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Importing to Vietnam With TradeWise as Your Importer of Record

Vietnam is one of Asia's fastest-growing electronics hubs, and its factories and data centers need a steady flow of IT equipment. Importing to Vietnam needs type approval for regulated ICT products, a conformity declaration and a registered importer before your goods land. Every shipment you import into Vietnam is checked against these records. One missed step can lead to rejection. We act as your importer of record in Vietnam and manage the filings for you.

Trade lanes from Vietnam to Asia, Gulf and EuropeHo Chi Minh CityAsiaGulfEurope

Trade lanes from Vietnam to Asia, Gulf and Europe

VAT
10%
Duties
By HS code
Lead time
3 to 4 weeks
Restricted
Used IT equipment
Best carrier
Courier, forwarder
Non-working days
Sat & Sun
Language
Vietnamese

Mandatory Type Approval and Conformity for Tech Imports to Vietnam

Every regulated ICT and telecom product needs its conformity papers, whatever the quantity.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) now manages ICT product rules after merging with the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Regulated products need type approval and a declaration of conformity, the process long known as MIC conformity. Since 31 December 2025, the old small-quantity exemption no longer applies. Customs checks these papers before release.

Applies toSea freightAir freightRoad freight

What Exporters Need to Know

  • Check the product listMany laptops, routers and wireless devices are regulated.
  • Nominate your importerYou can name TradeWise as the importer of record for every filing.
  • Plan type approvalTesting and approval should start before you ship.
  • Avoid used equipmentSecond-hand IT products face strict import limits.

Exporter Held Approval, With TradeWise as IOR

How TradeWise Supports Exporters Shipping to Vietnam

First, you share your invoice, product details and test reports. Then, you mention TradeWise as the official entity legally responsible for importing your goods into the country. Once you set up this process, all your future shipments go through the same smooth process. You stay listed as the exporter on every document. We handle all import formalities in Vietnam.

Ask about conformity setup

Vietnam spotlight

Your Vietnam Shipment, Step by Step

Every Vietnam shipment follows this path when TradeWise is your importer of record.

Pre-arrival filingVNACCS and MST conformity
  1. Approvals are secured

    Type approval and declaration of conformity.

  2. Declaration is filed

    We file it through VNACCS, the customs online system.

  3. Duties are paid

    Import duty and VAT.

  4. Cargo Ships and Clears

    Quality checks are completed, then the goods are released.

Import Requirements for Vietnam

What Vietnamese Customs Checks Before Your Goods Are Released

Vietnam Customs, under the Ministry of Finance, clears all imports.

Declarations run through VNACCS. Duty depends on the HS code, with lower rates under ASEAN, CPTPP, EVFTA and RCEP rules. VAT of 10% is then charged on top. Wondering how to import laptops and servers to Vietnam? Start with these four checks.

Regulator ApprovalRegulated ICT products need MST type approval.
Conformity DeclarationProducts need a declaration against Vietnam's technical standards.
Duty by HS CodeEach line item is classified, then VAT is added on top.
Vietnamese LabelsLabels for sale in Vietnam should be in Vietnamese.

Before you ship

Your Vietnam Shipment File

  1. Commercial invoiceFull product details and values
    Required
  2. Shipping listAlso called the packing list, it links the invoice line by line
    Required
  3. Bill of lading or air waybillMatches the invoice and shipping list
    Required
  4. Type approval certificateNeeded for regulated ICT products
    Required
  5. Certificate of originNeeded for lower duty under trade agreements
    If applicable

TradeWise prepares and checks this whole file for you before dispatch.

Population
100.3 M
Capital
Hanoi
Biggest export
Phones and parts
Biggest import
Electronic components

Asia region

Documents and Pre-Shipment Checks

Many Asian markets check documents carefully long before the cargo arrives. Port delays occur when compliance documents slip away. That is where TradeWise steps in. TradeWise guarantees that necessary certificates of conformity and export records are conducted by our specialists before your shipment leaves. TradeWise takes on the backend convolution saving you time.

Unique Pain Points and Challenges Facing Vietnam

These five issues slow down most shipments.

Regulator changes

The merger of two ministries changed forms and offices.

No quantity exemption

Even small ICT shipments need full papers.

Used equipment limits

Second-hand IT products are largely restricted.

Valuation disputes

If you write a price on your paperwork that is lower than what your goods are actually worth, customs will notice.

Vietnamese paperwork

Labels and documents in other languages slow down checks.

Outbound

Export Requirements for Vietnam

  • Export DeclarationFiled through VNACCS for every export, with the commercial invoice.
  • Certificate of OriginIssued by the trade ministry, or under ASEAN, CPTPP, EVFTA and RCEP rules.
  • Export LicenceNeeded first for controlled items and dual-use technology.
  • Duty RefundPossible on goods imported and later re-exported.

Specialized Solutions and Services for Vietnam

Three services remove the most common causes of delay in Vietnam.

Expert Importer of Record (IOR) Services

TradeWise prepares and files every customs document correctly. Our IOR services in Vietnam help you import IT equipment to Vietnam without holds or delay.

IOR

MST Conformity Support

We work with test labs and the ministry, so every certificate is ready on time.

MST Conformity

Customs Valuation Services

Our team values your goods from the beginning and our team works to avoid costly revaluations of your goods.

Valuation

Vietnamese Compliance Regulations

These are the Vietnam import regulations for IT equipment, the authorities and rules your goods must satisfy before they can be sold or used. Do I need an importer of record in Vietnam? If you have no local entity, yes. TradeWise can take that role.

Most Important for Tech Imports

MST Type Approval

MST approves ICT and telecom equipment against Vietnam's technical standards (QCVN). This covers laptops, routers, Wi-Fi access points, phones and IoT devices. Applications usually need test reports and a local applicant, then a declaration of conformity. Plan for about four to eight weeks.

TradeWise coordinates the full file for you to speed up approval and Vietnam import customs clearance.

Vietnam Customs

This government body manages imports and exports. It collects duty and VAT, and checks required licences.

Ministry of Science and Technology

It manages ICT standards, conformity and quality checks.

Ministry of Industry and Trade

It issues origin certificates and import rules for some goods.

Vietnam's Trade at a Glance

Vietnam is one of Asia's fastest-growing electronics manufacturing hubs. Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City ports handle most of its sea cargo.

Its main trading partners include China, the United States, South Korea and Japan.

Changing regulators, full conformity rules and used equipment limits are real hurdles. With the right partner, shipments stay compliant, efficient, and cost-effective, whether you import tech goods or export dual-use products.

ChinaUnited StatesSouth KoreaJapan

Important Dates

Public holidays can delay shipping deadlines, especially around Tet.

January or February

Tet

Lunar New Year. Offices and factories close for a week or more.

30 April and 1 May

Reunification and Labour Day

Back-to-back national holidays.

2 September

National Day

The main national holiday.

Every Week

Saturday and Sunday

The weekend in Vietnam. Plan customs work for Monday to Friday.

Ready to Ship to Vietnam?

Tell us what you are shipping. Our team will help you with all the requirements and paperwork. After that, we will send you a quote with every cost listed.

  • Reply within one business day
  • Every cost quoted upfront
  • Vietnam requirements confirmed before you ship

Emailinfo@tradewiseint.com

Phone+971 50 713 0614

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