If you’re looking to import briefcases from Vietnam, you may face challenges such as finding reliable suppliers, ensuring product quality, or lacking in-depth knowledge of local business practices and export procedures.
This guide walks you through how to identify reliable suppliers, manage production, and handle shipping when importing. You’ll also learn why Vietnam has become a trusted sourcing destination and how to navigate the import process with confidence.
Global demand for briefcases
In the realm of business, briefcases are quite popular due to their practicality in carrying essential items such as money, important documents, laptops, and other valuables. Beyond functionality, they also serve as a professional accessory that reflects style and status.
The global suitcase and briefcase market is growing steadily. In 2024, the market was valued at USD 34.47 billion and is projected to reach USD 36.42 billion in 2025, with further growth expected to reach USD 56.53 billion by 2033. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.65% from 2025-2033.
The growing demand for briefcases is driven by several factors:
- Rising number of entrepreneurs: More business professionals are using briefcases as a stylish and practical way to carry important documents, laptops, and other essentials.
- Expansion of sports and active lifestyles: The increase in sports and outdoor activities has boosted the demand for versatile bags among athletes and active individuals worldwide.
The growing global demand for briefcases presents significant opportunities for importers who plan to source these products.
Why import briefcases from Vietnam?
Among major exporting hubs, Vietnam stands out as a leading destination for briefcases due to several key advantages:
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Skilled Workforce
Vietnam has a young and capable labor force. In 2024, approximately 52.5 million people were of working age, which represented around 69 percent of the population. This creates a strong base for stable and scalable manufacturing.
Vietnamese workers are known for careful craftsmanship and consistent attention to detail. This helps factories produce high-quality briefcases that meet the expectations of global buyers. The workforce also learns new techniques quickly, which allows manufacturers to maintain quality while keeping up with modern designs and changing market trends.
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Competitive cost
Labor costs in Vietnam remain very affordable compared to other major sourcing hubs. Estimates show that Vietnam’s labor cost is about half of China’s. In 2020, China’s average hourly labor cost was around USD 6.50, while Vietnam’s was about USD 3.00.
In addition, Vietnam has also signed multiple trade agreements, such as the CPTPP, BTA, and EVFTA, which reduce trade barriers and make Vietnam an attractive export base. These agreements can lead to lower taxes or tariffs when buyers import briefcases into key export markets such as Europe, Japan, or the United States.
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Industrial infrastructure
Vietnam boasts about 3200 km of coastline and more than 320 ports, which makes sea transport the main export channel for many products. Major seaports such as Hai Phong in the north, Da Nang in the central region, and the Ho Chi Minh City port complex in the south act as important gateways for international trade.
In particular, the Vietnamese government is also investing heavily in port infrastructure to improve export efficiency and support higher cargo capacity. These upgrades strengthen Vietnam’s position as a reliable sourcing base and help global buyers receive shipments faster and more consistently.
How to evaluate Vietnamese briefcase manufacturers?
Choosing the right manufacturer is key to a successful importing process. This section offers practical tips to help you find reliable suppliers and make sourcing smooth and hassle-free.
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Choose a reliable supplier
The first thing you should consider is finding reliable partners who can provide high-quality briefcases. There are many ways to connect with trustworthy Vietnamese suppliers.
The table below shows several popular and effective sourcing methods along with their pros and cons:
| # | Method | Pros | Cons |
| 1 | Visit trade shows such as the Global Sourcing Fair and the Vietnam Expo |
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| 2 | Sourcing online through Alibaba, VinaSources, etc |
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| 3 | Partner with local sourcing agencies like Cosmo Sourcing and Seditex |
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Factory audits
Conducting factory audits and inspections in Vietnam is essential for businesses seeking to ensure the quality, reliability, and ethical standards of their manufacturing partners. A thorough audit helps prevent scams, verify production capabilities, and assess overall operational efficiency.
When conducting a factory audit, these are the key areas you’ll need to focus on
- Company profile: Confirm that the factory is a legitimate business with valid licenses and certifications, and verify its track record and experience in exporting briefcases.
- Production capability and capacity: Check whether the factory has the necessary equipment, skilled workforce, and efficient processes to meet your order volume and deadlines.
- Workplace environment: Evaluate working conditions, safety protocols, and ethical practices to ensure compliance with labor standards and social responsibility.
- Quality assurance system: Review the factory’s quality control procedures, including inspections during production and before shipment.
- Production process: Observe the manufacturing workflow from raw materials to finished products.
Performing comprehensive factory audits can help you reduce risks, ensure high-quality production, and build trustworthy long-term partnerships with Vietnamese manufacturers.
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Check factory certification
When sourcing briefcases from Vietnam, verifying a factory’s certifications is an essential part of a thorough factory audit. These documents not only prove that the manufacturer meets international standards but also help you reduce risks, ensure product quality, and prevent delays or problems when goods pass through customs.
Key certifications to look for include:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management): Confirms that the factory has a reliable system for maintaining consistent product quality and continuously improving its processes.
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management): Shows that the factory follows environmentally responsible practices.
- OEKO-TEX® (Material Safety): Guarantees that the materials used in briefcases are free from harmful substances.
- Ethical and Sustainability Standards (SA8000, GOTS): These certifications demonstrate fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and sustainable production methods.
Step-by-step process to import briefcases from Vietnam
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Define Specifications
Before reaching out to suppliers, make sure you clearly define exactly what you want for your product. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the supplier fully understands the design, size, and other details. With this information, they can provide accurate lead time estimates and plan production to ensure the final products meet your expectations.
Key points to consider include:
- Material, size, and compartments: Decide on the type of material, the dimensions of the briefcase, and how many compartments or pockets are needed.
- Hardware: Choose zippers, buckles, rivets, and other metal parts, making sure their quality matches your target market’s expectations.
- Design details: Specify colors, stitching style, lining, logos, and any special features.
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Request samples
To ensure that manufacturers meet your exact requirements, it is important to request samples for each product.
Once you receive the samples, it becomes much easier to evaluate the quality, materials, workmanship, and overall design. You can make adjustments or address any issues before placing a bulk order.
Please note that some suppliers may charge a fee for sample production, especially for customized orders. It’s important to discuss this with the supplier in advance. Some Vietnamese suppliers may waive the sample fee if you agree to place a bulk order.
When the samples arrive, inspect them carefully. Check the stitching, seams, zippers, straps, lining, and overall material quality. Examine the finish and test the briefcase’s functionality and durability to ensure it meets your expectations.
If any changes are needed, provide the manufacturer with detailed feedback. Once everything is approved, you can proceed with mass production.
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Terms negotiation
To avoid misunderstandings, make sure everything is put in writing. Talk openly and clearly with the supplier, and record all agreements in a formal contract. A good contract protects your business, clarifies the supplier’s responsibilities, and helps build a fair, professional working relationship.
The contract should include key importing details, such as:
- Product specifications: materials, dimensions, design, and other key features
- Quality standards: testing requirements, certifications, and inspection procedures.
- Order quantity: total units, batch sizes, and minimum order requirements
- Pricing: unit price, total cost, and any applicable taxes or fees.
- Payment terms: deposit, balance payment, and payment schedule.
- Production timeline: lead times, milestones, and deadlines.
- Shipping terms: delivery method, port of shipment, and responsibilities.
- Penalties for delays or defective products: compensation or corrective actions.
Documenting these details ensures both parties follow the same guidelines from start to finish and protects both the importer and the supplier by clearly defining expectations, responsibilities, and legal obligations.
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Quality Control
Once production starts, maintain close communication with the supplier and request regular updates. If you are unable to conduct a factory inspection, ask the supplier to send photos or short videos of the production line to help you track progress and identify any potential issues early.
Some buyers hire independent inspection agencies in Vietnam to monitor quality at various stages of production. These third-party inspectors can check materials, review the manufacturing process midway, and perform a final inspection before shipment. This extra layer of oversight helps reduce the risk of defects and is especially useful for large orders or high-value briefcase models.
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Shipping and Export Documents
Shipping products from a factory in Vietnam to a warehouse in the United States, Europe, or Russia involves several steps and strict compliance requirements. Each country has its own rules for imported goods, so having the correct documents is essential for a smooth process.
The key shipping documents you need to prepare include:
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing Declaration
MOQ, lead time for Briefcase Orders
Vietnam’s bag manufacturing clusters support a wide range of MOQ levels, which makes the country suitable for both new brands and established importers.
MOQs for briefcases usually range from 200 to 1000 units per style. The exact number depends on the material, design complexity, and customization requirements. Leather and high-end PU briefcases often require higher MOQs, while fabric or corporate promotional models may allow smaller orders. If you are testing a new market, you can request a lower MOQ for the first order to reduce risk.
Lead time for briefcases ready for export usually ranges from 10 to 15 days. Custom leather models take longer due to the more detailed cutting, stitching, and hardware installation involved. Lead time can also be affected by material availability, order size, seasonal demand, and holiday schedules in Vietnam.
By planning and keeping clear communication with suppliers, you can help ensure production stays on schedule and orders are delivered on time.
Here is a table that shows typical MOQs and lead times for common briefcase types:
| # | Briefcase Type | Typical MOQ (units) | Estimated Lead Time (days) |
| 1 | Soft Polyester Briefcase | 300 | 25-35 |
| 2 | PU Leather Briefcase | 200 | 30-45 |
| 3 | Leather Laptop Briefcase | 300 | 30-45 |
How VinaSources supports global buyers
If you’re thinking about importing briefcases from Vietnam, it’s important to plan carefully. Start by knowing exactly what you want and then finding a supplier you can trust.
To help global importers overcome common challenges in international sourcing, such as distance, language barriers, and a lack of local knowledge, VinaSources connects buyers with trusted, verified local manufacturers. With over 12 years of experience in cross-border e-commerce, VinaSources has helped thousands of global buyers successfully source products from Vietnam.
On VinaSources, you can browse a wide range of ready-to-export bag types, including briefcases, handbags, tote bags, backpacks, and corporate bags. The platform’s filters for design, material, and function make it easy to find suppliers that meet your requirements. In particular, all suppliers are carefully vetted to ensure quality, export readiness, and compliance with international standards, helping you make quick and confident sourcing decisions.
If you plan to place bulk orders, you can fill out the sourcing form on the website or email [email protected]. The VinaSources team will provide personalized supplier recommendations and guide you through every step of the sourcing process.