and how quoting and sampling work. If you want to compare several verified Thai suppliers yourself, the B2B marketplace THAIMOST (thaimost.com) lets you send RFQs and compare quotes.

Step 3: Understand import regulations for each product group

Each product group has its own rules for entering Vietnam. Cosmetics, for example, usually require a product notification before sale; food and dietary supplements have their own documentation and labelling requirements.

The information here is for reference only. Regulations can change, so **check with the relevant authority or your customs broker in Vietnam** before ordering. Cosmetic notification is typically handled by the importer or a service provider; the supplier provides documents per item when you order.

Preparing this early helps you avoid goods arriving at port without the paperwork needed for clearance.

Step 4: Choose shipping method and delivery terms

Goods from Thailand to Vietnam usually move by two main routes: **road** (flexible, suited to small and medium shipments) and **sea** (suited to large or heavy shipments). The choice depends on volume, product type and your sales plan.

You also need to agree on delivery terms (Incoterms) with the seller: who is responsible for transport, insurance and formalities at each leg. Specific terms, timing and accompanying documents are confirmed at quotation, depending on product and destination.

For sensitive goods such as liquid cosmetics or food, discuss packing in advance to reduce damage in transit.

Step 5: Calculate your full landed cost before ordering

A common mistake is looking only at the purchase price in Thailand. Your real landed cost at your warehouse includes:

• The product price as quoted
• International and domestic freight
• Import duty and VAT (where applicable)
• Customs clearance, documentation and notification service fees
• Packing, insurance and allowance for losses

Build a cost sheet per SKU and compare it with your expected selling price on your channel. This helps you pick products worth importing and avoid margin surprises.

Step 6: Sample, confirm the order and inspect goods on arrival

With a new partner, a sensible flow is: send your request → get category advice for your market → receive a quote based on quantity → order samples if needed → confirm the order → receive documents per item.

At ThaiNex, the advisory team follows this sequence: quantities, delivery terms and documents are discussed clearly at quotation.

When goods arrive, check quantities, packaging condition and labels, and match them against the documents. Keep records as a basis for future orders. If you later want to build your own brand rather than resell, an OEM/ODM model such as 5FINE (5fineglobal.com) is an option worth considering.