You probably want to import goods from Asia to Europe, especially from Vietnam to Slovakia. As it is sometimes very difficult to find information about this kind of import, FNM Vietnam, member of DocShipper, has written a guide about it.It will give you more information about regulations, means of transport, customs procedures etc.

What is the best method to ship items from Vietnam to Slovakia cheaply but with a good carrier?

 

In this guide we will try to provide you with as many answers as possible to any questions you may have about importing from Vietnam to Slovakia. We will first discuss the best means of transport according to the weight / nature / size of your goods. We know that the needs of our customers can be very varied, that's why our advisers will guide you and answer your questions.

We will see both ways to send your goods from Vietnam to Slovakia. Indeed air and sea freight are the two means at your disposal, each of these means have their advantages and disadvantages.

sea freight services guide

Sea freight shipping from Vietnam to Slovakia

sea freight icon

Recommendation DocShipper : Sea freight will be the best option if :

  • Your shipment is more than 2 CBM
  • You’re not in a hurry to receive your goods

Note DocShipper : You are looking for sea freight pricing and/or advices ? Feel free to contact our experts by filling our online form.

Overview - Ocean cargo from Vietnam to Slovakia

The first method of sending cargo from Vietnam to Slovakia is sea freight. It is the most used method in the world and the cheapest for large volumes.

As Slovakia does not have access to the sea, the goods transit via the Danube to the port of Bratislava. The port of Bratislava is the only cargo port in the country.

Advantages of sea freight

  • The first advantage of martitime freight is that it is the cheapest way to transport freight. That's also why it is the most used way in the world. Indeed it is also the cheapest way to send your goods from Vietnam to Slovakia.
  • Sea freight also allows you to send larger quantity and volume of goods.
  • If you care about the environment, sea freight is much less polluting than air or road freight.

Disadvantages of sea freight

  • The main disadvantage of sea freight is the transit time. To send goods from Vietnam to Slovakia sea freight will take much longer than air freight.

Shipping company offering services from Vietnam to port of Bratislava

Here are few examples :

logo shipping company maersk

Logo Shipping company OOCL

Logo shipping company CMA CGM

logo shipping company evergreen

The port of Bratislava is the international cargo port in Slovakia. It is therefore of great importance for the Slovak economy. It is located on the Danube and therefore provides sea access to Slovakia.

Should I ship by consolidation or full container from Vietnam to Slovakia?

 

LCL - Less Than Container Load

LCL, also known as consolidation, is a type of shipment that represents the best solution for a medium volume shipment. In an LCL shipment, goods from multiple shippers are consolidated into the same container. This shipping method is suitable for exporters who do not need the capacity of a FCL (Full Container Load), that is a full container load.

Advantages of shipping by LCL

  • An LCL shipment is the best way to send your goods in some cases. If your goods are too heavy for air freight but you do not send a sufficient volume to fill an FCL.
  • Sending by LCL also reduces inspection and customs clearance times.

Disadvantages of shipping by LCL

  • If you ship via LCL, the price of one cubic meter will be higher than one cubic meter via FCL.
  • Shipping in LCL is less profitable than shipping in FCL if the volume of your goods exceeds 15 cubic meters. This means that you should choose LCL shipping if your goods have a volume of less than 15 cubic meters.
  • Because your goods are sent with the goods of other exporters, your goods are handled more than if you had loaded your own container yourself. This means that the risk of damage to your goods is higher.

FCL - Full Container Load

The FCL consists of sending a full container loaded only with your goods. These containers meet international standards. There are two models, the 20" (6 meter) and the 40" (12 meter).

Advantages of FCL sea freight

  • When shipping in FCL the container (20" or 40") is filled only with your cargo. This saves you money on the price per cubic metre. A cubic meter sent in FCL is therefore cheaper than via LCL.
  • You can optimize the fit and weight in the container yourself and save space.
  • Moreover, since only your goods are in the container. There is therefore less risk that your goods will be damaged during handling.

Disadvantages of FCL shipping

A FCL shipment is cheaper than an LCL shipment only, and only if you send a sufficient volume (15 cubic meters) to fill a container.

How long does it take to ship from Vietnam to Slovakia by sea freight ?

  Bratislava
Da Nang 32 days
Saigon 30 days
Ba Ngoi 32 days
Cam Pha 32 days

The given transit times only take into account the freight. To this must be added pick up, delivery, loading unloading, customs clearance.

 

How much does it cost to ship a container from Vietnam to Slovakia ?

The price of a shipment depends on many factors. These factors are the volume of the goods, the weight of your goods, the nature of your goods etc. We can therefore not give you a price in advance but we need informations about your shipment in order to provide you with a personalized quote.

Docshipper Note:

You can contact our agents who specialize in sea freight. Our agents will be able to offer you possible solutions for sea freight between Vietnam and Slovakia. They will discuss your needs with you to give you a detailed and accurate quote.

Special sea freight services 

Reefer container from Vietnam to Slovakia

Some of the exporters we work with have specific needs. For example, some of them want to send foodstuffs. In order not to break the cold chain, we offer reefer container services. The temperature of these containers is continuously controlled, which allows us to keep your foodstuffs at the ideal temperature.

Docshipper will advise you, and then book it for you.

 

Roro/Bulk/OOG from Vietnam to Slovakia

RORO:

Other exporters we work with need to send vehicles for example. If they need to export large vehicles that cannot fit into a container there are special ships called RORO (for roll in - roll out) or vehicles that are loaded by a ramp.

BULK:

We also offer Bulk services from Vietnam to Slovakia. Indeed this allows to transport bulk goods in the hold of a ship. The ships used are specially arranged to receive this kind of bulk goods, such as cereals for example.

OOG

OOG (Out Of Gauge) shipments are necessary when an exporter needs to send goods that are too large to fit into a 20" or 40" container. In this case, the cargo is then loaded on a special platform in the ship. Examples include large statues, airplane wings or any other object measuring more than 2.29m long and 2.20m wide (inside dimensions of a container).

air freight services guide

Air freight shipping from Vietnam to Slovakia

air freight icon

Recommendation DocShipper : Air freight will be the best option if :

  • Your shipment is less than 2 CBM
  • You’re in a hurry to receive your goods

Note DocShipper : You are looking for air freight pricing and/or advices ? Feel free to contact our experts by filling our online form.

Overview – Classic vs Express air freight 

Sending by air freight is the fastest way to send your goods. Although airfreight is indeed the fastest means of transport, loading, unloading and customs clearance are always quite long. Airfreight express allows you to reduce these delays. Indeed it takes one week with the classic air freight and only 4 days with the express air freight.

 

What is the difference between volumetric and gross weight?

Two methods are used to consider the density of your shipment. Both calculations are performed and the method giving the higher result is taken into account.

How to calculate the gross weight of airfreight shipments

how to calculate volumetric weight

Should I choose a Classic Air freight from Vietnam to Slovakia?

Which airlines are able to ship your goods from Vietnam to Slovakia ?

vietnam airlines logo

aircargo

  • Air Cargo Global, was established in 2013 and has been flying between Frankfurt and Bratislava and the Asian destinations since 2014.
  • Vietnam Airlines (in Vietnamese HĂŁng hĂ ng khĂŽng Quốc gia Việt Nam) is the leading Vietnamese airline. Ho Chi Minh City Airport and Hanoi Airport are the two main hubs from which it operates international cargo and passenger flights.

DocShipper Plus: DocShipper has a very good partnership with international airlines. This allows us to offer you competitive rates. In addition, we know the services of our partners, which allows us to ensure a quality service for your shipments between Vietnam and Slovakia.

Transit time Door to Door from Vietnam to Slovakia by air freight ?

For a door to door operation, you should count at about 7 to 8 days. This delay depend on the time of the week and the period.

 

How much does it cost to ship a parcel from Vietnam to Slovakia

Prices for airmail between Vietnam and Slovakia vary depending on many factors. Indeed the volume, the weight, the nature of your goods have a very important impact on the financial price of your shipment. We therefore recommend that you contact our international freight experts for a detailed and personalized quotation.

 

Should I choose an Express Air freight from Vietnam to Slovakia?

Express service – Perfect solution for small package

Express services are ideal for your shipment if your goods weigh less than 100Kg. Indeed if your goods weigh more than 100Kg the express shipment will be too expensive compared to a classical air freight shipment.

 

How long does it take for a package to be shipped from Vietnam to Slovakia? 

DocShipper has good relations with many express freight companies. In addition, we have an experienced customs declarant service. This enables us to offer you better prices and the shortest possible shipping times.

express-courier logo

 

How much does an Express service cost from Vietnam to Slovakia

For shipment by express freight, you must consider that 1 CBM = 200 kgs.  

It is not possible for us to provide you with a price in advance, even when it is an express shipment via partner companies. Indeed the price depends on the volume, the nature, the weight of your marhcnadises but also on the period during which you wish to send your goods. Our experts in express shipments will therefore provide quotations on a case-by-case basis.

Docshipper Note: If you want more informations you can have a look on our article about express air freight. Our article is really detailing the subject so it is a way for you to godeeper.

Major airports to ship in Slovakia

Bratislava Airport (BTS)

M. R. Ć tefĂĄnik Airport is the largest international airport in Slovakia, located 9 km north-east of Bratislava city centre. It operates domestic and international flights but also has a dedicated cargo terminal.

 

KoĆĄice Airport (KSC)

KoĆĄice International Airport is the second largest airport in Slovakia. Like Bratislava Airport it has a cargo terminal.

 

Door-to-door transfer from Vietnam to the Slovakia

Door-to-door method overview

We offer a door-to-door service that is as comprehensive as possible. This service is the most popular with our customers. Indeed if you choose this service, we take care of everything necessary. This includes pick up in Vietnam, if you need it, packing and loading. We then take care of shipping and customs clearance and delivery to Slovakia, and if you need it, unpacking and unpacking.

 

DocShipper – Door to Door specialist  

DocShipper is responsible for your shipment from pickup to delivery. This allows us to manage your goods in the best possible way and to respond to the demands of our customers in the best possible way. Each customer's request is unique, that's why we do our best to personally take care of our customers in order to offer them the best door-to-door service.

How door-to-door services are helpful?

In the case of a door-to-door shipment, DocShipper takes care of everything from A to Z. Our good relations with our partners enable us to provide you with the best possible service. For example, our customs clearance department will be able to offer you the best and smoothest customs clearance service.

Docshipper Note: If you need more informations, pleas have a look on our door-to-door page, or contact one of our Docshipper experts to get deeper on the topic.

customs clearance services guide

Customs clearance in Slovakia for goods imported from Vietnam 

Slovakia has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and therefore benefits from the European Customs Union. The member states of the European Union have free movement of goods throughout the union as if they were one and the same country. Customs duties must therefore be paid on entry into the European Union and your goods can then move freely throughout the union.

How much will I pay ? 

we know that it is very important for exporters to know how much they are going to pay in customs duties. Indeed, it allows us to know if their export project to Slovakia is viable. In order to know the applied customs tariff, it is first necessary to know the customs code of the product (HS code for Harmonized System).

The HS code is composed by  number and defines the nature of the good.

Here is the composition of an HS Code (example of pineapple)

hs code of a pineapple

How to find the right HS Code for my goods ?

There are several ways to find the HS code for your product. The simplest and most efficient is to directly ask your supplier or manufacturer for the HS code of your product if you have purchased the product for commercial purposes.

Otherwise, you can have a look on this website : HTS - HS code finder

This website is realy easy to use. Fill the search bar with your keyword. Let's try with example of " pineapple " :

find HS code online

Calculate applicable tariff with the HS code

Slovakia is a member of the European Union, so your goods will be free to move once you enter the European Union. However, you will have to pay customs duties when you enter the European Union.

Once you have found your HS code you must go to the European customs website.

You should reach a page who looks like this :

UE custom clearance

You must fill 2 requested informations :

  • Your HS Code
  • Origin of goods

You will arrive to this page:

UE custom clearance 2

 

Scroll down, now you can search for your product. After that click on the HS code to get more informations about duty:

UE custom clearance 3

 

Check the taxes and duties applied on your product

On our example of Pineapples coming from Vietnam, European customs charge duties as 5.80% of the value.

Does Docshipper charge duty ?

DocShipper does not charge an additional commission for customs clearance. This is already included in the price of our service.

Customs clearance process in Europe

Customs declaration

The customs declaration on entry into the European Union is made using the Single Administrative Document (SAD). This document simplifies customs procedures for the whole of the European Union and makes them faster.

  • reduce administrative documentation
  • ensuring openness in administrative requirements
  • standardize and harmonize data
  • reduce the number of requested information
  • simplify the process

This document can be use for all these operation:

  • export
  • import
  • temporary import on UE
  • warehouses
  • inward and outward processing

If you have a look on the import procedure section from European Union customs website you will find more informations about the Single Administrative Document.

 

Customs contact

Vietnam Customs

Official Name: General Department of Vietnam Customs

Website: Vietnamese Customs

European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union

Commission of EU logo

Official Name: European Commission,Taxation and Customs Union

Website: European Commission

import-custom-clearance-process

What are the Licenses required (import & export)?

Import license 

You do not need an import licence to import your effects or goods into the European Union. However, for certain goods (e.g. toxic goods) you may need import permits. To find out more, please visit the European customs website again.

 

Necessary documents 

Single administrative document (SAD)

The single administrative is the only document you need for written customs declaration.

Pleas find bellow a single blank administrative document.

single administrative document

 

The original invoice

The invoice shows the market value of the goods. Customs duties and taxes will then be applied to this market value.

  • Name and address of the importer and exporter
  • Date of issue
  • Description of the goods (as quantity, name, etc.)
  • Unit of measure (Kg, Lbs,etc.)
  • Invoice number
  • Quantity of goods
  • Unit value
  • Total invoice value
  • The terms of delivery
  • Means of transport
  • Currency of payment
  • Method of payement
  • Date of payment

 

Freight Documents (Transport Documentation)

One of these:

  • Rail Waybill (CIM)
  • Air Waybill (AWB)
  • ATA Carnet
  • FIATA Bill of Lading
  • Bill of Lading
  • TIR Carnet
  • Road Waybill (CMR)

 

The packing list

The packing list includes all goods and their quantities. It allows you to quickly know the contents of a container or box for example.

 

Freight insurance

If you have taken out insurance you must include it in the customs declaration.

 

Prohibited & restricted items 

For health reasons, some products are restricted and require an import permit.

Restricted items :

  • Dangerous and chemicals product (some need licence and some are prohibed)
  • Plants
  • Live animal
  • Seafood product

 

Prohibited items :

  • Counterfeit, fake, stolen or pirated goods

 

Trade agreement 

The EVFTA project is a project to eliminate 99% of customs duties between all EU member countries and Vietnam. This agreement will improve trade and commercial relations between Vietnam and the European Union. If you wish to have more information on this agreement please read this article.

EVFAT

 

Trade relationship 

Unfortunately Vietnam is not one of Vietnam's trading partners but it is getting better.

 

Additional services 

Our warehousing services 

We have warehouses in Vietnam. Our warehouses are perfectly secured and are very modern. These warehouses are located in the main Vietnamese ports (Ho Chi Minh - Saigon, Haiphong and Quy Nhon). We also have partner warehouses in Bratislava. This allows us to offer you an extra service in your shipment, if for example you can't pick up your goods on the date they arrive at the port.

Docshipper advice : If you want to know more about our wharousing servic cCheck our dedicated page : warehousig services.

Our packing/unpacking services 

Overview 

Good packaging is essential to prevent your goods from being damaged during transport. We have a team of experienced packers at our disposal. This allows us to provide you with the best packaging options to meet your product and budget constraints.

 

Packing material 

Carton box

Cardboard boxes are ideal for shipments such as removals. Indeed it allows to protect your belongings during transport.

 

Palletization 

If you need to send a larger volume of goods you will probably need to arrange them on a pallet. If your supplier does not offer this (in the case of a commercial shipment), we can take care of the palletization for you.

 

Wooden boxes 

Wooden boxes are the best way to transport fragile objects. If you need your objects to remain upright during the entire journey for example, this is also the best way.

 

Packing very important for the insurance 

Good packaging will reduce the cost of your insurance. The less your merchandise is damaged, the less your insurance will have to reimburse you. DocShipper can provide you with the best possible embossing to reduce the price of your insurance and avoid damage to your merchandise.

 

Freight insurance 

How much does a freight insurance cost ?

The price of your insurance is based on the price of your goods. Moreover, depending on the place of departure / destination, the nature of the goods, the insurance companie, etc., the rate may change.

The following calculation is made on the most part of time: (freight value + product value) * 2-3%.

 

Supplier management in Vietnam 

Control quality in Vietnam 

Contact and negotiation with the supplier can sometimes be complicated. DocShipper can contact your supplier in order to check your products. So you can be sure of the quality of the products, packaging or compliance with HS code standards. In order to facilitate this, our team speaks fluently French, English and Vietnamese.

 

3PL Services in Vietnam 

Order fulfillment/Packing & labelling in Vietnam 

If you want to import products into europe you need a logistic part. That's why DocShipper also offers you this 3PL service. We will take care of all the logistics. On your side it will only remain you to manage the sales of your products.

 

Last kilometer delivery 

We have reliable and serious partners in Slovakia and Vietnam. We are therefore able to offer you delivery to your home. If you don't have a lift we can place a truck crane in the street. We can also take care of unpacking and unpacking.

 

Shipping personal effects from Vietnam 

Excess baggage 

If you bought too much stuff during your trip to Vietnam (or even elsewhere) or want to bring back a bulky souvenir (like a statue), it will not be able to be put in your suitcase. DocShipper can therefore deliver them to your home via express delivery.

Moving service from Vietnam to Slovakia

If you need a removal service, this is our specialty. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on customs clearance, freight, packing etc. You can also have a look on our relocation services page, following this link: Moving services

Docshipper note: Check our express freight page. IF you want, you can also contact our express freight expert.

DocShipper has more than ten years of experience in import-export with Asia. Therefore we have reliable partners and good contacts. This allows us to offer you the best possible service and the best prices. Do not hesitate to contact our experts for more information. Contact us

FAQ frequently asked questions guide

FAQ - Vietnam to Slovakia

Can DocShipper handle my personal effects from Vietnam to Slovakia?

Moving is DocShipper's speciality, as we have been moving to and from Asia for more than 10 years. We have a specialized department.

How DocShipper can handle my shipment from Vietnam to Slovakia?

Our most popular service is door-to-door service. Indeed it is the most complete service which, if you wish, can include packing/unpacking, loading/unloading.

What is the cheapest way to ship goods from Vietnam to Slovakia?

It depends on the volume you want to send. If the volume is less than about 3CBM, air freight will be the cheapest (and fastest). On the other hand, if your volume is higher, you will have to send your goods by sea freight.

What is the best between sea freight and air freight?

Again it depends on the volume. Air freight will be best for small volumes (less than 3CBM) or for faster shipping. Indeed you will need to count less than 1 day of transit for air freight against about 1 month for sea freight.

What we need to know to provide you a quote?

Every customer is different, that's why every quote is different. In order to provide you with a quotation we need as much information as possible such as weight / volume / type of goods / pick-up and delivery address / desired service.

Can I modify the delivery address once the freight process has begun?

Of course you can modify the delivey adress once the freight process has begun, please let us know as soon as possible.

 

DocShipper | Your dedicated freight forwarder in Vietnam !

 

Due to our attractive pricing, many customers trust our services and we thanks them. Stop overpaying the services and save money with our tailored package matching will all type of shipment, from small volume to full container, let us find the best and cost-effective solution.

Communication is important, which is why we strive to discuss in the most suitable way for you!