Import from Vietnam to the UK
The United Kingdom is Vietnam’s 18th-largest trading partner, exchanging £6.6 billion worth of imports and exports as of February 2025. The two countries have a very strong bilateral relationship. Trade has grown 14% every year between 2010 and 2019! Both Vietnam and the UK share a ‘strategic commitment to global trade’ and, as a result, signed their FTA in 2020.
Today, imports from Vietnam are coveted for their manufacturing quality. Agro-fishery products, wooden goods, footwear and rubber, are just some of the most popular items exported worldwide.
Today, imports from Vietnam are coveted for their manufacturing quality. Agro-fishery products, wooden goods, footwear and rubber, are just some of the most popular items exported worldwide.
Why import from Vietnam to the UK?
Manufacturing hub
Vietnam’s gross domestic production (GDP) rose by 7.55% year-on-year in 2024, largely due to its manufacturing industry (which contributed more than 20% to the country’s GDP).
The sector, supported by the country’s robust export infrastructure, plans to upskill the labour force while keeping costs low.
Strategic location
Imports from Vietnam to the UK may benefit from reduced transit times, as the country is strategically located next to major shipping routes. Vietnamese manufacturers are well-connected to other Asian regions, EU markets and the UK.
Trade relationships
In 2010, the UK and Vietnam signed a joint declaration to establish the UK-Viet Nam Strategic Partnership: this cemented the two countries’ strategic commitment to global trade and the free flow of capital.
To increase imports from Vietnam, the UK later signed a free trade agreement with Vietnam in 2020.
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What products are commonly imported from Vietnam?
Shipping from Vietnam to the UK increased by 3.2% in 2025, amounting to s £6.6 billion. The total trade in goods and services exchanged has seen Vietnam become the UK’s 38th largest trading partner, importing the following top 5 goods most often:
Before an import from Vietnam to the UK can arrive at its final destination, it must first be cleared through both UK and Vietnamese customs.
- Telecoms & sound equipment (£1.6 billion)
- Footwear (£457.1 million)
- Clothing (£310.7 million)
- Office machinery (£269.7 million)
- Other manufactures (£268.5 million)
Before an import from Vietnam to the UK can arrive at its final destination, it must first be cleared through both UK and Vietnamese customs.
How to prepare for customs declarations
First-time traders may find it difficult to navigate the complexities of customs without help from a professional. That’s why freight forwarders and customs agents are available for hire.
Inspection (if necessary)
If you plan to import specific goods from another country, you may be required to obtain an import licence. Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Firearms, knives, swords, and other weapon
- Controlled drugs
- High-risk foods
- Hazardous chemicals
- Veterinary pharmaceuticals
Marking & labelling
The UK has strict product labelling rules. Food and drink, footwear, children's items, and precious metals imported from Vietnam, for example, must comply with laws before being offered to UK consumers.
Commodity code
Commodity codes impact customs taxes, VAT, and import limitations. They consist of ten unique numbers assigned to each cargo and used by customs to categorise goods.
EORI number
All imports from Vietnam to the UK must have an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. UK customs use EORI numbers to track goods as they travel around the world.
Pay duty and VAT
Import charges from Vietnam will often vary according to the declared value of the goods and their nature. Your items will not be cleared through customs if these charges go unpaid.
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How do I ship goods from Vietnam to the UK?
Shipping from Vietnam to the UK is mostly conducted via sea and air freight. Which mode you choose will depend on urgency or budget constraints.
Sea freight
Goods travelling from port to port can take anywhere from a month to two months to arrive (30-65 days). Port congestion or poor weather conditions could extend this timeline.
Air freight
Import from Vietnam via air freight, and you could receive your goods within 3-6 days. Express services can offer delivery in 1-3 days.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Vietnam?
Yes, in 2020, the UK and Vietnam signed a free-trade agreement. The FTA’s main goals are to address development challenges and foster sustainable economic growth.
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