Vietnam is a global leader in plywood manufacturing, in 2022 Vietnam is among top 5 plywood exporter in the world, especially known for high-quality film faced plywood, eucalyptus plywood, okoume plywood, birch plywood, EV plywood, furniture plywood and custom-cut packing plywood. Its growing network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) makes it even more attractive for global importers looking for quality products at competitive prices.
In this guide, Tadex Ply outlines the full process of importing plywood from Vietnam — including how to take advantage of FTAs for reduced import taxes.
Step 1: Identify the Right Type of Plywood for Your Needs (with HS Codes)
Before starting your import, define the plywood product that fits your application. Below are the most common types of plywood exported from Vietnam, along with their corresponding HS (Harmonized System) codes for customs declaration:
| Plywood Type | Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Film Faced Plywood | Plywood coated with phenolic film; used in formwork and construction | 4412.33 |
| Eucalyptus Plywood | Core made from eucalyptus veneer; used in packing and furniture | 4412.31 / 4412.33 |
| Cut-to-Size Plywood | Custom dimensions based on order; applicable across uses | 4412.31 / 4412.33 |
| Birch Plywood | Hardwood plywood with birch face/back veneers; often used in interior & joinery | 4412.33 |
| Okoume Plywood | Lightweight tropical veneer; used in boats, panels, and decoration | 4412.33 |
| Furniture Plywood | Plywood used in cabinet making, shelving, and interior design | 4412.31 / 4412.33 |
| Packing Plywood | Cost-effective panels for crates, boxes, and pallets | 4412.31 |
📝 Note: Final HS codes may vary slightly by country or based on detailed specs like thickness, surface treatment, and glue type. Tadex Ply will confirm and advise the correct HS code when preparing export documentation.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable Plywood Supplier in Vietnam
Look for a supplier that offers:
- Export experience
- High QC standards
- Certifications like Carb P2, FSC or EUDR compliance
- Transparent production and lead times
Tadex Ply has been supplying plywood globally with a reputation for consistency, value, and quality.
Step 3: Request Samples and Specifications
Before committing to a bulk order:
- Ask for plywood samples
- Confirm technical specs (core, thickness, moisture, glue type)
- Validate quality for furniture-grade, packaging or formwork application
Step 4: Check Free Trade Agreements with Vietnam (Save on Duties)
Vietnam has signed many Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that allow for preferential import tariffs or even duty-free plywood imports for partner countries. This step can save you thousands on large orders.
🌍 Countries with FTAs with Vietnam (as of 2025):
| Agreement | Partner Countries |
|---|---|
| ASEAN | Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar |
| CPTPP | Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei |
| EVFTA | European Union countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.) |
| UKVFTA | United Kingdom |
| VKFTA | South Korea |
| VN-EAEU FTA | Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan |
| VN-Chile FTA | Chile |
| VN-HK FTA | Hong Kong |
| VN-Japan EPA | Japan (also in CPTPP) |
| ASEAN-China | China |
| ASEAN-India | India |
| ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand | Australia, New Zealand |
| ASEAN-South Korea | South Korea |
| ASEAN-Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| RCEP | China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN members |
✅ To benefit, your plywood order must include the correct Certificate of Origin (Form E, Form CPTPP, EUR.1, etc.). Tadex Ply will help you prepare these documents.
Step 5: Negotiate Pricing and Incoterms
When negotiating, make sure you have found the right quality and the basic technical specs.
- Specifications like: face/back, core (acacia, eucalyptus, styrax or mixed hardwood), glue (MR or MUF, Phenolic, …)
- Price per cubic meter or per sheet
- Incoterms: FOB, CIF, DDP
- Port of Loading (Hai Phong, Cai Lan, Ho Chi Minh City, etc.)
- Lead time and MOQ
Step 6: Arrange Shipping and Documentation
Shipping steps include:
- Container booking: base on the price terms, the buyer or seller will arrange container booking
- Export documents:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin (to claim FTA benefits)
- Fumigation/Phytosanitary Certificate (if require)
- Certificate of Insurance (CIF terms)
Tadex Ply has experienced with 15 years exporting plywood, we can offer logistics support and documentation prep to ensure hassle-free customs clearance.
Step 7: Customs Clearance at Destination
When the shipment is arrived, the importers should do the following to take the cargo from the ports:
- Use a customs broker for smooth clearance
- Pay any duties and taxes (may be reduced or zero under FTAs)
- Arrange domestic delivery
Why Choose Tadex Ply?
Tadex Ply is the leading plywood supplier from Vietnam who has 15 years experienced in plywood production & export, we can offer variety of quality at the most competitive price for multiple applications.
- Consistent quality plywood from eucalyptus, acacia, and hardwood cores
- Export-ready solutions for furniture, formwork, and packing
- FTA document support for importers
- Flexible shipping and cut-to-size options
- Compliance with EUDR, FSC, Carb P2 and international standards
✉️ Ready to Import Vietnamese Plywood?
Let us help you save costs and simplify your sourcing.
Contact Tadex Ply now for a custom quote or sample request.
info@tadexply.com