To complete the research paper on the topic "Improving air freight service for medical equipment import at Airseaglobal Vietnam Joint Stock Company ", I would like to express my deep gr
Theoretical basis for import and export goods delivery by air
Overview of import and export freight forwarding activities
1.1.1 Some definitions and classification of freight forwarding services
Export of goods is the organized activity of selling products to foreign markets by economic organizations, not a matter of individual sales, and it aims to generate profits, promote production, develop commodity production, transform the economic structure, and steadily raise living standards, increasing the income of both enterprises and the economy as a whole Importation is an international trading activity that exchanges goods between countries on the principle of parity exchange, with currency as the medium of exchange, and it represents a system of trade relations rather than a single act of trade In short, import and export involve buying and selling goods with foreign countries to develop production and business life, but the trading process features complexities such as dealing with people of different nationalities, a large and hard-to-control market, a high proportion of intermediary sales, and payments in foreign currencies Goods transported across borders must clear customs in accordance with international requirements and local regulations.
Delivery 2 : Freight forwarding are activities in the circulation and distribution stage, an important stage connecting production and consumption, the two main sides of the social reproduction cycle Freight forwarders perform the function of bringing products from the place of production to the place of consumption, completing the second side of the distribution and physical circulation, when the first side is the commercial procedure has formed Forwarding is associated with and parallel with the transportation process Through forwarding, transportation operations are carried out Collection of goods, transportation, loading and unloading, storage, transmission, packaging, procedures, documents With such broad content, there are many definitions of forwarding and forwarding: According
1 http://hoixuatnhapkhau.com/xuat-nhap-khau-la-gi-nhung-dieu-can-biet-ve-xuat-nhap-khau/
2 https://goldensealogistics.com/van-chuyen-hang-hoa-la-gi-vai-tro-vi-tri-cua-van-chuyen.html
According to FIATA Rules, a forwarding service is defined as any activity related to the transportation, consolidation, storage, handling, packaging, or distribution of goods, as well as consulting services tied to these activities, including customs procedures, financing, insurance, payment processing, and the documentation associated with goods.
Freight forwarding is a commercial service that coordinates transportation, storage, and related logistics to move goods from the shipper’s origin to the consignee, under the authorization of the shipper, carrier, or another forwarder It covers organizing transport, warehousing, and ancillary services to deliver goods within Vietnam or across borders Export means goods leaving Vietnam or entering a special area within Vietnam that is treated as a separate customs zone under applicable law, while import means goods brought into Vietnam from abroad or from such a special area, in accordance with the law In short, freight forwarding comprises the set of activities in the transportation process to move goods from the place of shipment (the consolidator) to the place of receipt (the consignee).
1.1.1.2 The necessity of forwarding activities in import and export of goods
Freight forwarding activities are pivotal to the successful completion of the import–export process, making freight forwarding and delivery services essential components of international trade This analysis examines forwarding from two angles: the role of the forwarder and the forwarder’s responsibilities in the movement of goods across borders As global economic development progresses, forwarding activities evolve to meet growing cross-border demands, with forwarders acting as carriers, consolidators, agents, and customs brokers who streamline logistics, ensure compliance, and facilitate efficient cross-border transactions.
Production development depends on the parallel growth of circulation and trade, and transportation along with freight forwarding holds a vital position in linking supply with demand Efficient logistics, including freight forwarding, reduces transit times, lowers costs, and expands market access, driving economic activity In the national economy and the global economy, air transport plays a crucial role by enabling fast, reliable movement of time-sensitive goods, supporting international trade and competitiveness A modern transport network that integrates air, road, rail, and sea is essential for resilient supply chains, attracting investment, and sustaining growth in an interconnected world.
3 https://fiata.com/news/2021/rules-and-procedures-for-stronger-fiata-regions.html
4 http://vcci-ip.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/commercial_law_year_of_2005.pdf
6 is likened to a blood vessel for a living organism, creating the driving force for strong economic development Air transport compared to other modes is quite young, about a century old Especially after the 2nd world war, air transport has made great strides due to the achievements of science and technology and began to be used for civilian purposes In recent years, air transport has developed very rapidly, especially in the Asia Pacific region Although newly born, but air transport has developed very quickly due to the great progress of science and technology and the high-speed needs of human civilization
Air transport today relies on large, high-capacity aircraft such as the Boeing 747-300 to move goods quickly across continents It plays a pivotal role in establishing and expanding economic zones and driving global development Although air cargo accounts for roughly 1% of global freight by volume, it represents about 20% of the value of international trade because of speed and reliability Air transport tends to develop in regions with strong infrastructure and developed economies, where airports, airlines, and logistics networks thrive Airport clusters remain concentrated in North America, Europe, and Northeast Asia, with Asia-Pacific showing remarkable growth in recent years Virtually every country hosts growing airport clusters, continuing to expand and connect markets, industries, and services.
Air freight is a highly competitive form of transportation in logistics, using aircraft to move goods quickly Goods are carefully packed and loaded onto dedicated cargo planes or into the cargo holds of passenger aircraft With economic growth and expanding international trade, air freight has grown in popularity and often plays a dominant role in time-sensitive shipments Compared with sea transport, air freight handles a narrower range of goods and smaller volumes due to size and weight limits, and it typically carries higher costs Internationally, it is regarded as a fast, reliable solution for urgent cargo that keeps global supply chains moving.
5 https://www.freightwaves.com/news/flashback-friday-the-history-of-air-freight
6 https://airspeed.ph/blog/popular-types-freight-forwarding-services/
7 attractive and potential market because of its very fast and safe delivery speed This form of transportation brings a lot of advantages, but there are still many disadvantages:
Pros: Airmail makes it easy to ship goods abroad The problem of collision is also rare because the accident rate is very low, ensuring the safety of goods better
Although this transport method is highly effective for moving personal, simple, and lightweight items, it provides few options for bulky goods due to high transport costs Shipment volume is limited, and customs procedures for transporting goods can be complex and time-consuming.
Sea transport is a form of freight transport that uses ships and maritime infrastructure to move goods efficiently It relies on vessels and loading/unloading equipment like cranes, with seaports and transshipment ports dedicated to handling cargo This mode is suited to coastal regions with accessible waters and harbor facilities, enabling both domestic and international shipping Because ships are large and carry substantial tonnage, sea transport is widely used to import and export large quantities of goods.
Sea freight is a cost-effective solution for moving goods over long distances, especially for international shipments It provides extensive routing options that are more open and accommodating than road transport This mode can carry large-volume and oversized cargo, making it ideal for businesses with substantial shipping needs In coastal cities with active seaports, sea freight is often preferred due to its lower costs compared with road transport.
Sea transport has notable drawbacks: shipments must dock at ports and be transferred by car to the mainland, delaying delivery Shipping times are slow and heavily dependent on weather and sea conditions, reducing schedule reliability Additionally, cargo can be damaged or affect one another if an incident occurs on the ship during transit.
Road transport is the most common and widely used form of transport for both goods and passengers It supports domestic, small-scale, and inter-provincial movement, connecting localities within a country Vehicles involved include passenger cars, light and heavy trucks, tankers, container trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, and tow trucks, making road freight a versatile logistics solution.
Road transport, predominantly using motorbikes and trucks, is highly flexible for moving goods because it isn’t bound to a fixed timetable and timing can be coordinated by the parties involved and adjusted en route It allows choosing the vehicle type, the quantity of goods, and the route to suit specific needs, which helps save costs and labor However, for long-distance transportation, additional costs may be incurred.
Professional process of forwarding and receiving goods imported by air
1.2.1 The process of receiving imported goods by air
The process of receiving imported goods by air is shown in the diagram below:
Figure 1 1: Import and export freight forwarding process Step 1: Buyer and seller sign foreign trade contract
To begin the import process, the first step is to negotiate and sign a sales contract between the shippers The agreement covers the purchase and sale of the shipment and is tailored to meet the actual needs of both parties It should include essential terms such as warranties, complaint procedures, and dispute resolution to protect the interests of both sides; without these provisions, issues like poor-quality goods or disputes may lack a solid basis for recourse against the seller.
Step 2: The shipper signs a service contract with the forwarder
After signing a foreign trade contract, the seller or the buyer—depending on the agreed terms—will hire a shipping company to manage the door-to-door delivery The carrier may be a freight forwarder, an air agent (GSA), or another shipping intermediary This forwarder must be designated by the airline and authorized to operate cargo for the airline The contract of carriage between the shipper and the forwarder should contain the essential information governing the shipment, ensuring clear responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and the terms of air cargo transport.
• Description of goods: type, weight, quantity, volume
• Departure airport name, arrival airport name
Buyer and seller sign foreign trade contract
The goods owner signs a service contract with the forwarder
The forwarder receives the papers and documents
Pick up at the airport
Delivery to the recipient's warehouse
Step 3: The forwarder receives the papers and documents
After signing the service contract, the seller or the buyer will send documents related to the shipment to the forwarder including:
• Certificate of Origin (Certificate of Origin)
• Letter of introduction, authorization of the consignee
• For medical equipment goods will need to add:
+ Receipt sheet for announcement of standards for class A medical equipment (for class A goods))
+ Import license (for goods of class B, C or D in the list of circular 30/2015/TT-BYT) Along with that, the airline will send:
• Air waybill (Master bill) when the goods are about to be loaded on the plane
• Arrival Notice when the goods are about to arrive at the airport of import
Step 4: Do import customs procedures
Along with the above documents, the forwarder will carry out customs procedures for export goods When doing customs procedures, the declarant performs the following basic steps:
Figure 1 2: Steps to do customs procedures
During customs procedures, the freight forwarder must submit a customs declaration to the customs authorities using the prescribed form Traditionally these declarations were handwritten on pre-printed forms, but today most Sub-Departments have transitioned to electronic customs declarations submitted via specialized software.
After submitting the customs declaration, there will be 3 cases:
In this case, the enterprise complies with the state's laws on customs The enterprise is exempted from detailed inspection of documents and from detailed inspection of the enterprise's goods
Document officer declares and submits customs declaration
Customs physical inspection of goods
Tax payment and customs clearance
Customs will review the documents for the goods, and if the submission is deemed appropriate, they will carry out the customs clearance The forwarder must present to customs the required documents, including commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, import declaration, certificate of origin, licenses or permits where applicable, and any other documents requested by customs, such as insurance certificates or inspection certificates.
• Customs declaration (printed from software, no stamp required)
• Commercial invoice (signature, round seal + title)
• Other documents: Bill of lading, C/O, quality inspection paper (specialized inspection)
After the paper documents are reviewed and approved, the actual goods undergo the highest level of customs inspection—a process that is costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive for both the goods owner and customs officers The procedure starts with the standard dossier, which, once cleared by customs, is handed to the inspection team A customs clearance officer registers the goods for inspection, proceeds to the port to move the goods into the inspection area, and coordinates with a customs officer to perform the inspection Inspections are carried out by two methods: scanner screening and manual inspection When the inspection is complete, the officer returns to the branch to complete the inspection record; if all is satisfactory, the declaration is processed and the branch procedures are finished The clearance officer then prints the barcode for the customs declaration, and upon arriving at the port to finalize order changes and sign for customs supervision (the yard gate), taxes are paid and the goods are cleared.
Step 5: Receive goods at the airport:
After customs clearance, the forwarder presents the customs clearance declaration and the recipient’s introduction and authorization letter to the warehouse to receive the shipment Upon arrival at the warehouse, the goods are inspected for damage, shortages, or other discrepancies, and any issues are recorded on the delivery documentation before the recipient signs for acceptance.
17 breakage, they must make a record of identification, certified by the warehouse for future complaints
Step 6: Deliver the goods to the recipient's warehouse
According to the signed service contract, the freight forwarder handles transporting the goods from the airport to the recipient's warehouse as specified Following successful delivery, the forwarder completes the payment and returns all shipment documents to the recipient, thereby concluding the process of receiving imported goods.
1.2.2 Duties of agencies participating in import and export goods delivery
Sign the contract of loading, unloading, delivery, preservation and storage of goods with the goods owner Delivering exports onto the plane and receiving imports from the aircraft, if authorized Make an accounting with the airline on the delivery and receipt of goods and make other necessary documents to protect the interests of the goods owners Delivery of imported goods to domestic goods owners under the entrustment of foreign goods owners Carrying out loading and unloading, transportation, preservation and storage in the port area
The party is responsible for any loss of goods caused by its actions during delivery, transportation, loading, and unloading If goods stored in the port's warehouse are damaged or lost, the port must compensate when there is a valid record and the port cannot prove that it is not at fault The port is not responsible for goods in the following cases: once goods have left the port's warehouse, the port is not liable; if the package and its seal remain intact, the goods inside are not the port's responsibility; and damage caused by incorrect or unknown product codes that lead to loss or confusion is not the port's responsibility.
Issuing bills of lading and delivery notices to recipients
Transport the goods to the right airport and on time as shown in the bill of lading Warehousing of goods upon arrival at the import airport
1.2.2.3 Duties of shippers (exporters, importers or their trustees)
(i) Sign a forwarding and consignment contract with the port in case the goods pass through the port
(ii) Carrying out freight forwarding with the airline in case the goods do not pass through the port or carrying out the delivery of import and export goods with the port in the case of goods passing through the port
(iii) Sign a contract for loading, unloading, transporting, preserving and storing goods with the airport
(iv) Provide the airport with cargo and flight information
(v) Provide necessary documents to the port for the port to deliver goods
(vi) Follow up the delivery process to solve arising problems
(vii) Prepare necessary documents in the delivery and receipt process to have a basis for complaints about related parties
(viii) Payment of port charges
Carrying out customs procedures, carrying out customs inspection, supervision and control for ships and imported and exported goods
Ensure compliance with the State's regulations on import and export, export tax and import tax
1.2.3 Documents in forwarding and receiving import and export goods by air
For both export and import goods, the following documents are required: Sales Contract and Customs Declaration
1.2.3.2 Documents used for export goods
Proforma Invoice: This is the document issued by the seller when the seller needs to issue to the buyer a shipment document, at which point the goods have not been delivered
This is an initial draft of the official commercial invoice, used as a shipment confirmation document for export customs clearance in some countries It conveys essential shipment details that buyers and sellers rely on, including the type and model, quantity, unit price, total amount, and delivery terms.
Letter of Credit (L/C) is a financial instrument issued by a bank or financial intermediary that guarantees payment to the seller and ensures compliance with contract terms, providing peace of mind for both buyers and sellers in trade It protects the buyer from paying in advance if the seller fails to deliver the goods as agreed, and it protects the seller from the risk of non-payment after shipment By defining documentary requirements and payment conditions, an L/C ensures that funds are released only when specified conditions are met, reducing credit risk and facilitating smoother, safer transactions.
Insurance Certificate: Insurance document is issued by an insurance carrier for a shipment to create peace of mind for shippers when transporting goods
Certificate of Origin (C/O) is an official document that confirms the origin of goods produced in a specific territory or nation and is issued by the exporting country's competent authority to help importers receive preferential tax treatment or tariff reductions A C/O has two main types: Non-preferential C/O, which verifies that a product originates from a particular country, and Preferential C/O, which allows goods to benefit from reduced or zero tariffs in countries that grant this privilege Examples of preferential schemes include Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Commonwealth Preference Certificate (CPC), and Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT).
Phytosanitary Certificate: Quarantine certificate is issued by the quarantine authority
(animal or plant) for the consignment to prevent the spread of disease between countries and territories
1.2.3.3 Documents used for imported goods
Authorization letter of introduction is issued by the buyer to the forwarder to grant the right to the forwarder to carry out the procedures related to the goods and take the goods out of the warehouse
The criteria for evaluating the results of business activities of import and export freight
1.3.1.1 Revenue, Profit - Revenue growth rate
Revenue is the total income a business earns from selling products, providing services, and conducting other activities, and it is typically calculated as price multiplied by output This metric lets a company directly compare its competitiveness with other firms and assess the results of its production and business activities A higher turnover relative to rivals signals a stronger, more stable operation, and when this criterion prompts market analysis, it helps the enterprise identify the strongest or most suitable competitors in terms of production capabilities.
By applying a structured process and a clear analytical framework, compare competitors, identify strengths and shortcomings, and map the actions needed to overcome upcoming challenges This indicator is simpler and easier to calculate, enabling a straightforward assessment of market dynamics Market shares held by strong enterprises are often highly profitable, suggesting that firms should aim to dominate this market area At the same time, this approach provides valuable opportunities to learn about key competitors and to extract insights that help refine strategy for the coming period.
Profit is the highest economic goal for enterprises and the key condition for their existence and growth It serves as a composite indicator of the full production and business cycle, from spotting market demand and planning through production and organization to delivering sales and service to customers Profit reflects both the quality and the scale of competitive performance, capturing how effectively a company aligns market needs with operational efficiency and customer value.
Low values of this indicator signal intense market competition with many firms, forcing enterprises to continuously boost their competitiveness to safeguard and improve profit margins Conversely, high values indicate strong competitive strength, allowing firms to leverage their advantages while staying vigilant for potential entrants drawn by the lure of high profits.
Revenue growth is the goal that all businesses today set and aim for The revenue growth rate is the percentage change in a business's revenue over a specific period of time and given in a given context The rate of growth depends on two processes: the accumulation of assets such as capital, labor, and facilities and the investment of more productive assets Although saving and investment are both central to growth, investment must be effective to boost revenue growth.The growth rate of the business shows the future development prospects of the business The fluctuation in sustainable growth rate not only reflects the change in the scale of operating results, but also reflects the stability, development situation and solid development level of the enterprise Sustainable revenue growth rate of enterprises depends mainly on revenue growth rate and profit growth rate
Net revenue growth rate reflects the increase in net revenue of a business over time is high or low
Figure 1 3: Method of net sales growth rate
Examining the variation of the net sales growth rate over time provides key insights into the stability of market size and consumer demand, the health of the business, and its expansion and revenue trajectory This perspective helps determine whether conditions are favorable or challenging, reveals the scale of operations, and highlights the development trend that will shape strategic decisions By tracking these growth dynamics, stakeholders can assess market stability, business performance, and the likely path of future growth.
Figure 1 4: Method of Profit growth rate
Profit growth rate measures how profits increase over time, serving as a core indicator of a company’s performance By analyzing this metric, information users can assess the quality of business activities, the effectiveness of cost management, and the current overall status of the enterprise.
Service quality is customer satisfaction when service providers meet customer needs Customer satisfaction with a service is determined through a comparison between
23 the expected service and the service perceived by the customer Service quality is evaluated based on a number of criteria such as:
Tangible: is the company's facilities, equipment, employees, and means of transportation
Timeliness: ensuring that raw materials and goods are supplied in a timely manner
Flexibility: refers to the ability of the company to coordinate resources to meet the special requirements of customers
Level of safety and accuracy: the ability to ensure customer safety, expressed through physical, financial, and information security
Reliability level: is the trust and reputation of the service and the business to customers
Air freight forwarding companies maintain an agent department to connect with foreign agents, enabling accurate international shipping price quotes, balanced routing, and reliable delivery They strive to deliver the highest quality and most convenient service to customers by meeting evolving requirements through a robust agency network In many countries, forwarders establish agency relationships to optimize delivery efficiency and ensure smooth international cargo movement.
Market Share is the share of sales that a certain business has captured in a given market Market share is used to measure the concentration of sellers in a market When you know how much market share the business holds, locate where the business is standing in the market, is the business line saturated, is there still room for growth, at this point the business can decide whether to continue trying to dominate the market or withdraw from this market And one of the methods to properly assess their growth market share, businesses often use the Boston Matrix
1.3.1.4 The level and speed of business growth
To accurately assess a company's development level, growth should be determined using level-based factors that reflect its business type For large forwarding companies in Vietnam, freight activities require a strict and disciplined workflow and are divided into four main levels, each representing a distinct stage of development and performance.
Level 1 freight forwarding services are provided by traditional freight forwarders who offer only the services requested by customers, including road transport, customs clearance on behalf of goods owners, document preparation, storage, and final delivery.
Level 2 forwarding agents act as consolidators and issue domestic bills of lading, with their operating principle centered on securing exclusive agent relationships at major ports to carry out the withdrawal and packing of import and export goods.
✓ Level 3: Forwarding agent acts as multimodal carrier In this role, some companies have coordinated with the foreign company at the port of discharge with a sub- contract to automatically arrange the transportation of goods to the final destination according to the bill of lading
✓ Level 4: this is a forwarding agent that becomes a logistics service provider This is the inevitable result of the integration process
ROA (Return on Assets) is a financial metric that measures the relationship between a company’s profitability and its assets, revealing how efficiently it uses assets to generate earnings A higher ROA indicates stronger asset utilization and profitability, while a lower ROA signals less efficient use of assets Investors and analysts rely on ROA to gauge management effectiveness in deploying assets to drive earnings and to compare performance across companies within the same industry.
Return on Assets (ROA) measures how efficiently a company uses its assets, and a higher ROA signals better asset utilization ROA varies widely across industries, so comparing ROA among similar companies yields the most meaningful insights Evaluate ROA over multiple years—at least three—to capture sustained performance rather than a single-year blip Investors should also watch the cost of debt; if a company’s ROA does not exceed what it spends on investing and financing activities, that’s a red flag Conversely, when ROA surpasses the cost of borrowing, the company is earning more from its assets than it pays to finance them, signaling favorable capital efficiency.
ROE (Return of Equity) - Return on equity is an indicator that measures the efficiency of the use of equity in a business
Factors affecting business activities of freight forwarding services by air
Human resources are a decisive factor in production efficiency and business competitiveness, making talent one of the most valuable assets for both national development and enterprise growth With a well-aligned, skilled, and cohesive workforce, organizations can execute strategic plans and achieve their goals more effectively A team of experienced, highly qualified, dynamic, and adaptable leaders and managers not only delivers immediate benefits but also drives sustained performance, long-term growth, and a durable competitive edge.
Strategic initiatives not only boost revenue and profits but also enhance corporate reputation They generate a range of creative, actionable ideas that align with the company’s development and maturity while responding to changes in the market.
Air freight forwarding companies must possess robust facilities, equipment, and infrastructure to deliver reliable service A forwarder’s infrastructure includes offices, warehouses, transportation assets, loading and unloading facilities, and secure storage and handling systems for goods With these capabilities, forwarders can participate effectively in global air cargo networks and meet customer needs across the freight forwarding lifecycle.
Freight forwarding businesses must invest in modern, scalable logistics infrastructure to efficiently consolidate, load, unload, and inspect goods throughout the shipment cycle Advances in technology enable forwarders to manage all operations and customer data via electronic data interchange (EDI) and other digital systems A strong road infrastructure network facilitates fast, safe transport and on-time delivery to the importer’s warehouse Equipping operations with modern machinery and specialized equipment is essential to handle different cargo types and ensure smooth processes Therefore, infrastructure, equipment, and machinery are critical factors for import/export freight forwarding services, underpinning reliability, efficiency, and competitive service in the logistics industry.
Investment capital plays a key role in import and export freight forwarding, particularly in air freight forwarding When investment capital is limited, facilities, infrastructure, and equipment do not improve, leading to interruptions in the delivery and receipt of goods, process delays, and lower operational performance By contrast, ample investment capital enables upgrading infrastructure, machinery, and equipment to modern standards, allowing fast, efficient, and reliable delivery Returns can exceed 100% in favorable conditions, yet forwarding service businesses do not always have abundant financial resources, so investment in the system and forwarding process should be clearly defined and carefully calculated, including expected ROI, payback period, and the impact on throughput and service quality.
28 investment to get the most out of it Businesses can also consider outsourcing or linking with transporters in some cases to reduce delivery costs
Every business, across industries, operates within a surrounding environment that shapes performance and opportunity The development potential of a company depends not only on internal capabilities but also on external environmental factors These external factors—the location and conditions where the business operates—directly influence policies and ultimately determine the enterprise’s growth trajectory.
This is a very important factor that attracts the attention of all businesses The impact of these environmental factors is more direct and dynamic than some of the other elements of the general environment The developments of the economic environment always contain different opportunities and threats for each enterprise in different industries and have potential influence on the business strategies of enterprises A growing economy will bring momentum for all businesses With economic development, population demand increases, domestic and foreign investment attractiveness will also increase, the competition will also become increasingly fierce On the contrary, when the economy is in recession and instability, people's purchasing power will decrease Enterprise services provided to the market will slow down, profits will decrease, companies will have to find ways to retain customers and market competition becomes more and more fierce The economic environment is the environment that has a profound influence on the competitive policies and decisions of enterprises
In the process of doing business in logistics services, international customs must be observed, for example, terms of receipt of goods (Incoterms); Rules for implementing documentary credits; Cargo insurance during transportation, loading and unloading, storage, receiving Vietnam is a member of ASEAN, so Logistics services are also affected
29 by regional agreements such as: 1999 GMS-CBT Agreement; Facilitation of goods in transit (1968); Agreement on multimodal transport framework SEEN 2005
Table 1 1: The legal system governing air freight forwarding and forwarding services in Vietnam
Decisions, Circulars and other documents
Law on Civil Aviation of Vietnam 2006;
Law amending the Civil Aviation Law
Decree 30/2013/ND-C on air transportation business and aviation activities
102/2015/ND-CP of the Government on management and operation of airports and airfields
Circular 81/2014/TT- BGTVT regulating air transportation and general aviation activities;
Decision 43/2017/QD-TTG on regulations on responsibilities for carrying out procedures for aircraft on exit, entry and transit through the national single window mechanism
Source: Law Library (author's own compilation) 1.4.2.3 Politics and law
Politics and law heavily influence the growth of any business, especially international enterprises They underpin economic development by providing the regulatory framework and legal basis for companies to operate in both domestic and foreign markets A stable economy relies on political stability and predictable laws, while clear government policies shape investment decisions, compliance requirements, and market access As a result, understanding the political and legal environment is essential for strategic planning, risk management, and sustainable global expansion.
Thirty regulatory documents will align with economic policies, shaping how businesses operate In countries with political instability, companies engaged in international trade face higher risks to their operations Clear laws and stable politics create a favorable environment for business activities across enterprises International forwarding, especially air freight, not only supports a country’s development but also serves as a key driver of strong cross-border trade in goods.
Socio-cultural factors include the norms and values that a society or culture accepts and respects, and changes in these factors tend to unfold more slowly than other macro factors because they are shaped by broader influences Yet their impact is long-term and often subtle, sometimes difficult to perceive, and their range of influence is wide, determining how people live, work, produce, and consume products and services Therefore, cultural and social understandings become a foundational basis for building business strategy The socio-cultural environment is shaped by concepts such as morality, aesthetics, lifestyle, and profession; customs, practices, and traditions; societal concerns and priorities; and the overall level of awareness and education, all of which exert a strong influence on business activities and should guide decision‑making in product development, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
Natural environmental conditions significantly influence air freight logistics, including the delivery, receipt, and transport of goods, and are often treated as force majeure that can disrupt schedules and slow delivery Adverse weather during air travel can compromise cargo quality, creating disputes between forwarders and importers By understanding prevailing environmental factors and weather patterns, forwarders can proactively mitigate risk, negotiate transparently with customers, and implement contingency plans, ultimately improving the reliability of the air freight forwarding process for both sides.
In the Industry 4.0 era, digital transformation is the most influential driver reshaping businesses, especially in logistics and international freight forwarding Advances in science and technology have transformed logistics from labor-intensive, slow, and costly processes into automated, high-efficiency workflows, with loading and unloading machinery, consolidation systems, transport operations, and customs declarations increasingly powered by software rather than paper This shift to automation and digital platforms improves speed, accuracy, and capacity across the supply chain Innovations in eco-friendly fuel systems reduce environmental harm, cut air and noise pollution, and support sustainable freight At the same time, modern high-capacity aircraft manufacturing enhances aviation efficiency, marking a new leap forward for air freight.
Analysis of the reality of delivery and receipt of imported medical equipment by air at
Current status of medical equipment delivery at Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company
2.1.1 Overview of Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company
- Company Mame: AIRSEАGLОBАL VIETNAM JOINT STOCK COMPANY
- Trading name: VIET NАM АIRSEАGLОBАL JОINT STОCK CОMРАNY
- Abbreviated Company Name: АIRSEАGLОBАL., JSC
- Type of company: Joint Stock Company
- Head office: А9/4 Center of Dia Chat Mine, Co Nhue 2 Ward, Bac Tu Liem
- Business Office: Р2412, Eurowindow Tower, 27 Tran Duy Hung, Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
+ Ho Chi Minh City Branch: 135/37/1 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
+ Hai Phong Branch: 226 Le Lai, May Chai Ward, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong City
+ Da Nang branch: Lot 39, Street 2, Da Nang Industrial Park, Son Tra District, Da Nang City
- Emai: info@airseaglobal.com.vn
- Website: httр://аirseаglоbаl.cоm.vn
- Field of activity: is a business unit in the field of logistics
- Line of business: Other supporting service activities related to transportation
2.1.1.2 History of formation and development
Airseaglobal Vietnam Joint Stock Company was established under the Business Law and received its Business Registration Certificate, initially registered as a limited liability company On March 5, 2019, the company filed to convert its structure to a Joint Stock Company Since its inception, Airseaglobal's development has been organized into three distinct phases.
Stage 1: The first period (2011-2012): When newly established, Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company operated with only 4 employees doing customs work and picking up goods at Noi Bai airport and delivering them to the car for transportation to the warehouse This is a difficult period because the Company has to face strong competitors in the general difficult period of the economy At this time, the company's main customers are small businesses located in Hanoi city
Stage 2: Adapting to the market (2013-2014): From the end of 2012 to early 2013,
Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company has expanded its operation area and business scope to provinces and cities across the country, extending its market footprint and opportunities To support this growth, the company is hiring more human resources to meet its ambitious business goals Airseaglobal's expanding client base now includes large and potential customers such as Sumitomo Electric Interconnect Products Co., Ltd., Nam Ha Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company, and Ricoh Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Stage 3: Development stage (2015- now): After 6 years of operation, the Company has finally found its own niche market, which contributes to reducing competitive pressure when there are many other large and small companies doing business in freight forwarding services Imported as Airseaglobal At the same time, during this period, the company also cooperates with many major transport agents around the world to help get good input freight rates to sell to customers At the beginning of 2018, Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company was officially a member of the World Cargo Alliance (WCA), which helps the company increase trust with customers, enhancing its position in the world, position of the company Currently, Airseaglobal ranks No 1 in customs declaration of medical equipment and in the Top 3 in customs declaration of air cargo entering Noi Bai
2.1.2 Organizational apparatus of the company:
Figure 2 1: Organization chart of the company
The Board of Directors acts on behalf of the Company to make decisions related to its purposes and interests It regularly oversees the Company’s business activities, internal control systems, and risk management processes, ensuring sound governance and strategic alignment When issues arise, the directors meet to determine the right direction for the Company and guide its response.
The director serves as the company's legal representative, authorized to sign all documents such as business licenses, powers of attorney, and contracts The director decides on business partnerships and oversees cooperation with external partners They also manage the company's internal operations and day-to-day activities as appointed by the Board of Directors.
Head of Department (HoD) is the senior leader who directly oversees the department they are assigned to They plan the department’s activities, drive strategic initiatives, recruit suitable candidates, and train new employees to develop a capable, high-performing team.
The Agent department works directly with international partners and agents, continually seeking new partners across all countries to broaden options For every shipment, the Agent reviews shipping costs from multiple carriers, negotiates pricing, and secures a competitive final output price.
Field Operations (Ops) is the on-the-ground logistics team that works directly with goods, visiting warehouses, airports, and seaports to receive shipments and then delivering them to domestic shipping partners It also coordinates routing based on geography and handles all customs procedures to ensure shipments clear smoothly By managing end-to-end activities—from pickup to delivery and customs clearance—Ops keeps the supply chain moving efficiently.
The Documentation Department (CUS) handles shipment documents and transfers them to the field department, with staff directly transmitting customs declarations, verifying departure and arrival dates, and flagging any document issues to Sales and Ops for action Airseaglobal's Documentation Department is organized into two groups: Maritime Document Staff and Air Document Staff, each dedicated to managing specific types of documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and accurate shipment records.
Sales Department: The key revenue driver for the company, the sales team identifies prospective customers, advises them on our services, and provides regular updates on incoming shipments They also stay up to date with the latest government circulars and decrees to offer accurate guidance, thereby building trust and credibility with customers.
Accounting and human resources is the company's financial and HR management department It monitors revenue and expenditures, calculates revenue and profit, and handles payroll processing—distributing salaries, making insurance contributions, and withholding employee personal income tax—while also managing corporate tax payments in line with tax regulations.
36 to the state For customers, the department calculates the costs that the customer has to pay and urges the customer to pay
2.1.3 Business results of Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company
2.1.3.1 Revenue and profit in recent years:
Revenue and profit of Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company are shown in the following table:
Table 2 1: Revenue and profit in recent years of Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company
Figure 2 2: Chart comparing revenue and profit in recent years of Airseaglobal Joint
According to Table 2.1 and Figure 2.2, the company's overall business performance has improved over time, with 2020 sales and revenue higher than in 2018–2019 By the end of 2020, total revenue was approximately VND 11,059 billion, a 6.8% increase over the previous year and 2.36% higher than the 2018–2019 period Profits have risen steadily, increasing by VND 2,843 billion in 2018–2019 and by VND 2,181 billion in 2019–2020.
Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company specializes in importing medical equipment, with medical products accounting for about 80% of total revenue Of this share, roughly 38% is generated through import procedures—such as product classification, obtaining import licenses, and submitting publication files—while the remainder comes from freight services After a decade of development, the company has established a strong position in import/export freight forwarding and claims a leading role in customs declarations at Noi Bai International Airport Through continuous efforts to improve service quality, Airseaglobal has seen steady growth in revenue and after-tax profit in recent years.
Revenue Profit before tax Profit after tax
Figure 2 3: Chart of the proportion of business sectors contributing to Airseaglobal's revenue in 2020
Air transport is the cornerstone of Airseaglobal's business, accounting for 51.42% of its revenue, or approximately VND 92,974 billion The company emphasizes air freight because its fast shipping and shorter delivery times boost profitability and support a stronger service focus than other logistics offerings In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Airseaglobal's customers were mainly large private enterprises and state-owned companies that needed to import medical equipment in large quantities to respond promptly The urgency of the crisis required rapid imports to meet hospital bidding timelines, making air transport the top priority for timely delivery.
Besides, shipping services by sea also account for a significant part of the company's revenue with VND 43,973 billion, equivalent to 24.32% of total revenue in 2020 This
Sea transportAir freightInland transportCustoms proceduresOther services
39 service is mainly for shipments, having a large volume of goods and the owner of that shipment wants to save on shipping costs
Medical Equipment overview
2.2.1 Definition and classification of Medical Equipment Products
Medical Equipment is any device used for medical purposes Therefore, what distinguishes a medical device from an everyday device is its intended use Medical devices
Medical equipment benefits patients by enabling healthcare providers to accurately diagnose and effectively treat illnesses, helping individuals overcome disease and improve their quality of life The concept and regulation of medical equipment are defined within Vietnam’s regulatory framework, beginning with Decree 36/2016/ND-CP and subsequently amended and supplemented by Decree 169/2018/ND-CP, which detail definitions, classifications, requirements, and the regulatory pathway for the procurement, use, and management of medical devices to ensure safe, high-quality care.
Medical equipment means devices, instruments, materials, implants, reagents and in vitro calibrators, and software that simultaneously satisfy the following requirements:
Used individually or in combination with each other as specified by the owner of the medical device to serve humans for one or more of the following purposes:
• Diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat and alleviate illness or compensate for injury or injury;
• Examine, replace, correct or assist in anatomy and physiological processes;
• Disinfect medical equipment, including chemicals used in testing;
• Providing information for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment through testing of specimens originating from the human body
The use of pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic mechanisms on or within the human body is prohibited, unless such mechanisms are employed solely in a supportive capacity to achieve the purposes specified in this clause.
According to 169/2018/ND-CP, medical equipment will be classified into 4 categories depending on the level of risk that the device brings to the human body
• Class A: Low-risk medical devices Example: Medical masks, patient beds, bandages, etc
• Class B: These are medical devices with a moderate or low level of risk Examples: Infusion set (no needle), ultrasound machine transducer, laser therapy machine, etc
• Class C: These are medical devices with a medium-high level of risk Examples: CRRT dialyzers (Devices for filtering blood and plasma), intravenous catheters, condoms, etc
• Class D: High-risk medical devices Examples: Pacemakers, Cerebral Vascular Holders, Stents, etc
Principles of classification: The classification of medical equipment must be based on the rules of classification of risk levels.In the case of a medical device that can be classified into two or more levels of risk, the classification according to the highest level of risk of that medical device applies In the case of a medical device designed to be used in conjunction with another medical device, each medical device must be assigned a separate risk rating
Where the medical device is used in combination with another medical device or the medical device has two or more uses, the classification must be based on the important use of the medical device The Minister of Health shall detail the classification of medical equipment to ensure compliance with international treaties on classification of medical equipment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations of which Vietnam is a member pellets The classification of medical equipment must be made by agencies and organizations with practice certificates issued by the Ministry of Health and qualified for classification according to Decree 169 and must be publicly posted on the public service system of Ministry of Health (https://dmec.moh.gov.vn)
Determining whether a product is a medical device hinges on applying the appropriate ISO standard for that product For products that qualify as medical devices, ISO 13485:2016 certification governs the quality management system requirements across design, production, and post-market activities.
ISO 13485 is applicable to all organizations involved in the medical device lifecycle, regardless of type, location, or size It covers facilities such as companies, factories, and distributors, and applies to both the manufacturing and trading of medical equipment as well as general medical services Examples of items and activities covered include medical gloves, sterilization of medical products, needles, infusion lines, and feeding lines.
Adopting ISO 13485 establishes a robust safety management system that minimizes risks associated with medical devices, supporting safer design, production, and post-market processes This framework emphasizes risk management, quality controls, and traceability to ensure products are safe, effective, and compliant with applicable regulatory requirements By aligning with customer needs and expectations, organizations improve product quality, patient safety, and stakeholder trust while meeting legal obligations.
2.2.3 Some regulations when exporting and importing medical equipment
Information on medical equipment is provided to guide the rational and safe use of devices by medical staff and users Such information must be complete, objective, accurate, truthful, easy to understand, and free from misleading content The Minister of Health is responsible for organizing the information system on medical equipment, ensuring centralized access to authoritative data The regulatory framework governs accountability and procedures for medical equipment information, detailing how it is produced, maintained, and disseminated to support safe clinical practice and informed decision-making.
Holder of the free-sale registration number and the establishment that trades in medical equipment are responsible for disclosing information about the risk level and guidelines for using the devices They must provide clear, accurate details on the device’s risk, operating instructions, and safety considerations to help buyers and users make informed decisions.
• Medical facilities are responsible for disseminating information about medical equipment within the facility;
• Medical officers and staff are responsible for providing information on the level of risk of using medical equipment of categories C, D to patients;
• The medical device management agency is responsible for disclosing information about medical equipment
• Organizations and individuals that provide information about medical equipment must be responsible for the information they provide
Before putting medical equipment on the market, medical equipment manufacturing or trading establishments must label medical equipment according to the following regulations:
Medical device labeling must comply with current regulations governing goods labeling When medical equipment is imported into Vietnam, if the label does not display all information required by Clause 1 of this Article, an additional label showing the mandatory contents in Vietnamese must be affixed while the original label remains in place.
Thus, the label of medical equipment must include the following contents: (i)
Essential medical equipment documentation should include the device name, its circulation or registration number, the name and address of the holder of the medical device registration number, the origin of the equipment, and the production date or expiry date with the date of manufacture and the expiry date clearly stated in day, month, and year; it should also provide the batch or serial number and include instructions for looking up warranty information, the user instructions for using the device, and the technical documents for repair and maintenance.
Reality of forwarding activities at Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company
Service quality is highly valued by customers when the company consistently delivers tangible benefits For example, our air freight handles medical equipment, while our sea freight expands beyond raw-material transport to include retail shipping as a strategic growth area With a customer base dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, the company is well positioned to penetrate and grow this market by directly coordinating with partner shipping lines to consolidate small, irregular shipments into a single container for transport Through retail goods consolidation and efficient transportation, irseаglobal delivers noticeable cost savings and time savings for customers, reinforcing a reliable, end-to-end logistics solution.
Focusing on improving service quality, the company's service quality has improved over the years and increased markedly This is a plus point of Airseaglobal in perfecting the freight forwarding process
Table 2 4: The proportion of quality goods delivered by Airseaglobal Joint Stock
While the company is committed to continuous service quality improvement, interdepartmental coordination among the business units, customer service, documentation, and pricing teams still falters at times For example, after a shipment is loaded onto the plane and dispatched, a customer requests a debit voucher from the voucher department, but the responsible employee is absent or unreachable, and the sales team cannot obtain pricing from the Pricing department at the head office, which leads to delays and a perception of slow service These workflow breakdowns can drive customers to switch to competitors, underscoring the need to streamline processes to reduce customer churn and improve overall customer satisfaction.
The company always focuses on offering the most competitive prices in the market, in order to attract customers but also ensure revenue for the company
Prices of some forwarding services of the company: The price of international shipping usually depends on the shipment to have a specific price Customs clearance price:
• Hanoi: 800,000 VND, in case of inspection, 200,000 VND more
• Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh: 1,100,000 VND, additional 500,000 VND in case of inspection
Domestic shipping remains affordable, with a representative rate from Noi Bai warehouse to Hanoi city center of 450,000 VND for a 1.25-ton vehicle, excluding VAT and prohibited-road fees; some providers quote 500,000 to 600,000 VND Companies frequently adjust pricing to enhance competitive positioning within the industry, and prices are continually updated across every transport mode, including international shipping and domestic transport.
Sea freight providers often offer competitive rates to customers due to intense market competition For shipments from Shanghai, China to Cat Lai port, rates typically start at 1 USD per CBM for under 3 CBM, 5 USD per CBM for 3–5 CBM, and 10 USD per CBM for 5–10 CBM.
Air freight is a high-value transportation service that remains profitable despite higher costs from aircraft ownership, operating expenses, substantial fuel use, and limited payload capacity Because air shipments typically involve valuable goods that require rapid transit, margins are attractive, with data showing roughly 100 USD profit per 100 kg shipment, calculated as the spread between input costs from foreign agents and the selling price to customers (Report on revenue of the Vietnam National Corporation, 2019) Air transport also features relatively low risk, with dedicated staff continuously monitoring each shipment to provide timely updates and to build trust and confidence with customers.
We specialize in medical equipment import services and provide end-to-end support for bringing medical devices to market Our offerings include medical equipment classification, eligibility declaration preparation, compliance with business conditions and circulation requirements, and the preparation of import and transportation permits For customers who use multiple services, we offer preferential pricing, delivering savings of about 500,000–1,000,000 for package users.
2.3.3 The company's freight forwarding volume
Table 2 5: Freight forwarding volume of Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company from 2018 to 2020
The data indicate that the company's overall delivery volume has grown steadily over the years From 2018 to 2020, the average delivery volume growth rate was 25.2% Freight forwarding volume has surged in recent years, driven both by market expansion and rising demand for freight services In addition, the company has continuously improved service quality, which has attracted more customers and expanded the customer base.
Within the company’s freight-forwarding structure, imports dominate, with the share of imported goods and services nearly double that of exports This mirrors our country’s international trade profile, which is characterized by a trade deficit and a focus on import-focused services rather than exports Our core delivery products include medical equipment, cosmetics, functional foods, and machinery and equipment, with priority given to the delivery of medical equipment.
Our company specializes in air freight forwarding We deliver goods to all Noi Bai warehouses, including NTCS, ALS, and ACS, and operate express delivery facilities in Noi Bai and at Courier My Dinh.
2.3.4 The company's diversification of import and export freight forwarding services 2.3.4.1 The service of loading and unloading goods
Airseaglobal's cargo loading and unloading service has not developed significantly, remaining largely outsourced and ad hoc For smaller-volume shipments at Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the company relies on direct cargo handling at the port or warehouse For large, bulky shipments by sea at Hai Phong and Cat Lai ports, Airseaglobal outsources port-side loading and unloading, with work performed by either the company's own personnel or third-party staff depending on cargo type and conditions Currently, the company mainly offers transit cargo handling—loading and unloading for trucks and containers of all kinds—while the overall loading and unloading service is not fully developed.
Although cargo handling does not generate direct profits, it supports other transportation services to deliver the most complete logistics solution for customers This function ensures a smooth and efficient transportation process, while fast, scientifically organized loading and unloading saves time and reduces costs across the supply chain, boosting overall operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Warehousing and storage services of Singapore have not really developed, warehouses almost still use the warehouses available at airports and seaports to store customers' goods Although still providing warehousing services to customers, the company has not yet controlled this segment, still depends entirely on policies and costs at warehouses at airports and seaports This is also an area where the company is not really strong and still lags behind major competitors in the market
The company provides transportation agency services that act as a bridge between the shipper and the carrier, both as an agent of the shipper and as an agent of the carrier The company is responsible for carrying out necessary activities to take care and protect the rights and legitimate interests of the trustee (customer), to comply with the requests and instructions of the trustee, promptly Notify the trustee of the event related to the entrusted work, accurately calculate the related revenues and expenditures Airseaglobal is a bridge between customers, which are mainly professional customers, and carriers such as garages, shipping lines, airlines, as well as air cargo transportation, providing full services package about the entire process of transportation and delivery of goods to the shipper Transport agency services also include customs clearance agency activities, and this is one of the competitive advantages that the company's management determines to focus on development and expansion Customs procedures in particular and administrative procedures of the country in general are still inadequate, quite cumbersome and take a long time to complete, while not every profession can afford to set up a specialized agency
50 responsible for customs clearance, customs clearance for import and export goods, especially for small and medium-sized companies
We provide a comprehensive range of import and export compliance services, including obtaining specialized licenses, import permits, tariff classification, publishing quality announcements, and facilitating the circulation of medical equipment Our team also offers proactive guidance to resolve issues in customs procedures, such as post-clearance inspections, tax refunds, tax payments, and fines As a result, the company earns increasing trust from customers for high-quality services and professional expertise.
2.3.5 Factors affecting freight forwarding activities at Airseaglobal Joint Stock
2.3.5.1 Group of External business factors
Political and legal factors significantly influence freight forwarding activities When a state implements favorable policies, freight forwarding benefits through easier import and export processes, while restrictive policies can hinder growth The scope here goes beyond transportation or delivery policies to encompass all regulations affecting international trade The Vietnamese government has introduced a range of policies designed to facilitate import and export activities, thereby ensuring a steady flow of goods for forwarding services Examples of such policies include streamlined customs procedures, tariff and tax incentives, simplified licensing, and measures that reduce the overall time and cost of cross-border trade.
Analyzing and evaluating the process of receiving imported medical equipment from
2.4.1 Overview of medical equipment goods delivered by the company
Under the 2020 import-export tariff, the medical equipment delivered and received by our company falls into the category "Equipment and tools for medical, surgical, dental or veterinary industries, including equipment for recording click charts, flashing, other electromedical equipment and vision testing equipment," with the associated item code.
Under HS code 9018, exports incur 0% export tax and 5% import tax These consignments often require a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) issued by the health ministry of the host country, and several items on the list may need an export or import license to proceed The process remains challenging due to the regulatory requirements surrounding medical products, with intricate procedures that can hinder movement across borders Since we shifted to specializing in medical products, our customers are mainly manufacturers, distributors, and contractors of medical equipment for hospitals and clinics.
Medical equipment used in Vietnam is largely imported from Europe, Korea, and China, which has led our company to concentrate its sourcing on these regions Accordingly, we have focused on developing the main import routes from Europe, Korea, and China, leveraging established logistics channels to ensure a steady, reliable supply of medical devices to the Vietnamese market.
Table 2 13: The company main import routes
Country Port of departure Port of destination
Berlin-Schửnefeld International Airport (SXF)
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Münster Osnabrück International Airport (MO)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Le Harve International Airport (LFOY)
Airport (HAN) Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Kansai International Airport (KIX) Tokyo International Airport (HDN) Osaka International Airport (OSA)
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Table 2 14: Results of delivery of medical equipment shipments of the company in the past 3 years
Data from the table show that shipments of Class A medical equipment have consistently been higher than those of other product grades over the years This is because Class A goods carry the lowest level of risk, allowing any registered business to import and trade them Medical equipment in grades B, C, and D can be imported more easily than grade A and do not require a declaration of eligibility.
To sell in the market or enter tenders, businesses must submit a declaration of eligibility to trade For medical equipment classified as Class B, Class C, or Class D, the enterprise must ensure its employees have the required professional qualifications and that the company meets applicable factory standards or vehicle standards.
Medical equipment shipments surged in 2019 and then cooled slightly in 2020, largely due to a favorable tax change Import duties on medical equipment were cut from 10% to 5% from 2019 onward, fueling the 2019 surge, while a Certificate of Origin (C/O) can qualify certain items for VAT incentives, further supporting demand.
2.4.2 Process of delivery and receipt of imported medical equipment of the company
Figure 2 6: The process of delivery and receipt of medical equipment by air at
Airseaglobal Vietnam Joint Stock Company
(Source: Airseaglobal Operations Department) 2.4.2.1 Get documents
After the Sales department closes the order to ship the book, the customer submits a set of documents to the Sales department to obtain information for the declaration The documents provided by the customer are intended to supply all the data required for the declaration process.
• Business registration: Include company information, business code, company's representative
Get documents Check the set of documents
Do procedures to pick up goods
Pay and return original documents to customers
A commercial invoice (invoice) documents the shipment's value and serves as the key document for customs clearance It includes the shipper information, the invoice number and date, the product name (model), the manufacturer, and the country of manufacture, as well as the quantity, weight, and packaging details It also lists payment terms, with most orders purchased under EXW and FOB terms.
• Purchase and sale contract of the business: Shows shipper information, consignee, contract number, contract date, information of goods purchased and sold, payment conditions,
Under EXW terms, the exporting country’s agent collects the goods at the shipper’s location, while under FOB terms the shipper delivers the goods to the agent The airline issues the original bill of lading (Air Waybill) to Airseaglobal company, which then issues a supplementary bill of lading (House Bill) to the importing company for information verification The original bill of lading includes the main shipment details used to verify and track the consignment.
• Shipper information: Company name, address, information, contact phone number (if any);
• Consignee information: Airseaglobal joint stock company name and company address;
• Bill of lading number, bill of lading issue date, flight information, flight date;
• Information about goods: Name of goods, number of weights, number of packages, number of pallets;
• Information about departure and arrival locations
• Consignee information: It will be the importer's information, company name, address and contact phone number (if any) that needs to be checked correctly to avoid correction during delivery;
• Sub-bill number, bill of lading date
After the parties confirm the accuracy of the original bill of lading and the supplementary bill of lading, the agent department of Airseaglobal Joint Stock Company
Information is sent back to the airline for verification and correction if needed, after which the airline issues the official bill of lading to the agent to prepare the declaration The Customs Department receives the documents, prints them, and proceeds with preparing the declaration.
2.4.2.2 Check the set of documents
❖ Carefully check the information on the documents
The documents of the shipment will be sent to the documents department staff to check the information and make the declaration For air shipments, key documents usually include:
Commercial contract (Sales contract): Contract number, contract date, payment method, payment conditions, description of goods,
Commercial Invoice: Exporter name, invoice number, invoice date, payment terms, invoice unit price, goods name, quantity of goods,
Details of PKL (Packing List): Weight, volume, weight, number of packages,
Air waybill AWB (Airway Bill): Bill of lading number, bill of lading date, flight name, flight date, loading location, unloading location,
Arrival Notice (AN): Information on the arrival notice includes the date of arrival, unloading location, expected customs clearance storage location code, weight, number of packages,
Some additional documents can be sent by guests such as: Certificate of Origin (Certificate of Origin), receipt slip, announcement slip, classification table of goods,
Check the conformity, information between documents if there is any mismatch, contact the customer to confirm again
❖ If the set of documents is missing or invalid, the Ops staff will notify Sales to complete the full set of documents to submit to the customs declaration
❖ Look up Harmonized System code for goods
To accurately classify new goods, thoroughly review all product details—name, uses, properties, materials, and types—and gather any applicable specifications This comprehensive information enables you to identify the most accurate Harmonized System (HS) code, ensuring correct duties, taxes, and compliance By documenting the exact product description and characteristics, you reduce the risk of misclassification and streamline customs clearance, import/export operations, and tariff calculations For best results, verify variations in material composition and intended uses, and confirm the classification guidance from customs authorities when needed.
For goods that have been made, do you still need to look up the current HS code for that item
❖ Make the customs declaration by electronic customs declaration software, based on the information on the documents sent by the customer
Recheck the declaration to ensure accuracy, with particular attention to non-editable fields that cannot be corrected later: the exporter's name and address; customs office code and type code; shipment weight and the number of packages; the bill of lading number and the name of the goods; the port of loading and the port of discharge; and the HS code of the goods.
Send the proof-of-print declaration to the customer for a final verification of all information, ensuring accuracy and completeness If any details need correction or supplementation, include them in the declaration and resend it to the customer.
❖ Transmit declaration and receive stream result
After the clearance declaration is available, the company issues a tax notice to the customer, who can pay the tax directly or transfer funds to the field department so it can be submitted to customs and proceed with the customs clearance procedures For shipments involving long-standing relationships and cooperation, accountants may advance tax money for the field department to clear goods; for new customers, the tax must be paid immediately to the company or to customs for clearance The document officer sends the tax notice to the business and also provides the official classification declaration to the importing company.
The operations department prepares all necessary customs clearance documents, including the customs declaration, commercial invoice, and bill of lading, as well as the commercial contract and notice of arrival of goods It handles registration for specialized inspection, the certificate of origin, and the classification of medical equipment When relevant, it also files the declaration of eligibility to trade in Class B, C, and D medical equipment to ensure compliance and timely clearance.