As companies diversify away from China under a “China Plus One” approach, Vietnam has become a key destination for manufacturing and sourcing. Yet, entering the Vietnamese market presents challenges, from regulatory requirements to infrastructure limitations.
A bonded warehouse provides a practical entry point. By storing goods in a duty-suspended environment, companies can reduce upfront costs, avoid delays due to import licensing, and gain flexibility in how and when goods enter the domestic market.
There’s no need to build your own facility to gain these advantages. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can manage bonded storage on your behalf. For example, Dimerco offers bonded warehousing and Importer of Record (IOR) services to help businesses overcome Vietnam’s regulatory hurdles and start distributing quickly.
The Common Pitfalls of Entering Vietnam’s Market
Vietnam is open for business, but navigating import laws without local experience is risky. Companies without a local entity can’t legally import goods on their own, and minor compliance missteps may lead to lengthy customs delays.
Seasonal freight congestion, lack of clarity on the Foreign Contractor Tax (FCT), and certification issues for used equipment are frequent stumbling blocks. This is why many companies choose to work with a 3PL that is familiar with Vietnam’s regulations and logistics environment.
Bonded Warehousing and IOR Services Through Dimerco
To support this need, Dimerco operates bonded warehouses in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s busiest ports. Through these facilities, Dimerco can act as your IOR.
Key benefits include:
- Import without needing a local business license
- Deferment of import taxes and duties
- Secure storage until goods are needed for sale or production
This setup allows businesses to relocate to Vietnam faster while managing cash flow and compliance more effectively.
Learn more in our Asia-Pacific warehousing eBook.
Strategic Locations That Speed Up Your Supply Chain
Two key warehousing markets in Vietnam are Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City. Hai Phong connects directly to northern Vietnam’s largest seaport, ideal for ocean freight. Ho Chi Minh City provides fast access to southern airports, industrial parks, and land routes to Cambodia and Thailand.
A few 3PLs, including Dimerco, operate warehouses in both of these key markets. Dimerco’s bonded warehouses in Vietnam integrate with other logistics services to provide a comprehensive distribution solution:
- Air and ocean freight
- Consolidation and deconsolidation
- Cross-border transport to and from Asia-Pacific countries
- Domestic trucking solutions
When congestion hits, multimodal transport – such as sea/air combinations – or alternate routing options through Bangkok and Singapore can keep shipments moving.
Operational Services That Keep You Moving
Bonded warehousing is often misunderstood as simply a place to hold goods. In reality, it’s the starting point for solving broader supply chain issues, especially when entering a new market like Vietnam.
Importers must navigate duties, shifting regulations, and changing demand without sacrificing speed. If your warehouse provider can’t handle tasks like container unloading, labeling, repackaging, and pick-and-pack efficiently, delays and added costs are likely.
Compliance is another frequent challenge. For example, even minor missteps in documentation or classification can slow down shipments or trigger inspections. Working with a provider that understands Vietnam’s digital customs system (eCustoms) and has on-the-ground experience with declaration processes can keep your goods moving.
The right bonded warehouse partner can also support inventory audits and detailed reporting, ensuring your team has the data needed to respond to market changes quickly. These operational services form the backbone of any successful bonded warehousing setup.
Importing Equipment? Expect Hurdles
Companies relocating production to Vietnam or scaling operations often need to import used machinery, and that’s rarely simple.
Vietnam has specific certification requirements for second-hand equipment, and failure to comply can mean significant delays at the port. Without experienced guidance, clearing large or sensitive shipments through customs can become a costly bottleneck.
A skilled logistics partner with local connections and familiarity with port processes can streamline these moves. From paperwork to equipment handling, this support is critical to keeping your project on schedule and within budget.
What About Freight Capacity?
Vietnam’s rise as a sourcing hub has stretched available freight capacity, especially during peak shipping periods. Even seasoned logistics teams struggle to secure space at competitive rates when demand surges or carriers change schedules with little warning.
That’s why it’s important to have logistics partners that can combine bonded warehousing in Vietnam with strong transportation networks. Providers with long-standing carrier partnerships and regional insight can present creative transport options to keep your supply chain stable. During disruptions, a nimble logistics partner can act fast, offering alternate carriers, adjusting service levels, or booking charters to ensure your cargo doesn’t sit idle. This responsiveness can make the difference between hitting a delivery window or missing it entirely.
Ready to Enter Vietnam? Start Here
Dimerco combines 28 years of experience in Vietnam with global freight expertise. Whether you need a bonded warehouse in Vietnam, help with import regulations, or end-to-end shipping support, we are ready to move your supply chain forward. Contact Dimerco today.