Refurbished Goods Imports in Vietnam: A Guide to Decree 77/2023/ND-CP
- Tron Chan
- Dec 8, 2023
- 3 min read

What are Refurbished Goods?
Refurbished goods have been restored to a fully functional and like-new condition through a rigorous cleaning, inspection, repair, and testing process. These goods offer a more sustainable alternative to new products by extending their lifespan and reducing electronic waste.
What are Decree 77/2023/ND-C's key provisions?
On November 2, 2023, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 77/2023/ND-CP, which governs the import of refurbished goods under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This decree, effective January 1, 2024, marks a significant development for businesses seeking to import refurbished goods into Vietnam.
The decree outlines key regulations and conditions for importing refurbished goods into Vietnam. Here are some of the critical points:
Eligible Goods:
Only refurbished goods listed in Annexes I, II, III, IV, and V of the decree are eligible for import. This list covers various categories, including machinery, electrical equipment, and vehicles. These goods must meet the following requirements:
Are composed in whole or in part from materials that have been recovered and
Have a lifespan similar to the lifespan of that same type of good when it has not been used and
Can perform all of the functions of that type of good when it has not been used, with the quality and performance being unchanged or similar to the quality and performance of that type of good when it has not been used; and
Have a warranty regime identical to the warranty regime applicable to that type of good when it has not been used.
Import Licensing:
Importing refurbished goods requires a license issued by the relevant authorities. The type of license depends on the frequency of import:
Single-shipment import license: granted for initial imports of specific refurbished goods.
Time-bound import license: granted for subsequent imports of the same type of refurbished goods, valid for at least 12 months.
Compliance with CPTPP Rules of Origin:
Imported refurbished goods must meet the origin rules stipulated under the CPTPP agreement to qualify for preferential tariffs.
Labeling Requirements:
All refurbished goods must be clearly labeled with the phrase "Hàng hóa tân trang" (refurbished goods) in Vietnamese, visible and readable with the naked eye.
Quality Standards:
Imported refurbished goods must comply with the same quality standards as new goods of the same type.
Customs Procedures:
Importers must comply with standard customs procedures and submit additional documents, including:
Certificates of origin for CPTPP member countries
Import licenses
Other documents required for new goods of the same type
Benefits of the Decree for Businesses
This new decree offers several advantages for businesses importing refurbished goods:
Clear Regulations: Provides clarity and certainty for businesses regarding import requirements.
Simplified Procedures: Streamlines the import process with clearly defined procedures and documentation.
Market Expansion: Enables access to the Vietnamese market for refurbished goods, creating new business opportunities.
Cost Savings: Offers cost-effective alternatives to new goods through refurbished products.
Decree 77/2023/ND-CP plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of refurbished goods into Vietnam while ensuring quality and environmental sustainability. By understanding the key provisions and adhering to the regulations, businesses can successfully navigate the import process and benefit from the growing market for refurbished goods in Vietnam.
Contact us to explore more opportunities for importing goods in Vietnam.
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