Short answer: You can ship a car to Vietnam by RoRo via ports such as Hai Phong (in the north) or Ho Chi Minh City (in the south). The transport itself is straightforward – the real hurdle is customs: Vietnam has very strict regulations on vehicle imports, and the import of second-hand vehicles is heavily restricted. It is therefore essential that you check in advance with Vietnamese customs and your freight forwarder to ensure your vehicle is eligible for import.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for vehicles bound for Vietnam.
- Major ports: Hai Phong in the north, Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
- Imports are strictly regulated – particularly in the case of second-hand vehicles.
- Check import eligibility in advance, otherwise the vehicle risks becoming stranded in the harbour.
- Documents and customs are the crucial part of the planning process.
How does shipping to Vietnam work?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured in place, and then driven off the ship again at the destination port in Vietnam. We’ll show you how the region as a whole is connected at Ro-Ro shipping to Asia.
Which ports in Vietnam are of relevance?
- Hai Phong: the most important port in the north of the country.
- Ho Chi Minh City (including Cat Lai, amongst others): a key transhipment hub in the south.
You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and destination.
Am I allowed to import a second-hand car into Vietnam?
That is the crucial question. Vietnam has strict import regulations for vehicles, and the import of second-hand vehicles is strictly restricted. Special rules with strict conditions apply in certain circumstances – such as for returning citizens or diplomats. You will need to check whether your specific vehicle is eligible for import before Clarify this with Vietnamese customs at the time of booking. Shipping without this check poses the greatest risk.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Vietnamese customs and import documents
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. Our guide to explains how a local market in the region works Shipping to Thailand.
How do you plan transport properly?
- Check import eligibility – via Vietnamese customs and a freight forwarder.
- Set the destination port and route.
- Compile all the documents.
- Ensure that the lead time and cut-off time are observed.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Can I ship a second-hand car to Vietnam?
The import of second-hand vehicles is strictly restricted. You will need to check with Vietnamese customs in advance to see whether this is possible in your case.
Which ports in Vietnam are worth considering?
In particular, Hai Phong in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The appropriate port depends on the route and destination.
How long does shipping to Vietnam take?
The journey time depends on the route and timetable. Journeys from Northern Europe to South-East Asia are likely to take several weeks.
Why is the import inspection so important?
Because a vehicle that isn’t roadworthy could end up stranded at the port – incurring storage and return transport costs. Checking this before you book protects you from that.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
