Economic Section

Doing Business In The U.S. - Things Companies Need To Know

The entry-into-force of the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) on December 10, 2001, created a wealth of new opportunities for both sides. Now it is up to the nationals and companies of the two countries to make good use of the opportunity. For Vietnamese companies doing business in the U.S., the competitiveness of the U.S. market and the complexity of the U.S. legal system can be daunting. In fact, the U.S. market is very welcoming and Vietnam can benefit from the experiences of companies from so many other countries that have done well in the U.S. A first start for any company planning to sell its products into the U.S. market should be to access basic information on U.S. regulations and the structure of the relevant market for those products. Such information can be obtained through U.S. and other country companies that already sell or distribute related products in the U.S. market. Working with such "middlemen" is actually an excellent way to begin to learn about the U.S. market and regulations. In addition, extremely useful information on U.S. laws and regulations can be found on the U.S. Government websites identified below. Additional information on specific sectors and contact information for U.S. companies can be found on the websites of U.S. industry associations.

 

To succeed in the U.S. market, it is important to "do your homework," that is, to research as much as possible about the market, rules and regulations and consumer preferences. If you are selling your products to a U.S. importer, then generally the importer will be responsible for ensuring that the goods transit customs in an appropriate manner and comply with U.S. regulations. If you plan to establish an investment in the U.S. or plan to distribute your product yourself through a U.S.-based office, we recommend that you obtain adequate legal counsel from a U.S. law firm.

The U.S. market is a very open and fair market in which to do business. That is why it remains the most competitive and dynamic market in the world.

 

Tariff Information

• Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. Annotated for Statistical Reporting Purposes

• U.S. Tariff and Trade Data for a specific product - quick find information

• Latest Available Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. Annotated

• What is GSP?

Textile Agreement

• Bilateral Textile Agreement

• Vietnam ELVIS and Textile Visa Arrangement

Customs Regulations/ Publications

• U.S. Import Requirements

• Customs publications, forms and videos

• U.S. Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS)

• Tips for New Importers and Exporters

U.S - Vietnam Trade and Business Associations

• U.S. trade and business associations

• Stat-USA: One stop source for business and economic data

• American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AMCHAM)

• American Textile Manufacturers Institute

• Office of Textiles & Apparel (OTEXA)

• American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAFA)

• Footwear Distributor & Retailers of America (FDRA)

• Telecommnications Industry Association (TIA)

• US - ASEAN Business Council

• Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association (VITAS)

• Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI)

• Vietnam Associations of Seafood Exporter and Producer (VASEP)

Other Resources

• Vietnam Embassy in the U.S.

• U.S law database

• Business Information for U.S.-Vietnam Trade

• Doing business with the U.S

• Useful Internet Resources

• Law from around the globe - search

• Business Advisor