How To Find PPE, Mask, Gloves, And Medical Supplies Manufacturers In Vietnam // Ultimate Guide
In a world where healthcare and safety have taken center stage, the demand for reliable medical supplies, including masks and nitrile gloves, has surged to unprecedented levels. Vietnam, known for its robust manufacturing capabilities, has emerged as a key player in meeting this global demand. However, navigating the landscape of medical supply manufacturing in Vietnam presents unique challenges and opportunities that require a strategic approach.
This comprehensive blog post is tailored to guide you through sourcing high-quality medical supplies from Vietnam, including masks and nitrile gloves. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a business looking to ensure the safety of your employees, or a distributor aiming to expand your product line, understanding the nuances of sourcing from Vietnam is crucial.
We will explore the essential steps to identify and partner with reliable manufacturers in Vietnam. This includes understanding the certifications and standards necessary for medical supplies, insights into the manufacturing landscape of Vietnam, tips for ensuring product quality and compliance, and strategies for effective communication and negotiation with Vietnamese suppliers.
Additionally, this post will provide a closer look at the current trends in the medical supply industry in Vietnam, including the production of masks and nitrile gloves. We'll discuss how to navigate potential logistical challenges, the importance of ethical sourcing, and the role of innovation in this sector.
Join us as we delve into the world of medical supply sourcing in Vietnam, offering you the knowledge and tools to secure high-quality, compliant, cost-effective medical products. Your journey towards reliable and efficient sourcing of masks and nitrile gloves from Vietnam starts here.
Cosmo visiting a nitrile glove factory in Vietnam with clients. Note the thousands of blue gloves being made!
The Vietnamese medical device economy is $1.7B/ economy. The pharmaceutical export economy is nearly $7B/year. Therefore, there are equally as many domestic opportunities for manufacturing medical devices and selling them locally as international export opportunities. In Vietnam, the average person's growing income and increased hospitals pave the way for foreign med-tech companies looking to manufacture their medical equipment. Vietnam is undergoing major healthcare reforms that significantly increase the number of hospitals in the country. With more hospitals, there's a higher demand for medical equipment.
Purchase Mask, Gloves, and PPE direct from Vietnamese Factories
Cosmo Sourcing directly connects several major PPE glove and mask manufacturers in Vietnam. We have already sourced masks and gloves for major hospitals, nursing homes, major restaurant chains, universities, and more.
Available PPE in Vietnam:
Nitrile Gloves with FDA approval
Nitrile gloves without FDA approval
3-layer customizable mask (logo, color, packaging, and more)
basic cloth mask
Note: this list will be updated often, but contact us directly for the most commonly available items. These products move fast.
Our three-layer cloth masks are made with medical-grade non-woven (but are NOT certified) and allow for logo printing on the mask, custom colors, custom labels, adding nose pieces, and more.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you want masks, gloves, or PPE from certified Vietnam factories.
Overview Of Vietnam's Medical Manufacturing Industry
Medical Disposables factory
Vietnam is undergoing significant structural changes in its healthcare industry. The public healthcare industry dominates healthcare in Vietnam. However, Vietnam's growing population and increased demand for healthcare led to overcrowding at public institutions, and public funds were limited for those healthcare institutions. Consequently, Vietnam's private hospital sector is booming and the fastest-growing in the ASEAN region.
The Vietnamese government taxed investors looking to open private hospitals in the country. The incentives give investors 100% tax-exempt status for the first four years of operation and a 50% tax cut for the next nine years—this applies to all new healthcare providers in the country.
The reforms led to a thriving private hospital industry in Vietnam. For instance, in 2004, the number of private hospitals in Vietnam was only 40 (primarily concentrated in or around HCMC), but in 2016 there were 171 private hospitals in the country.
Note: This figure only corresponds to major hospitals, with thousands of new smaller clinics. Most advanced private hospitals are in highly populated areas such as HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
The new Vietnamese private healthcare trend is high-end healthcare services aimed at foreigners living in Vietnam and higher-income Vietnamese natives. The private healthcare industry is still tiny compared to the public healthcare industry in terms of hospitalization. Only 4% of patients are hospitalized in private hospitals. However, nearly 60% of all outpatient healthcare procedures (outside the hospitals) are conducted by private hospitals and dispatch healthcare services.
Medical Manufacturing In Vietnam Vs. Region
Vietnam is currently the 2nd largest PPE exporter in SE Asia. New investors looking to manufacture PPE products in the region will likely consider the top manufacturing economies such as China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. The total combined value of PPE exports from ASEAN member countries exceeds $50B/year. The vast majority of PPE exports from the country consist of essential protection such as face masks, gloves, and medical gowns.
Almost 90% of all PPE exports in the region are manufactured in the top 3 economies: Malaysia ($4.5B/annual exports), Vietnam ($1.7B/annual exports), and Thailand ($1.4B/annual exports). Gloves are the main regional export; the glove export market for ASEAN members is $15B/year - nearly 80% is exported to China. Face masks are a close second with nearly $14B/year in annual output, and most of those face masks are exported to Western markets such as the US, EU, and Australia.
Due to their cost-effective workforce and large manufacturing capability, ASEAN countries are ideal locations for manufacturing PPE products in Asia. As a result, the combined region consumed only $1B worth of PPE products delivered from other international countries and exported nearly $50B per year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gloves and gowns are the primary exports, comprising roughly 15% of all ASEAN exports. Face masks account for 13% of all exports.
Vietnam's growing healthcare industry makes it the highest importer of PPE equipment in the region, with $250M/year in PPE imports, followed by Indonesia ($170M/year) and Malaysia ($160M/year).
Vietnam stands out among the regional economies due to having the highest export-to-import surplus for PPE equipment. The Covid-19 crisis served as a testament to Vietnam's production capabilities. While most ASEAN countries struggled to purchase the PPE equipment needed by their healthcare workers to tackle the crisis, Vietnam and Thailand could export more PPE products than they imported. Vietnam is a net exporter of face masks, gloves, gowns, and other protective equipment.
Vietnam Medical Manufacturing Economy
Vietnam's PPE export economy is valued at $1.7B/year - an industry in which the country exports more than it consumes. The main shortage in Vietnam is in the high-end medical equipment sector. The country imports $1B/year worth of equipment, mostly for machines such as X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance, surgery equipment, sterilization equipment, and computed tomography scanners.
According to the Medical Equipment Association of HCMC, the upgrades the healthcare industry is undergoing (new hospitals are going up nationwide) will cause a shortage of medical devices. However, the new hospitals will also open up an opportunity for domestic and international customers to start selling medical devices in the country.
Regarding medical devices, nearly 90% of the medical equipment mentioned above is imported from foreign countries. Vietnam mainly imports medical equipment from developed economies specializing in high-end manufacturing, such as Germany, Japan, and the US. It is said that nearly 50% of new medical devices in Vietnam originate in Japan. Domestic Vietnamese manufacturers hold only 10% of the market share for medical devices.
There is a shortage of high-end medical device manufacturers in Vietnam, and the country has only 50 manufacturers licensed by the Vietnamese Ministry Of Health. While Vietnam only exports PPE, it will likely turn into a high-end medical device manufacturing hub in the future, too. Healthcare providers are currently focused on upgrading their equipment, leading to increased domestic production.
Emerging trends among domestic medical manufacturers. For example, at Cosmo, we've noticed an increase in manufacturers who produce smaller medical devices such as syringes, needles, and catheters—these are some of the fastest-growing sub-categories of domestically produced medical goods besides PPE equipment.
Investors looking to start manufacturing medical supplies in Vietnam should consider investing in those categories of products because they're less complicated to manufacture than medical devices and are in high demand by local hospitals. The most in-demand equipment for companies with manufacturing capabilities that wish to distribute in Vietnam are diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, prosthetics, and patient aid kits.
Registering Medical Equipment Manufactured In Vietnam
In early 2019, the Vietnamese government tightened medical manufacturing quality audits and required dual national and local checks for all medical devices sold. In addition, investors looking to manufacture and sell their equipment in Vietnam must obtain permission from the Vietnamese government.
The risk assessment and classification of medical devices used to be verified by international certification bodies and then recognized by Vietnam. The new procedures mandate that risk-assessment personnel assign the highest risk threshold when assessing the final classification result. The risk applies regardless of whether the medical device will be used with other medical devices.
The Vietnamese Ministry Of Health announced they would use a new classification system for all medical equipment. The ministry places additional scrutiny on medical manufacturers and prompts them to increase the quality of their production. If a medical product manufactured in Vietnam does not get a positive test result, they won't register it. In case of inconsistencies during classification, they can also revoke the registration. The following are Vietnam's main classification categories:
Class A Medical Products
Class A medical products are all the Vietnamese government deems "low risk." Therefore, class A products will take the shortest time to approve (although at a slight increase for foreign manufacturers) and only require a CFS (Certificate Of Free Sale) by the manufacturer for approval. Note: Vietnamese Class A products may differ from such classification in other countries.
Class B, C, and D Medical Products
These categories will include all advanced medical devices manufactured and sold in Vietnam. In addition, the manufacturer must present the CST (ASEAN Common Submission Dossier Template) to get approval for classes B.
MOQ For Medical Suppliers In Vietnam
What is the minimum amount required to get a foothold in medical manufacturing in Vietnam? Is it lower or higher than China? We can say that it's a seller's market, and you must have a local sourcing agent to help you contact the suppliers.
During the pandemic, we noticed that the MOQ increased in Vietnam, and many of the top manufacturers wouldn't commit to sums lower than six figures. However, it is possible to manufacture it for as little as $10,000. Due to the market's state, you'll likely have to pay 50-100% upfront. We can help negotiate to pay a lesser deposit by various payment methods (read our guide on paying suppliers in Vietnam).
Medical Manufacturer Export Standards: US/EU Regulations
With the ability to export medical equipment from Vietnam, it has to abide by international standards. For instance, the supplier must meet EU medical equipment standards if you want to import to Germany. The regulations exist for a reason—governments want to ensure the medical equipment they allow into the country will work. For example, during the COVID-19 outbreak, many test kits were flawed, and governments had to send back and dispose of excess equipment.
US Import Regulations of PPE and Medical Suppliers from Vietnam
If you're importing equipment to the US, it must meet FDA regulations. For instance, to import PPE such as face masks from Vietnam to the US, the quality of the face masks must meet FDA regulations for Class II medical devices (face masks). ASTM tests are a way to determine if the face masks are effective by testing their bacterial efficiency.
If the US face masks pass the ASTM test, you can import them. There are three levels of safety for face masks: 1, 2, and 3. To pass the level 1 ASTM test, the masks must remove at least 95% of all bacteria. If you want suppliers who can manufacture ASTM/FDA passable masks, you need a sourcing agency like Cosmo to verify the mask quality.
EU Import Regulations of PPE and Medical Suppliers from Vietnam
To import medical equipment/PPE to any European member state, the equipment must comply with the EU's main "Medical Devices Directive." The EU standard has regulations similar to the ASTM standard we mentioned above. The mask has to filter at least 95% of all bacteria before being imported to any European Union member state. Ideally, the mask should filter 98% of bacteria or more.
Issues with purchasing PPE and medical Suppliers from Vietnam
Many factories are at capacity and have their entire production for the year already purchased
hard to get small orders in
Hard to verify the authenticity
Scams and fraud are rampant; many trading companies are posing as factories and jacking prices.
Cosmo can get you around this issue; we have multiple Vietnamese staff working full-time to get in touch with these factories and around purchases on behalf of our clients. This allows you to purchase smaller quantities and get higher in line to purchase items like Nitrile Gloves. In addition, when you work with Cosmo, you work with an American-owned company, not some questionable Vietnamese company.
List of PPE and Medical Manufacturers/Suppliers In Vietnam
Cosmo’s list of medical manufacturers for PPE equipment in Vietnam is as follows: All companies below can fulfill international orders and produce medical items such as PPE (face masks, gloves, gowns, healthcare accessories) and medical devices. In addition, their products are ISO-certified and meet international standards. Cosmo Sourcing can help you get in touch with these manufacturers and manufacture medical products in Vietnam:
USM Healthcare
USM Healthcare is a promising medical manufacturer specializing in producing high-end medical devices in Vietnam. USM Healthcare was founded in 2012 by a group of local Vietnamese doctors and engineers who want to produce cardiovascular medical products. They have products such as a PTCA balloon catheter, PTCA accessories, and a coronary stent system. In addition, USM Healthcare has a team of young engineers that can produce custom medical equipment.
USM Healthcare’s motto is “Patient Safety First,” and its production capacities are open to international buyers. USM Healthcare focuses on producing advanced medical equipment and has a dedicated R&D (Research & Development) team specializing in innovative products. The R&D team consults with foreign buyers interested in producing new products in the country. Their products undergo quality control management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and WHO-GMP.
Website: http://www.usm.com.vn/
Jangjung Vina Co., Ltd.
Jangjung Vina Co., Ltd. is one of the most established medical suppliers in Asia, and the company was founded in 1992 in South Korea. Jangjung Vina Co., Ltd. has two factories manufacturing medical equipment in Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Jangjung Vina Co., Ltd. mainly produces face masks (including dustproof masks) and wipers. They mainly produce for the Japanese and Korean markets, and their client list includes big corporations such as Samsung, Panasonic, and LG.
Website: http://jangjung.com.vn/
Vietnam PPE
Vietnam PPE is a medical manufacturer based in Hanoi that exclusively specializes in PPE equipment. The company expanded its PPE production capabilities during the COVID-19 crisis by doubling its production of face masks, gloves, gowns, protective suits, and other medical accessories designed for healthcare workers.
Vietnam PPE has 3D printing facilities that can produce custom masks with stylish patterns/images. The company exclusively works with foreign buyers and exports its products internationally.
Website: http://vietnamppe.com/
Danameco Medical JSC
Danameco Medical JSC is an established medical manufacturer with nearly five decades of experience in the medical industry. Founded in 1976 as a medical supplies manufacturer, it grew into one of the biggest in Vietnam and has distribution centers worldwide.
Danameco Medical JSC mostly produces face masks, anesthesia masks, bandages, O2 masks, medical cotton, and medical aid kits. Danameco Medical JSC is based in Hanoi and is listed on the Hanoi Stock Exchange as a publicly traded company. Danameco Medical JSC’s medical equipment is compliant with international safety standards.
Danameco Medical JSC’s products are wrapped in eco-packing and have ISO 9001 and 13485 certifications. Although they mainly produce equipment for the local Vietnamese healthcare market, they are known to export internationally. The company has supplied all the country’s biggest hospitals and has customers in the US, EU, Japan, and other Asian countries.
Website: http://www.danameco.com/
PPEGears Vietnam
PPE Gears Vietnam is a Vietnamese company that specializes in manufacturing PPE equipment. The company has been in business since 2001 and mainly exports to the European market. Its products are ISO-certified and pass EU mask regulations. PPE Gears Vietnam is based in HCMC but has a regional distribution office in Italy.
Website: https://ppegearsvietnam.com/
PL Service Trading Produce Co., Ltd
PL Service Trading Produce Co., Ltd is a PPE manufacturer specializing in developing disposable face masks for medical use. Their main customers are domestic Vietnamese hospitals. PL Service Trading’s main factory covers 5000 sqft and employs 20 people, including engineers. The company is open to custom orders and assures their PPE will be up to standard.
Website: https://plvietnam.net/
Trang Ly Pharma Co., Ltd.
Trang Ly Pharma Co., Ltd. is a medical manufacturing company specializing in pharmaceutical and dietary products. Trang Ly Pharma Co., Ltd. has a large production factory that meets the GMP standard, and they have an extensive product catalog with 130 medical products available for mass production.
Trang Ly Pharma sells its products to the domestic market and exports internationally. Trang Ly Pharma Co., Ltd. focuses on in-demand items like face masks and hand sanitizers. Their hand sanitizers and face masks meet ISO standards and FDA standards.
Website: http://tranglypharma.com/en/home/
Oriental Legend Co., Ltd
Oriental Legend Co., Ltd is a start-up medical manufacturing company founded in 2017 in Vietnam. It specializes in the production of healthcare clothing, such as gowns, protective suits, antivirus suits, chemical protective suits, protective medical accessories, and hand sanitizers.
Peace Age Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.
Peace Age Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. is an established PPE manufacturing factory based in HCMC. It specializes in face masks, suits, gowns, blouses, shoe covers, coveralls, and more. Peace Age Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. was founded in 2000, and its products are ISO 9001 and ISO 13585 certified. The company also produces non-medical safety clothing for commercial and industrial use.
Kim Sora Limited Liability Company
Kim Sora Limited Liability Company is a PPE and garment manufacturing company with five years of experience in Vietnam. It mainly exports to the Japanese market but also accepts other international customers.
The company is based in Da Nang and has one of the largest medical manufacturing factories in the area, with 500 full-time workers. Its management speaks English and Japanese. Its face masks are ISO 9001 certified, and it manufactures all products according to Japanese standards, guaranteeing zero-hassle imports for international clients.
Vina Mask International Co., Ltd
Vina Mask International Co., Ltd is a start-up manufacturing company specializing in face-covering equipment such as UV protection and surgical and children’s masks. The company is Japanese-owned, but its factory is located in Vietnam. Vina Mask has over 12 years of experience manufacturing masks and other PPE equipment in Vietnam.
Website: http://www.vinamask.vn/home.html
Cosmo Sourcing // Your Trusted Partner In Vietnam
If you want to source from Vietnam, contact the Cosmo Sourcing team; we have been helping clients source from Vietnam since 2014. Cosmo Sourcing has the skills and the team to find you the best supplier possible. We are also established in China and are among the only companies that can find suppliers in China and Vietnam. Pick the one you think is best.
Our Vietnam Sourcing services allow you to access new manufacturers that you would not be able to in China and avoid Tariffs. Our services are designed to do everything to take your idea, turn it into a product, and ship it to the final destination. Cosmo can do everything from creating a product spec sheet to validating, sourcing, ordering, evaluating samples, arranging inspections, finding freight forwarders, quality assurance, negotiations, and shipping. We aim to handle every single step of your business in Vietnam for you.
If you start a new business, finding products and suppliers for your products is one of many things you need to handle. Our services are designed to handle every part of your business in China and Vietnam so you can focus on the rest of growing your own business.
We have helped clients from Fortune 500 companies, brick-and-mortar stores, FBA sellers, and brand-new businesses. So don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help you.