Import and export taxes in 2026: new calculation methods and regulations.

This article explores what import and export taxes are, the 2026 import and export tax schedule, and important regulations in import and export tax law. It also helps businesses understand how to calculate import and export taxes and the necessary considerations when engaging in international trade.

1. What are import and export taxes?

Import and export taxes are taxes that businesses or individuals must pay when exporting or importing goods across national borders. This is one of the important types of taxes in international trade and the management of goods circulation.

Currently, import and export taxes play a crucial role in regulating trade, protecting domestic production, and increasing government revenue. For businesses participating in global supply chains, understanding what import and export taxes are will help mitigate risks and optimize operating costs.

2. The role of import and export taxes

Import and export taxes play a crucial role in regulating trade, supporting domestic production, and contributing to economic stability.

2.1. Protection of domestic production

The application of import tariffs on certain goods helps to limit competition from foreign products and create favorable conditions for domestic businesses to develop. This is an important tool to promote domestic production and stabilize the market.

2.2. Regulating commercial activities

The government can adjust tax rates to control trade deficits, encourage exports, and guide international trade. Tax policies also contribute to maintaining market and supply chain stability.

2.3. Increasing budget revenue

Import and export taxes are one of the important sources of national budget revenue. This revenue supports infrastructure investment, economic development, and the operation of state management activities.

3. What does the Law on Import and Export Taxes stipulate?

The import and export tax law stipulates provisions related to taxable subjects, taxpayers, applicable tax rates, tax exemptions and reductions, tax refunds, and tax payment deadlines. This is an important legal basis that businesses need to understand when engaging in import and export activities.

Furthermore, import and export tax laws also relate to HS codes, origin of goods, free trade agreements, and preferential tax policies. A proper understanding of these regulations will help businesses minimize legal risks, optimize costs, and ensure a smoother customs clearance process.

Read more:The process of exporting goods and important points to note.

4. What are the notable points in the 2026 import and export tariff schedule?

The 2026 import and export tariff schedule is based on Vietnam's trade management policies, international commitments, and free trade agreements. Each type of goods will have a different tariff rate depending on its HS code, country of origin, and type of import or export.

Certain product groups, such as electronic components, manufacturing materials, and high-tech machinery, often enjoy preferential tax rates to encourage investment and production. Meanwhile, other items may be subject to higher taxes to protect domestic production.

Businesses need to regularly update the 2026 import and export tariff schedule to ensure correct declarations and proactively calculate import and export costs more effectively.

Detail: Import and Export Tariff Schedule 2026According to the latest update from the Customs Sub-Department of Region VIII.05/04/2026. 

5. Types of taxes in import and export activities

In import and export activities, businesses may be subject to various types of taxes depending on the goods and applicable policies.

5.1. Import Tax

Import duties apply to goods imported into Vietnam. The tax rate depends on the product code.HS(Harmonized System Code), origin of goods, and applicable trade agreements.

5.2. Export Tax

Export taxes are typically applied to certain items such as minerals, natural resources, or raw materials to control extraction and export activities.

5.3. Value Added Tax (VAT)

Many types of imported goods are subject toVAT 10% (Machinery and equipment, electronic components, chemicals, cosmetics, automobiles) , while some items belongThe preferential group is subject to the following rates.VAT 5% (such as unprocessed agricultural products, medical equipment, fertilizers, animal feed) as per regulations.Businesses need to determine the correct tax rate to accurately calculate the total import cost.

5.4. Excise Tax

Excise tax applies to certain product groups such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, automobiles, and other items subject to special management regulations as stipulated by law.Tax rates can be quite high depending on the item, so businesses need to carefully calculate costs before importing. 

Read more:Law Library - Types of taxes in import and export

6. How to calculate import and export taxes

Depending on the type of goods, import and export taxes may be calculated using a percentage rate (%), an absolute tax, or a mixed method. Businesses need to identify the correct type of tax to accurately calculate costs.

6.1. Calculating tax as a percentage (%)

This is currently the most common method, applied to the majority of exported and imported goods.

Recipe:

Import and export tax = Taxable value × Tax rate

In there:

• The taxable value is determined according to the provisions of customs law.

• Tax rates depend on the HS code, the origin of the goods, and the current tax policy.

For example, if goods have a taxable value of 100 million VND and a tax rate of 10%, the tax payable will be 10 million VND.

6.2. Calculating tax using absolute tax rates

Some items are subject to a fixed tax rate per unit instead of a percentage-based tax.

Recipe:

Import and export tax = Quantity of goods × Absolute tax rate per unit of goods

The specific tax rate will be determined for each type of goods at the time of tax calculation.

6.3. Calculating taxes using the mixed method

Some items may be subject to both percentage (%) and absolute tax rates simultaneously.

Recipe:

Import and export taxes payable = Tax calculated as a percentage (%) + Tax calculated as an absolute amount

Businesses need to correctly identify the HS code and applicable policy for each item to accurately calculate the tax payable and avoid risks when declaring to customs.

7. Factors affecting import and export taxes

Import and export tax rates can vary depending on several factors such as HS code, origin of goods, and applicable trade agreements.

7.1. HS Code of Goods

Each product has an HS code.(Harmonized System Code)Specifically, HS codes are used to determine tax rates, management policies, and import/export regulations. Incorrectly declaring HS codes can lead to tax arrears, administrative penalties, or delays in customs clearance.

7.2. Origin of goods

If goods meet the rules of origin under free trade agreements, businesses can benefit from preferential tax rates. This is a crucial factor in optimizing import costs.

7.3.Trade agreement

Vietnam is currently participating.17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)These agreements are currently in effect with over 60 economies worldwide. Some important agreements include:

• CPTPP(Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement)

• France(Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement)

• UKVFTA(Vietnam - United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement)

• RCEP(Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement)

• AFTA/ATIGA(ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement)

• ACFTA(ASEAN - China)

• AKFTA(ASEAN - South Korea)

• AJCEP(ASEAN - Japan)

• VJEPA(Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement)

These agreements allow businesses to benefit from various tariff preferences when meeting the rules of origin. Many goods can enjoy reduced or zero import tariffs, thereby lowering costs, increasing competitiveness, and expanding opportunities to access international markets.

8. Things to note when filing taxes

Businesses need to correctly identify the HS code, check the latest tariff schedule, and prepare all necessary documents before making customs declarations. Regularly monitoring new tax policies also helps minimize errors and legal risks.

Furthermore, the application of import and export management software will help optimize the declaration process, save time in processing documents, and improve operational efficiency for businesses.

9. Future trends in import and export taxes

In the future, import and export tax policies may change according to global economic fluctuations, trade protectionist trends, and the economic management strategies of each country. This requires businesses to proactively update policies to adapt in a timely manner.

Furthermore, the trend of digital transformation and the application of AI in customs management is helping to accelerate customs clearance, increase transparency in processes, and reduce operating costs. This is considered a crucial trend in modern import and export activities.

10. Conclusion

Import and export taxes are crucial factors in international trade and the operation of a business's supply chain. Understanding import and export tax laws, staying updated on the 2026 import and export tax schedule, and mastering how to calculate import and export taxes will help businesses optimize costs and minimize legal risks.

In the context of global integration, businesses need to proactively update their tax policies and leverage free trade agreements to enhance their competitiveness in the international market.

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