Freight from Vietnam to Hong Kong | Rates – Transit Times – Duties & Taxes
Shipping Vietnam Hong Kong looks simple on a map, but the reality is that small documentation errors, wrong Incoterms, or a poor choice between sea and air can quietly add days and unexpected costs to your move. You’re dealing with two fast-paced trade hubs, strong ASEAN ties, and very different customs practices, so details matter from day one.
If you’re planning freight from Vietnam to Hong Kong, this guide gives you what you actually need, transit logic, cost drivers, duties, and operational checkpoints, so you can build a reliable budget and timeline. From experience, once you understand the route structure and the common traps, the whole process becomes much more predictable.
What is the best method to ship your goods between Vietnam and Hong Kong ?
The short answer is this, choose sea freight if your cargo moves in volume and you can plan ahead, especially from Cat Lai or Hai Phong to the Port of Hong Kong, choose air freight via Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai to Hong Kong International Airport if speed or product value justifies the cost, and consider trucking only for very specific cross-border setups combined with China routing.
If you’re looking at this route, you should base your decision on cargo value, urgency, shipment size, and how tight your delivery window really is. We monitor real-time capacity and rate fluctuations on this corridor, so you can always check with us before locking a mode, and we’ll help you choose based on current market conditions, we’ll break each option down in detail right below.
Docshipper Note:
Need assistance with your shipment? Dont hesitate to contact us even for a simple question. Choose the option that suits you
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Sea freight between Vietnam and Hong Kong
Overview – Ocean cargo between Vietnam and Hong Kong
Known as “ The Pearl of Asia”, and after being a former British colony, Hong Kong is a part of but also independent to China since 1997. China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principe of “One country, two systems”, and this makes a great difference. Hong Kong now operates a semi-autonomous territory, with control over its own trade, taxes, and immigration policies, also has its own currency, legal and parliamentary system. The economy of Hong Kong is built on his banking system and on trade rather than on abundance of natural resources.
The port of Hong Kong (Kwai Tsing Container Port) handled about 90% of the country’s trade by weight. It’s one of the world’s largest trading entities in term of merchandise value with an average trade amounting US$ 950 billion and 16.2 millions TEUs every year. Strategically located in the mainland of China, along the major sea route, the port of Hong Kong is a natural harbour and provides a huge cargo base in a deep-water draught. Kwai Tsing Container Port is owned financed by five private operators.
Shipping company offering services between Vietnam and Hong Kong ports
Here are few examples :
Main shipping ports in Vietnam
Port of Hai Phong
Location and Volume: Located in Northern Vietnam near Hanoi, Hai Phong is Vietnam’s principal northern seaport. With the addition of the Lach Huyen deep-water terminal, it now handles well over 7 million TEUs annually and continues to grow as the export hub for northern industrial zones.
Key Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Hai Phong is strategically positioned for intra-Asia trade, with frequent direct and feeder services connecting to Hong Kong. It serves the electronics, garments, and industrial goods manufacturing clusters of Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, and Vinh Phuc.
Context for Businesses: If your suppliers are based in northern Vietnam, Hai Phong gives you direct access to Hong Kong-bound services, often via feeder connections through regional transshipment hubs. For companies sourcing from Japanese-owned factories in northern industrial zones, this is typically the most efficient export port.
Port of Da Nang
Location and Volume: Situated in Central Vietnam along the eastern coast, Da Nang handles approximately 2.5 million tons of cargo annually. It acts as a transshipment gateway for goods originating from central Vietnamese provinces.
Key Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Da Nang maintains active trade connections with Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and India. The port is also important for seafood and processed agricultural exports.
Context for Businesses: If your production or sourcing base is in central Vietnam — Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, or the Da Nang industrial zones — this port reduces inland trucking costs considerably compared to routing cargo south to Ho Chi Minh City
Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai)
Location and Volume: Vietnam’s largest and busiest port, Cat Lai in Ho Chi Minh City handles over 7 million TEUs per year. It is the dominant gateway for the country’s entire southern manufacturing belt.
Key Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Cat Lai connects directly to Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and global transshipment networks. It handles the bulk of Vietnam’s electronics, furniture, garments, footwear, and consumer goods exports.
Context for Businesses: For suppliers based in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, or Long An, Cat Lai is the natural departure point for Hong Kong-bound cargo. Weekly sailings are frequent, and the transit is among the shortest of any Vietnamese export route, making it ideal for time-sensitive commercial shipments.
Main ports in Hong Kong
Kwai Tsing Container Terminals
Location and Volume: The Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, located along the Rambler Channel between Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi in the New Territories, form the core of Hong Kong’s container port infrastructure. The terminal complex handles the vast majority of Hong Kong’s container throughput — approximately 16 to 18 million TEUs annually across its nine berths operated by five private terminal operators: Modern Terminals Limited, Hongkong International Terminals (HIT), COSCO-HIT, DP World, and Asia Container Terminals (ACT).
Key Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Kwai Tsing is connected to virtually every major global trade lane, making it one of the world’s top ten busiest container ports. Its proximity to mainland China’s Pearl River Delta manufacturing base, combined with Hong Kong’s status as a free port, makes it a critical transshipment and redistribution hub for the entire region.
Context for Businesses: For shippers moving goods from Vietnam to Hong Kong, Kwai Tsing is the primary destination for full container loads and most LCL consolidations. Deliveries from the terminal to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon are fast, but urban access restrictions and limited unloading zones in commercial districts mean logistics coordination must be planned carefully.
Stonecutters Island Terminal
Location and Volume: Located adjacent to Kwai Tsing, the Stonecutters Island terminal supplements the main Kwai Tsing complex and handles additional container and bulk traffic.
Context for Businesses: Used primarily for overflow container handling and certain project cargo types. For standard Vietnam–Hong Kong shipments, your cargo is most likely processed at Kwai Tsing, but Stonecutters may be designated by specific carriers on certain services.
River Trade Terminal (Tuen Mun)
Location and Volume: Situated in Tuen Mun in the New Territories, the River Trade Terminal (RTT) specialises in barge and lighter traffic connecting Hong Kong to Pearl River Delta ports in mainland China — including Guangzhou, Foshan, and Zhongshan.
Context for Businesses: If your Hong Kong shipment is ultimately destined for re-export into southern mainland China via barge, the River Trade Terminal is a key node. This is relevant for companies using Hong Kong as a distribution and re-export hub rather than a final destination.
Hong Kong International Airport Cargo Terminal (Air Cargo)
Location and Volume: Located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is consistently ranked as the world’s busiest cargo airport, handling over 4.5 million metric tons of air freight annually.
Key Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: HKIA connects to virtually every major airport globally and is the air freight gateway for time-sensitive shipments arriving from Vietnam. Key cargo operators including Cathay Pacific Cargo, DHL, FedEx, and UPS all operate major facilities here.
Context for Businesses: If your cargo moves by air from Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai, it arrives at HKIA’s cargo facilities. Clearance is generally fast given Hong Kong’s free port status. For high-value or perishable goods, proximity to the airport’s cold chain and express handling facilities is a significant advantage.
FCL vs LCL with examples and cost logic
Choosing between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) on the Vietnam–Hong Kong route is a decision that directly impacts your cost per unit, transit time, and cargo risk. Here is how to think through it clearly.
One practical note specific to this lane: because Vietnam–Hong Kong sailings are frequent and transit times are already very short (often 4 to 6 days port to port from southern Vietnam), LCL is a genuinely competitive option even for businesses that could theoretically fill a container — if flexibility and working capital matter more than absolute unit cost savings.
LCL: Less than Container Load
(or consolidation) is usually used to ship small volumes. The container is shared with other shipments that are going to the same port of destination.
Definition: LCL, also known as consolidation, combines your cargo with other shippers’ goods in a shared container. You pay only for the cubic metres your cargo occupies.
When to use: LCL is the right choice when your shipment is below 13 to 15 CBM and doesn’t justify the cost of a dedicated container. It is also useful for regular smaller orders where flexible scheduling matters more than lowest unit cost.
Example: An electronics accessories company in Ho Chi Minh City ships 4 CBM of product samples to a buyer in Hong Kong. LCL consolidation allows them to ship weekly without waiting to accumulate enough volume for an FCL. They pay for their space only, and the goods arrive within a predictable schedule.
Cost implications: While LCL has lower upfront cost, the cost per CBM is higher than FCL. You also need to factor in consolidation at the origin freight station (CFS) and deconsolidation at destination, which typically adds 2 to 4 days to total transit time versus a direct FCL. On a route this short, that time difference can be noticeable.
FCL: Full Container Load
Is used to ship large quantities or big volumes. FCL may be cheaper than LCL if your goods exceed a volume of 13/14 CBM. It will also get delivered more quickly. When the container arrives at the port of destination, it is unloaded from the vessel and straight delivered to the consignee at final destination.
Definition: FCL means booking an entire container exclusively for your goods. Standard sizes are 20-foot (33 CBM capacity), 40-foot (67 CBM), and 40-foot High Cube (76 CBM). The container is sealed at origin and only opened at final destination.
When to use: FCL makes commercial sense once your shipment exceeds roughly 13 to 15 CBM. At that volume, the flat container rate becomes cheaper per cubic metre than paying for shared LCL space.
Example: A furniture manufacturer in Binh Duong ships 22 CBM of wooden furniture to a distributor in Kowloon. Booking an FCL 40-foot container means the goods are sealed at the factory, loaded onto the vessel at Cat Lai, and delivered directly to the Hong Kong warehouse without any third-party handling along the way. Given the fragile nature of the furniture and the volume, FCL is both safer and cheaper per unit than LCL.
Cost implications: FCL pricing is a flat rate per container regardless of how full it is. If you consistently fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container, your cost per CBM drops significantly. On this particular lane — one of Asia’s most competitive intra-regional corridors — FCL rates are typically very favourable.
Advantages of shipping by LCL
If you don’t have a space to accommodate a full container, it makes sense to use LCL. It lets you ship in smaller volume instead of purchasing large quantities from suppliers.
LCL makes it easier to split shipments if you are delivering to multiple places.
The cheapest way to ship your goods, if you have a volume not higher than 13/14 CBM
Disadvantages of shipping by LCL
Higher price per cubic meter compared to FCL shipments
Goods must be palletized to secure it from other shipments
Your goods will be handled at the deconsolidation warehouse. There are more risk of damages and this will take time.
If you are in the hurry for your goods to get at final destination, sea freight is the slowest method.
Advantages of FCL sea freight
The cheapest method if your volume is higher than 13/14 CBM.
The container will be delivered more quickly to the final destination.
Disadvantages of FCL shipping
The volume of you shipment is less than 13/14 CBM.
Sea freight is the slowest method, there are other ways to ship faster.
How long does it take to ship between Vietnam and Hong Kong by sea freight ?
As the Vietnam and Hong Kong are both located on the seashore of the South China Sea, it makes sense to ship by using sea freight.
| Da Nong | Saigon | Ba Ngoi | Cam Pha | |
Honk Kong | 6 Days | 6 Days | 5 Days | 5 Days |
Please note that transit times shown are just as indicative information. It does not include handling at both ports, pick up, delivery, and customs clearance process
Docshipper Note:
You need to contact us. Once our experts receive your request, they study it with attention and accuracy because of the numerous factors to take into consideration. Docshipper proceed in “case by case”. The fuel prices, the season, the commodity (nature, CBM and weight) and specially the services you ask will make the price different.
How much does it cost to ship a container between Vietnam and Hong Kong?
Container freight rates on the Vietnam–Hong Kong corridor are among the most competitive in intra-Asia trade, driven by the high frequency of sailings and the density of commercial traffic between the two economies.
That said, exact rates fluctuate based on the port of loading, the carrier, cargo type, and current market conditions. A base ocean freight rate is only one component of your total cost. On this lane, you should also factor in: origin handling charges in Vietnam, destination terminal handling charges (THC) at Kwai Tsing, documentation fees, and local delivery within Hong Kong.
Because Hong Kong is a free port with no import duties on most goods, the customs cost component is minimal compared to other destinations — which is one of the reasons this lane is attractive for regional redistribution and re-export operations.
Our team monitors rate fluctuations on this corridor in real time. Contact us with your cargo details — volume, weight, origin city, and delivery address in Hong Kong — and we will return a structured quote within 24 hours showing all cost components, not just the freight line.
The reefer container is a “thermally insulated” container with a temperature maintaining device. It allows the transport of goods under controlled temperature. So as one can guess, it is often used for food or chemical products.
Docshipper will advise you, if necessary, and then reserve it for you.
Out of Gauge (OOG) Container
Definition: OOG containers are designed to carry cargo that exceeds the standard internal dimensions of a regular container — in height, width, or length. OOG shipments are loaded on flat rack or open-top containers.
Suitable for: Large industrial machinery, construction equipment, power generation units, oversized structural components.
Examples: Excavators, turbines, industrial presses, large-format printing equipment.
Why it might be right for you: If your goods cannot fit within the standard 2.35m width or 2.39m height of a standard container, OOG is the correct solution. On the Vietnam–Hong Kong lane, OOG shipments often relate to industrial equipment moving between manufacturing facilities or for maintenance purposes. We handle the special stowage planning and notify carriers in advance of loading.
Break Bulk
Definition: Break bulk refers to cargo that is not containerised and is loaded individually onto the vessel — on pallets, in crates, or as loose pieces.
Suitable for: Cargo that is too large or irregularly shaped for any container type, or goods shipped in quantities that make containerisation impractical.
Examples: Bagged goods, steel coils, timber, large reels of cable, structural steel sections.
Why it might be right for you: If you ship commodities or raw materials in volume but without the consistency needed for regular container bookings, break bulk offers operational flexibility. The Vietnam–Hong Kong route has dedicated break bulk handling capability at both Cat Lai and Kwai Tsing.
Dry Bulk
Definition: Dry bulk shipping involves the transport of loose, unpackaged homogeneous cargo loaded directly into the vessel’s hold.
Suitable for: High-volume commodities shipped without individual packaging.
Examples: Rice, animal feed, fertiliser, minerals, coal, grains.
Why it might be right for you: Vietnam is a major exporter of agricultural commodities, and dry bulk is the standard transport method for shipments of rice, coffee, cassava chips, or fertiliser moving to Hong Kong’s distribution and re-export network.
Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro)
Definition: Ro-Ro vessels carry wheeled cargo that is driven or towed directly aboard via a ramp, rather than lifted by crane.
Suitable for: Any self-propelled or towable wheeled equipment.
Examples: Cars, motorcycles, trucks, agricultural tractors, construction vehicles, buses.
Why it might be right for you: If you are exporting vehicles or heavy equipment from Vietnam to Hong Kong — whether new, used, or for maintenance — Ro-Ro is the safest and most cost-efficient method. There is no lifting, no lashing in a container, and no risk of toppling during handling.
Reefer Containers
Definition: Reefer containers are refrigerated units that maintain a controlled temperature throughout the journey, ranging from -25°C to +25°C depending on cargo requirements.
Suitable for: Any cargo that requires temperature control to remain market-ready.
Examples: Fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, flowers.
Why it might be right for you: Vietnam is a major exporter of seafood, tropical fruits, and increasingly pharmaceuticals. Hong Kong is both a consumption market and a re-export hub for temperature-sensitive goods moving into mainland China. A reefer container ensures your products arrive in the same condition they left Vietnam, with full temperature logging available for regulatory compliance.
Air freight between Vietnam and Hong Kong
Overview – Classic air freight
Main airports in Vietnam
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) — Ho Chi Minh City
Cargo Volume: Vietnam’s largest cargo airport, handling over 600,000 metric tons of freight annually, making it by far the country’s dominant air cargo hub.
Key Trading Partners: Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, and the United States are among the top destinations. Multiple direct freighter services operate to Hong Kong daily.
Strategic Importance: Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s commercial capital, Tan Son Nhat provides direct access to the manufacturing clusters of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An.
Notable Features: The airport’s cargo terminal covers 115,000 sqm with dedicated handling zones for express parcels, perishables, and general air cargo.
For Your Business: If your goods originate in southern Vietnam and need to reach Hong Kong quickly — whether by direct air freight or express courier — Tan Son Nhat is the natural departure point. Cargo capacity on the Ho Chi Minh City–Hong Kong corridor is strong, with Cathay Pacific Cargo, Vietnam Airlines, and express integrators all operating regular services.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) — Hanoi
Cargo Volume: Approximately 400,000 metric tons of cargo annually, serving as the primary air cargo gateway for northern Vietnam.
Key Trading Partners: Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Japan, and Europe. Several carriers offer direct freighter or belly-hold services connecting Hanoi to Hong Kong.
Strategic Importance: Noi Bai serves northern Vietnam’s industrial zones, including Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Hai Duong, and Vinh Phuc — all of which host major electronics and precision manufacturing facilities, many with Japanese or Korean ownership.
Notable Features: A 35,000 sqm cargo terminal equipped to handle electronics, garments, and high-value cargo. Capacity has expanded significantly following increased FDI in northern Vietnam.
For Your Business: If your supplier base is concentrated in northern Vietnam and you need urgent air freight to Hong Kong, Noi Bai provides direct services with competitive transit times. For time-sensitive electronics components or samples, this is often the most practical departure airport.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Cargo Volume: Up to 200,000 metric tons annually.
Key Trading Partners: ASEAN countries, Hong Kong, China, and Japan.
Strategic Importance: Serving Central Vietnam’s growing industrial zones, Da Nang airport is a secondary but increasingly relevant departure point for air freight on regional Asian routes.
For Your Business: If your production is based in central Vietnam and speed is critical, Da Nang provides a viable air freight alternative that avoids routing goods to the south or north before departure.
Hong Kong International Airport
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) — Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island
Cargo Volume: Consistently ranked as the world’s busiest cargo airport, HKIA handles over 4.5 million metric tons of air freight annually. It connects to more than 100 countries and territories and is served by virtually every major international carrier.
Key Trading Partners: Mainland China, the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. Hong Kong’s re-export role means a significant share of air cargo arriving from Vietnam ultimately moves onward to third markets.
Strategic Importance: HKIA is not just a destination airport for Vietnamese cargo — it is a regional cargo hub. For companies using Hong Kong as an intermediary for redistribution to mainland China or other Asian markets, HKIA’s cargo handling infrastructure and customs efficiency are major operational advantages.
Notable Features: The SuperTerminal 1 operated by Hactl and the Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) together provide over 5 million tonnes of annual handling capacity. Dedicated facilities exist for perishables, pharmaceuticals, live animals, express parcels, and dangerous goods. The airport is Cargo iQ certified and operates 24 hours a day.
For Your Business: If you are shipping time-sensitive goods from Vietnam to Hong Kong — electronics, fashion, samples, perishables — HKIA’s combination of fast clearance, 24-hour operations, and direct connections from Tan Son Nhat and Noi Bai makes it the most efficient air cargo destination in the region. Typical customs clearance for standard commercial goods at HKIA takes only a few hours given Hong Kong’s free port status.
Which airlines should I choose for a Classic Air freight between Vietnam and Hong Kong ?
How long does air freight take between Vietnam and Hong Kong?
Air freight between Vietnam and Hong Kong is one of the fastest commercial air routes in Asia given the short geographical distance.
Typical transit times in 2026:
- Airport to airport (Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong): 1 to 2 days
- Airport to airport (Hanoi to Hong Kong): 1 to 2 days
- Door to door including export clearance in Vietnam and import handling in Hong Kong: 2 to 5 business days under normal conditions
For express courier services with companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, delivery to a Hong Kong address from a Vietnamese city is typically achievable in 1 to 3 working days.
How much does it cost to ship a parcel between Vietnam and Hong Kong by air freight?
Air freight rates from Vietnam to Hong Kong generally range from $3 to $10 per chargeable kilogram for standard general cargo. Express courier pricing follows a different structure and is typically quoted per shipment based on dimensions and weight.
Because this is a short regional route with strong competition among carriers, air freight rates tend to be more competitive than on long-haul lanes. However, total air shipment cost also includes origin handling, security screening, fuel surcharges, destination handling, and local delivery — all of which should be factored into your landed cost comparison versus sea freight.
Contact our team with your dimensions and weight for a real-time quote. We respond within 24 hours with a full cost breakdown.
How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?
Please note that is very important to make the difference between Gross Weight and Volumetric Weight, as it will determine the price of the freight.
The equivalence rule in air freight is 1t = 6 CBM. The volume must be divided by 6 and compared to the Gross Weight of the goods and choose the higher of the two. To the advantage of the airline company.
Gross weight is the actual physical weight of your shipment in kilograms, including goods and all packaging.
Volumetric weight reflects the space your shipment takes up on the aircraft. For standard air cargo, it is calculated as: length (cm) × width (cm) × height (cm) ÷ 6,000. For express courier services, the divisor changes to 5,000.
Here is a practical example: you are shipping a carton measuring 50 cm × 40 cm × 35 cm with a gross weight of 10 kg.
- Volumetric weight (air cargo): (50 × 40 × 35) ÷ 6,000 = 11.67 kg
- Volumetric weight (express): (50 × 40 × 35) ÷ 5,000 = 14 kg
Since the volumetric weight exceeds the gross weight, the airline charges based on 11.67 kg (or 14 kg for express) — not the actual 10 kg. Air freight is always billed on whichever is greater. Understanding this before you pack helps you optimise carton dimensions and avoid paying for air you didn’t need to ship.
DocShipper note:
Classic Air freight will be convenient for you only if the volume of your goods is less than 2 CBM. Please feel free to contact our experts for any question or further information, by filling our online form. You can expect an answer within 48h !
Once your volumetric weight is determined to price the freight, please note that you may expect more charges and taxes added by airlines companies and airports (Airport tax, LTA fees, Security tax, Risk insurance tax, Fuel surcharge tax)
Express Air freight – What is it?
Express Air freight is commonly used to ship parcels or very small volumes. Companies operating express services generally offer door-to-door or point-of-delivery solutions. The price will obviously be more expensive per kilo, but this method ensures a fast and efficient service for parcels to be delivered as soon as possible.
DocShipper advise you to use the Express Air freight solution if the weight of your shipment or parcel is less than 100 Kgs and if you are in the rush to receive your good.
How door-to-door services are helpful?
From A to Z enables to ensure the fluidity of your transfer. Indeed, our collaborators in Vietnam and in Hong Kong will cooperate to avoid all delays or added costs due to communication mistakes between all the entities responsible for your freight. Hence, for example the customs clearance will totally be under control, thanks to the proficiency of our collaborators with the Hong Kong and Vietnamese customs.
Here you can find a non-exhaustive list of courier companies:
Companies for Classic Air freight between Vietnam and Hong Kong
Please note that as classic air freight, the express air freight companies will also base their rates on volumetric weight, the equivalence rule is 1 CBM = 200 kg.
Docshipper Note:
We are working for a long time with these companies, we may offer you a competitive price for this shipping method. So if you are looking for an Express Air freight between the Vietnam and Hong Kong, you can check our dedicated page: express air freight and feel free to contact with our expert.
Note: You can check our special page on door-to-door, or reach one of our Docshipper experts to get deeper on the topic.
Why should I use a Door-to-Door service between Vietnam and Hong Kong?
Door-to-door freight is consistently one of the most requested services on the Vietnam–Hong Kong corridor, particularly for businesses that want one accountable point of contact across two highly active trade hubs. Here are five concrete reasons why it works well on this lane:
1. Single point of accountability across two jurisdictions: One team handles supplier pickup in Vietnam, export customs clearance, international freight booking, import handling in Hong Kong, and final delivery. You don’t manage separate agents in two countries with different languages, time zones, and commercial practices.
2. Urban delivery complexity in Hong Kong is handled for you: Hong Kong’s dense urban environment presents real logistics challenges — narrow streets, building access restrictions, scheduled unloading windows, and limited parking. These constraints frequently cause redelivery charges when not anticipated. We coordinate delivery logistics in Hong Kong in advance so your goods arrive on time and on the first attempt.
3. Re-export and redistribution is structured from the start: Many companies using Hong Kong as a logistics hub plan to re-export goods into mainland China or to other regional markets. If this applies to you, the shipment must be documented and structured from departure in Vietnam to allow smooth onward movement. Door-to-door management ensures this is planned from day one, not resolved after arrival.
4. Free port advantage is fully leveraged: Hong Kong’s free port status means no import duty on most goods. However, the import declaration must still be filed correctly and on time. Our customs team manages this efficiently so clearance happens without delay, and you benefit from Hong Kong’s low-friction import environment without the administrative overhead.
5. Cost transparency from origin to destination: With door-to-door, you receive a single structured quote covering all logistics steps. This eliminates the common issue of “surprise” destination charges that inflate your final landed cost beyond what was initially quoted.
Customs clearance in Hong Kong for goods imported from Vietnam
How much will I pay ?
Hong Kong is a duty free destination and maintains basically no barriers on trade. It means that Hong Kong does not impose any duties or taxes collecting for general commodities on its territory. Only some specific products are subjected to payment such as alcohol, tobacco, petroleum and chemical products. Most of importations on the territory do not need license as well. Importers should purchase a license only in the case of specific products as mentioned above.
However, it is to be noted that any importer should file an “import declaration” through the “Customs and Excise Department” system and provide documents such as: invoice, bill of lading, airway bill, packing list, etc.
For more information please visit the website of Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.
How to I lodge my Import Declaration ?
First step, go to the official website of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.
Once you are on the main page, you will scroll on the left tabs to reach “Cargo Clearance”.
And then more tabs will be declined, you will just drag the mouse on “Import and Export Declaration”, to finally reach “Lodgement of Declaration Forms”.
Let’s see the next step.
As said on this screen shot, you will be redirected to a Hong Kong government-approved online filing service.
Please note that the importer should file an “Import Declaration” within 14 days from the import.
Import and Export Declaration Charges in Hong Kong
As you will get duties and taxes exemption for most of general products entering Hong Kong’s territory, there are still Declaration Charges to take into account for both Import and Export Declarations.
Customs clearance in Vietnam for goods imported from Hong Kong
The ASEAN-Hong Kong China Free Trade Agreement (AHKCTA)
Since June 2019, The ASEAN countries (Association of South East Asian Nations) which of course the Vietnam is a part, signed an agreement with Hong Kong and China.
Vietnam issued Decree No. 07/2020/ND-CP on the special preferential import tariffs for the implementation of the ASEAN-Hong Kong China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA).
The reason of this agreement is to increase economic cooperation, reduce taxes, and increase investment between ASEAN markets and Hong Kong.
The preferential import tax rates are applicable under the following conditions:
- Imported commodities are listed in the special preferential import tariff under the Decree
- Imported from countries that are part of the AHKFTA
- Transported directly from the exporting country part of the AHKFTA
- Provide of the certificate of origin (C/O).
More information about this trade agreement on the official website: ASEAN – Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement
Tariffs and Taxes
Knowing the precise cost and the rate for the importation of your goods is a serious deal. For each member of the World Trade Organization the HS code is used (composed of 6 numbers). This numbers defines the nature of your good (by ID).
Vietnam is aligned with the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS)
Here is the composition of an HS Code, you can now see what an HS code is and what does it mean.
To find the right HS Code of your product, you can search on any country’s Tariff Database by entering a keyword, just like “pineapple”.
Once you have the HS Code of your product, it would be interesting for you to know the exact rate for importation of pineapples from Hong Kong to Vietnam.
Go to the the official website : Customs in Vietnam
Reach the Tariff Database page
Let’s have a look on the following steps :
Remark DocShipper: Due to the recent Agreement between ASEAN Countries and Hong Kong and China (AHKCTA), the preferential tariff does not appear on the system as it will take effect on 2020.
The result of the search appears at the bottom of the page :
Now you just have to click on the code
Now let’s check the rate :
Interpretation of customs tariff in Vietnam
In this picture you can see the rate for the importation of pineapples into Vietnam, you will pay 30% duties and taxes when it come from Hong Kong and China.
Does Docshipper charge duty ?
For the rest, our customs commissioner will definitely not be charged to you. We will revert to you with documents produced by Hong Kong/Vietnamese Customs in order to prove it to you.
Customs Procedures and Contacts
Vietnam Customs
Official Name: General Department of Vietnam Customs
Official Website: https://www.customs.gov.vn/
Hong Kong Customs
Official Name: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department
Official Website: https://www.customs.gov.hk/en/home/index.html
Required documents for customs clearance
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is equivalent to a passport and a boarding card for your shipment. Depending on the method used to transfer your goods, it can be an Airway Bill (for Air Freight) or a Bill of Lading (for Ocean Freight). It is also a document testifying of the legality of the transfer, because it is emitted once the carrier received payment for its services. This document is important for all international transfer of commercial goods.
The following pictures are detailing what information are provided on a Bill of Lading:
- 1 = Shipper
- 2 = Consignee
- 3 = Notify party
- 4 = Vessel No.
- 5 = Port of loading / discharge
- 6 = Place of receipt / delivery
- 7 = Container No.
- 8 = Goods description
- 9 = Net weight
- 10 = Dimensions / volume
The original invoice
The customs will see this like a confirmation that the goods received are the same in the declaration.
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the primary document Vietnamese and Hong Kong customs use to assess the nature, value, and origin of your shipment. It must be accurate, complete, and consistent with all other documents in your file.
A properly completed commercial invoice includes: full name and address of both buyer and seller, a precise and detailed description of the goods (avoid generic terms such as “parts” or “merchandise”), the HS code for each line item, unit price and total value, the currency of the transaction, the agreed Incoterm, country of origin, and the total quantity and weight.
On the Vietnam–Hong Kong lane, a common error is omitting the HS code or listing it at a high level of generalisation. This can trigger a customs examination at Kwai Tsing or delay declaration filing on the Vietnamese side. For goods that will be re-exported from Hong Kong to mainland China, the commercial invoice must also be structured with onward compliance in mind — Chinese customs will scrutinise it at the next step.
The packing list
The packing list is summing up all the items included in your shipment. You should attach the MSDS data sheet and the international code, if you’re importing hazardous or chemical products in Australia.
Certificate of Origin
This document is very important if you’re wishing that your import can be treated under any preferential import tariff. It is the only legal document to prove the origin of your goods. Like the Bill of Lading, the Certificate of Origin is a very important document for all international import. The document must be signed by the manufacturer and delivered by a government agency of the country of origin.
Here is what it looks like (for China here):
If the customs and declaration procedure remain a difficult task, or simply if you are in the lack of time, just send us an email or call us!
Prohibited and restricted items when importing into Hong Kong
Hong Kong operates as a free port with minimal import restrictions on most commercial goods. However, certain categories are either prohibited outright or require a licence prior to importation.
Prohibited goods (importation is illegal under any circumstances):
- Narcotics, controlled drugs, and psychotropic substances
- Obscene articles
- Endangered species and products derived from them (subject to CITES Convention)
- Counterfeit currency and forged documents
- Unlicensed firearms and ammunition
Restricted goods (import licence required):
- Pharmaceutical products and medicines
- Pesticides and chemicals
- Radioactive substances and nuclear materials
- Strategic commodities (dual-use goods, munitions)
- Food products subject to health inspection (particularly fresh meat, poultry, and seafood — licenses required from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department)
- Textiles and clothing subject to quota controls in specific circumstances
- Ozone-depleting substances
Practical note for Vietnam–Hong Kong shippers: Vietnamese seafood and agricultural products moving into Hong Kong require health certificates and in some cases pre-import registration with Hong Kong authorities. If your cargo includes food products of any kind, verify licensing requirements before shipment. Failure to present the correct documents at HKIA or Kwai Tsing can result in cargo being held and inspected at your cost.
For the full and current list of restricted and prohibited items, consult the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Trade and Industry Department of Hong Kong.
Vietnam – Hong Kong trade and economic relationship
The trade and investment relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong is one of the most active bilateral corridors in Southeast Asia. Hong Kong serves a dual role: it is both a significant trading partner in its own right and a critical intermediary for Vietnamese goods moving into mainland China and global markets.
By 2024, total merchandise trade between Vietnam and Hong Kong reached approximately USD 12 to 14 billion annually, encompassing electronics, garments, machinery, food products, and consumer goods. Hong Kong consistently ranks among Vietnam’s top five export destinations and is a significant source of foreign direct investment in Vietnamese manufacturing.
The ASEAN–Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA), which entered into force in June 2019, has further strengthened this relationship. Under the agreement, Vietnamese exporters can access preferential tariff rates when shipping goods to Hong Kong (and vice versa), provided goods are accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin (Form AHK) issued by Vietnamese authorities. Many categories of Vietnamese industrial goods and agricultural products now benefit from significantly reduced or zero tariff rates under this framework.
For importers and exporters on this lane, understanding and leveraging the AHKFTA is one of the most practical ways to reduce landed cost. Our team can advise you on which of your product categories qualify and how to obtain the correct Certificate of Origin to claim the preferential rate.
Additional services
Our warehousing and storage services
Strategically located near the ports of HCMC (Saigon), Haiphong and Quy Nhon. We are therefore able to receive your shipping for as long as you need it, before sending it to Hong Kong (or anywhere else for that matter), or delivering it to Vietnam. If you have a plan to consolidate a full container by several shipments from different suppliers, or conversely you receive a full container and you want to split and supply to multi-destination. We also have the solution for you !
Our packing/unpacking services
Overview
Packing services is very important as it is guaranteeing a perfect load stability during the transport and providing an excellent protection during storage and handling. We will be able to provide such services in both Hong Kong and Vietnam so feel free to contact our experts if you need any packing service.
Packing material
Carton box
First, the best cartons boxes will be used for your belongings. Second, it will be thick and unfolded (for better protection against potential damage). Our packaging techniques will be adapted according to your goods (their dimensions, their fragility …).
Palletization
These mechanical handling techniques will improve ease of use. It will be a much safer way to get your goods into the container. However, if your supplier is not able (if he does not have what it takes) to carry out this operation, we have every pallet size available for you.
Wooden boxes
Once again, this method aims to facilitate transport by protecting your belongings. The wooden crate is intended for rather bulky objects. There are wooden crates and wooden boxes. The crate will be preferable if you need to have it placed in a certain direction. If this is not the case, you might as well use the box. Don’t worry about the size of your belongings. Docshipper and his teams are able to manufacture those that will fit your goods and your needs.
Others: bubble wrap, tape, wrapping paper…
What we are talking about here will protect your goods by softening their contact with the packing method (wooden crate for example). We use a lot of these materials to guarantee optimal protection for your goods.
Why packing is important for the insurance ?
Unfortunately, it can happen that your goods may be damaged during transport (whether by sea, land or air). With Docshipper, this happens very rarely because our skills ensure optimal security for your goods. We will act in a professional way, which guarantees you a refund if anything happens.
Freight insurance
How much does a freight insurance cost ?
The amount of your insurance policy will be based on the value of your goods. As you can see, the higher the value, the more you will pay for the insurance.
In general, the following calculation is made: (freight value + product value) * 2-3%.
So, you can count on this calculation to make yourself an estimation. This rate is variable depending on the nature/category of your goods.
Supplier management in Vietnam
Control quality in Vietnam
Our aim is, as mentioned above, to avoid any kind of disturbance during the operation. Thus, we will contact your supplier in order to check your products (their condition and especially their packaging). Letting go of your badly packed goods is to cause you problems and to cause us problems.
We will therefore make sure of a perfect packaging and the state of your products.
Know that by trusting Docshipper, the cargo will be fluid from start to finish. The incoterm can be FOB, CFR or other, whatever happens, the type, dimensions and HS code will be checked by our staff. They have a perfect command of Vietnamese as well as French and English. Documentation, packaging and the rest will be our problem and not yours.
3PL Services in Vietnam
Order fulfillment/Packing & labelling in Vietnam
As you should know, the supply chain is complex (especially when it comes to electronics). We will be your right-hand man in Vietnam, taking care of all services (packaging, customer relations, inventory, labelling, fulfilment). These will be our concerns, not yours.
Last mile delivery
Thanks to our networks and the relationship we entertain with them, we can guarantee you a delivery at your residence in Vietnam/Hong Kong and a professional service.
Shipping personal effects from Vietnam
Excess baggage
Are you coming back from your trip busier than expected? Your excess baggage may not be well seen by the airlines. As a result, they have the right to refuse it.
The solution? DocShipper and its express delivery will allow you to receive your excess baggage quickly at home in Hong Kong.
Moving service between Vietnam and Hong Kong
Do you have problems with packing, storage, wrapping or customs clearance? Let us turn them into OUR problems between Vietnam and Hong Kong. Are you interested in our relocation services ? Have a look on our dedicated page : Moving services
Free regulation advisor
Our experience in this field (especially between Vietnam and Hong Kong) has enabled us to be unstoppable on all administrative matters. Our answers will be efficient and will save you time and money.
What are you waiting for? Please contact us.
More than 10 years of expertise in Asia, enables us to deliver tailor-made freight solutions at hyper competitive prices. Do not hesitate to contact our dedicated staff for more information about your transfer, we’re always happy to serve and spread knowledge! Contact us
Additional logistics services
Discover DocShipper's holistic approach to supply chain management, covering not just shipping and customs, but a full suite of additional logistics services tailored to streamline your global operations effectively.
Warehousing and storage
Securing a reliable warehouse in a foreign land could be a mountain to climb. Your goods, especially temperature-sensitive ones, need perfect conditions to stay market-ready. Imagine the peace of mind that a well-managed, temperature-controlled storage would bring! Your quest for such reliable warehousing ends here. More info on our dedicated page: Warehousing.
Packaging and repackaging
Protecting your products for the journey from China to Thailand requires expert packing and repackaging. Looking for items that defy the odds? Our network of trustworthy agents can handle everything from electronics to fragile ceramics. They ensure safe transport, perfect for businesses shipping diverse goods. Want to dive deeper? Find more at our dedicated page: Freight Packaging
Cargo insurance
Cargo insurance acts as your safety net during your shipping journey. Ever considered a scenario where your shipment gets damaged by incidents other than fire? This is where cargo insurance comes into play, covering physical losses or damages from external causes. Think of a heavy storm tossing your ocean freight; cargo insurance has your back! Our customized coverage mitigates such risks. Need more insights? Visit our dedicated page: Cargo Insurance.
Supplier Management (Sourcing)
Looking to manufacture in Asia or East Europe? The supplier management service from DocShipper seamlessly handles it all - right from finding reliable suppliers to overseeing the entire procurement process. Forget language limitations or complex sourcing steps - DocShipper guides you through it all. For instance, if you strive to create a new toy line in China, we connect you with the best manufacturers and handle all purchasing details. More info on our dedicated page: Sourcing services
Personal effects shipping
Moving special items from China to Thailand? Your precious or oversized belongings deserve safe and efficient shipping. That's where we come in, with expertise in handling fragile and bulky cargo with utmost care. Consider the time we secured a customer's antique Chinese vase; it arrived in Bangkok unscathed! Craving more insights? More info on our dedicated page: Shipping Personal Belongings.
Quality Control
Ensuring the excellence of your products is our priority. Our Quality Control service eliminates your worries over manufacturing errors in your China-to-Thailand shipping. Imagine unboxing your Thai order only to find unsuitable items - a nightmare avoided with our pre-shipment inspection. Don't gamble with your business reputation; let us protect it. More info on our dedicated page: Quality Inspection
Product compliance services
Ensuring your merchandise arrives safely is essential, but have you considered if it meets local compliance standards? Our Product Compliance Services handle this crucial aspect, conducting rigorous laboratory tests for certification and verifying that your goods abide by the destination's regulations. Suppose true peace of mind in international shipping means no surprises at customs. In that case, our specialized expertise might be invaluable to you. More info on our dedicated page: Product compliance services
FAQ - Shipping between Vietnam and Hong Kong
Yes, and this route is actually well suited for personal moves because transit times are short and sailings are frequent between Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and Hong Kong.
What matters most is volume and flexibility. If you’re moving a few cubic meters, we usually recommend LCL sea freight. If you’re relocating urgently, air freight works but costs significantly more per kilo.
We handle:
- Packing and export handling in Vietnam
- Customs formalities on both sides
- Short-term storage if your delivery date shifts
- Final delivery in Hong Kong, including buildings with access restrictions
Hong Kong has strict building access rules and limited unloading zones. That’s where moves often go wrong. We coordinate delivery slots in advance so you don’t face redelivery fees.