Import laptop to Vietnam: A detail guide

Import laptop to Vietnam: A detailed guide

Importing laptops to Vietnam involves navigating a complex set of regulations and procedures. Whether you're new to importing or unfamiliar with Vietnamese regulations, this guide will provide a clear and comprehensive overview to help you through the process. We’ll cover everything from identifying HS codes and tax rates to ensuring compliance and completing the necessary certification procedures.

HS Code and Import Tax Rates for Laptops

In the import-export sector, identifying the correct HS code for any item is essential to determine the applicable policies and procedures. The HS code for laptops, which dictates customs procedures and tax obligations, is:

HS Code	Item Description
8471	Automatic data processing machines and their units are not specified elsewhere.
84713020	Laptops, including notebooks and subnotebooks.

Import Duty and Tax for Laptops

To complete the customs procedures for importing laptops, importers need to fulfill tax obligations:

• VAT rate: 10%

• Preferential Import Duty rate: 0% (applicable for imports from countries with free trade agreements with Vietnam)

Import Compliance for Laptops

According to current regulations, 100% of new laptops are not on the list of prohibited import goods. Importers can normally import these items for business use. Key regulations include:

• Decree 69/2018/NĐ-CP: New laptops do not require an import license.

• Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT: Laptops must be certified for conformity and registered for quality inspection.

Imported laptops must adhere to labeling requirements and energy efficiency standards set by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Import Procedures for Laptops

Here is a detailed step-by-step process for importing laptops to Vietnam:

Step 1: Register for Quality Inspection

Importers must register for the quality inspection of imported laptops.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Documentation required includes:

• Quality Inspection Registration Certificate

• Energy Efficiency Testing Results or an official letter for preservation

• Type Approval Certificate (if any)

• Declaration of Conformity (if any)

• Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice

• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

• Certificate of Origin (if available)

• Technical Sheet of products

• Other supporting documents (if available)
  

Step 3: Submit Documentation and Complete Customs Procedures

Submit the documentation to the Customs Authority and complete the procedures.

Step 4: Clear Customs and Transport Goods

Clear customs and transport the goods to the warehouse.

Step 5: Conduct Energy Efficiency Testing (if needed), if shipments lack energy efficiency certification

Conduct energy efficiency testing according to Vietnamese standards TCVN 11847:2017 and TCVN 9508:2012.

Step 6: Obtain Type Approval Certification and Declaration of Conformity (if needed)

For shipments lacking Type Approval Certificate and Declaration of Conformity:

• Determine applicable national technical standards based on the device’s wireless technologies.

• Test and certify the laptop according to standards such as QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT, QCVN 65:2021/BTTTT, QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT, and others as applicable.

• Conduct testing at designated domestic or recognized foreign laboratories.

• Prepare and submit the conformity certification dossier to the appropriate Certification and Inspection Center based on the enterprise's location.

Detailed Process of Type Approval Certification and Conformity Declaration

Determine Applicable National Technical Standards

Identify the national technical standards that apply to your laptop based on its wireless transmission and reception technologies. The relevant standards include:

• QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT: RF standard for WiFi 2.4 GHz

• QCVN 65:2021/BTTTT: RF standard for WiFi 5 GHz

• QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

• QCVN 112:2017/BTTTT: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

• QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT: Lithium battery standard

• QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT: Electrical safety standard for IT equipment

If your laptop has additional wireless functions like GSM, W-CDMA, or LTE, it must be tested for these frequencies as well.

Conduct Testing and Measurement

Test and measure the laptops according to the identified standards:

• Domestic Testing Laboratories: Use laboratories designated by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

• Recognized Foreign Laboratories: Alternatively, use foreign laboratories whose results are recognized by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Testing typically takes about 2 weeks.

Prepare Conformity Certification Dossier

Compile the following documents for the conformity certification dossier:

• Application for Conformity Certification: Follow the form provided by the Telecommunications Authority.

• Enterprise Registration Certificate

• Technical Documents of the Product

• Actual Images of the Product

• Test and Measurement Results

Submit the Dossier

Submit the dossier to the appropriate Certification and Inspection Center based on your business location:

• Certification and Inspection Center 1: Hanoi (for Northern enterprises)

• Certification and Inspection Center 2: Ho Chi Minh City (for Southern enterprises)

• Certification and Inspection Center 3: Da Nang (for Central enterprises)

Evaluation and Issuance

The Certification and Inspection Center will review your dossier. If it meets all regulatory requirements, the center will issue the Type Approval Certificate (Conformity Certification). This process typically takes about 2 weeks.

Declaration of Conformity

With the Type Approval Certificate in hand, proceed with the Declaration of Conformity to ensure your laptop complies with all applicable national standards and regulations. The dossier should include:

• Type Approval Certificate (Conformity Certification)

• Application for Declaration of Conformity: Follow the format required by the Telecommunications Authority.

• Additional Documentation: Any other relevant documents that support your declaration, including the conformity of the lithium battery used in the product.

Submit the Declaration of Conformity dossier to the Telecommunications Authority - Ministry of Information and Communications.

Key Points on New Regulations in 2024

Under the new Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT:

• Exemptions: If you import a maximum of 03 products per category in a shipment and provide a written compliance commitment, your products may be exempt from certain destructive testing requirements.

• Simplified Process: This exemption reduces the complexity and cost of lithium battery testing.

FAQ

If my laptop has Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, can I import it into Vietnam?

You must disable these features before importing your laptop into Vietnam, as the country currently lacks standards for these technologies. If you intend to import a large quantity of laptops, you will need confirmation from the manufacturer that these functionalities have been disabled. If I only want to import one laptop, do I need to have a certificate of conformity?

Yes, unless it is your hand-carry laptop that is used for your personal. If you import up to three products per category in a single shipment and provide a written compliance commitment, your products may be exempt from certain destructive testing requirements.

The cost of standard testing is quite high, so you should carefully consider the number of laptops you plan to import to optimize your expenses.

Conclusion

Following these detailed steps ensures that your laptops meet all Vietnamese import regulations. This comprehensive approach minimizes delays and facilitates smooth customs clearance, ensuring your products are compliant and ready for the Vietnamese market.

For further assistance with your laptop import to Vietnam, including end-to-end logistics solutions, logistics consultancy, and Importer of Record Service in Vietnam, contact us today. Let us help you navigate the complexities of technology product importation with ease.

Reference

• Thông tư 02/2024/TT-BTTTT (English version)