Mandatory ID Requirements for Shipping to and from Vietnam in 2025

In January 2025, Vietnam introduced strict new ID rules for all imports and exports. From January, every shipment must include an official identification number, either a Personal ID for individuals or a Business Tax ID for companies. 

This change is reshaping trade processes and raising compliance demands. For Australian exporters and importers, adapting quickly is essential. This article explains what has changed, why it matters, and how to keep shipments moving without costly delays.

What are the New Requirements for Shipping To and From Vietnam in 2025?

Under Circular No. 29/2025/TT-BTC, Vietnam now requires an official ID number on every import and export shipment. Customs authorities will not clear goods without these details, making compliance essential for Australian businesses trading with Vietnam.

To comply:

• Individuals must provide a Personal ID.
• Businesses must provide a registered Business Tax ID.
• Both senders and receivers must ensure the ID matches shipment and account records.

In practice, every shipment to or from Vietnam must include accurate ID details. For Australian exporters and importers, the safest approach is to confirm all identification details before booking shipments. Doing so ensures smoother clearance and reduces the risk of disruption across supply chains.

Stay Compliant with Vietnam’s 2025 Shipping Rules

Avoid customs delays and extra costs. Keep your Vietnam shipments moving smoothly with expert support from Couriers & Freight.

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Why the New ID Requirements Matter

Vietnam’s 2025 regulations were introduced to strengthen customs compliance and improve shipment transparency. By requiring verified IDs for every sender and receiver, customs authorities aim to reduce fraud and ensure faster, more accurate clearance.

For Australian businesses, the consequences of non-compliance are immediate. Shipments missing the correct ID will be delayed, held at customs, or flagged for extra checks. Repeated issues could even attract penalties.

The impact is significant given Vietnam’s position as Australia’s seventh-largest trading partner, with more than $28 billion in two-way trade in 2024. Key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail depend on smooth customs clearance. Providing accurate IDs upfront helps avoid disruption and keeps goods moving smoothly across borders.

How to Provide Your ID When Shipping

How to comply step by step:

• On UPS.com. Enter the Personal ID or Business Tax ID in the field labelled “What is the shipper’s/receiver’s identification number?”
• On UPS WorldShip. Enter the Personal ID or Business Tax ID in the “Compliance IDs” section so it transmits with the customs declaration.
• Other carriers. Most international carriers also require ID fields, though the names and placement may differ. Always check your provider’s platform to ensure IDs are entered correctly.
• Check for an exact match. Ensure the ID number corresponds to the correct party (individual or business) and matches your shipping records.

Why this matters: Customs verifies IDs against shipment data. Incorrect or missing IDs trigger holds and clearance delays, while accurate ones move shipments through customs faster and with fewer risks.

What This Means for Australian Shippers

Vietnam’s 2025 regulations directly affect Australian exporters and importers. Both must provide the correct ID details and confirm that their partners in Vietnam do the same. Without this, shipments risk delays at customs.

For many small and medium-sized businesses, this means updating shipping checklists, retraining staff, and reminding suppliers and receivers that the rule applies to every shipment.

For example, a furniture exporter in Melbourne recently faced a week-long delay because the buyer’s tax ID was missing. Even one oversight can disrupt schedules and add costs

The lesson is clear: compliance requires cooperation on both sides. Open communication with Vietnamese partners helps ensure IDs are accurate and complete, reducing the risk of errors and keeping goods moving smoothly.

How Couriers & Freight Can Help

Couriers & Freight actively monitors Vietnam’s regulations and other international shipping requirements so you don’t have to. Our team supports Australian businesses through:

• Compliance checks: Reviewing shipment documents to ensure Personal IDs and Business Tax IDs are entered correctly.
• Customs brokerage coordination: Working directly with customs authorities and carriers to minimise clearance delays.
• Document review and training: Helping your staff update shipping checklists and avoid costly mistakes.
• Proactive updates: Keeping you informed about changes to Vietnam’s regulations and other global trade requirements.

With this support, Australian companies can ship with confidence, knowing their documentation is accurate and their goods are less likely to be delayed. For businesses needing extra guidance, Couriers & Freight offers tailored solutions and quotes to keep Vietnam shipments on track.

Stay Compliant, Stay on Track

From 2025 onwards, ID submission is a non-negotiable requirement for all shipments to and from Vietnam. Missing or incorrect details can cause customs delays, added costs, or even penalties.

The best protection is preparation: have IDs ready, double-check shipment records, and confirm that partners in Vietnam are also compliant. Taking these steps keeps goods moving and reduces costly disruptions.

Couriers & Freight helps Australian businesses stay ahead of changing trade rules. For guidance or a tailored shipping solution, get in touch and keep your Vietnam shipments on track.

Stay Compliant with Vietnam’s 2025 Shipping Rules

Avoid customs delays and extra costs. Keep your Vietnam shipments moving smoothly with expert support from Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now