Vietnam Standalone Monitor Import Procedure: HS Code, Taxes and 2026 Compliance

IMPORT PROCEDURE · ICT / ELECTRONICS

VIETNAM IMPORT PROCEDURE FOR STANDALONE MONITORS

A monitor may look straightforward, but a TV tuner, Wi‑Fi, Android, camera or refurbished condition can change classification and controls. This guide provides an end-to-end pre-ETA review map.

Updated: 29 Jul 2026Reference HS: 8528.52.002026 energy label: voluntaryAudience: Importer · FDI · EPE · Project

QUICK FACTS TO LOCK BEFORE IMPORT

Reference HS

8528.52.00 for computer monitors directly connectable to ADP machines and without a TV tuner.

Reference taxes

MFN 0%; ordinary 5%; VAT may be 8% through 31 Dec 2026 if eligible.

Energy in 2026

Computer-monitor energy labelling is voluntary; minimum performance still requires review.

Policy changers

TV tuner, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Android/CPU, camera/mic, specialised use or used/refurbished condition.

Warning: “standalone monitor” is a broad trade description. Do not lock HS or policy without the actual catalogue, datasheet, model and import purpose.
Illustration for Vietnam Standalone Monitor Import Procedure: HS Code, Taxes and 2026 Compliance
Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

SCOPE

This guide covers office, gaming and graphic monitors; LCD/LED/OLED displays; touch monitors; smart monitors; interactive panels and selected specialised displays. Variants may have different HS codes and controls.

  • New, sample, warranty, project, EPE/FDI and used/refurbished shipments require separate checks.
  • TVs, digital signage, medical/vehicle/marine displays and interactive devices are not automatically ordinary computer monitors.
  • Adapters, cameras, wireless modules, stands or attached mini-PCs must be assessed by packaging and function.
Rule: Review the actual catalogue, datasheet, model and import purpose.

PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION AND TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

Identify principal function, signal inputs, TV reception, processor/OS, radio protocols, power supply and condition. Invoice wording alone is insufficient.

CriterionEvidenceRisk if wrongSuggested declaration description
Primary functionCatalogue, datasheet, manualConfusing a computer monitor with a TV, signage screen, medical display or interactive panelColour LCD/LED monitor, model…, size…, for displaying data from computers, without television tuner
Direct computer connectivityHDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C/Thunderbolt, DVI, VGA and port diagramInsufficient basis for HS 8528.52State the input standards and use with ADP machines of heading 84.71
Television tunerManual, DVB-T2/ATSC/ISDB specification, RF inputA tuner may move the product to television reception apparatus and trigger QCVNsState “without television reception apparatus” only when supported
Operating system and processorBOM, OS specification, user manualA smart display may not be a passive monitorDisclose CPU, RAM, storage and Android/Windows functions
Wireless connectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC or cellular specificationsRadio conformity or another classification may ariseList each protocol and radio module
Touch, camera and microphoneTouch controller, camera and microphone specificationsAn interactive display may be a multifunction deviceClarify whether touch is ancillary and list integrated camera/mic
Power supply and adapterInput voltage, wattage, adapter modelMismatch in set description and labellingState AC-direct or external adapter and adapter specifications
ConditionInvoice, serial list, photos, year of manufactureUsed/refurbished ICT goods may be prohibitedState new 100%; handle used/refurbished separately

HS CODE – TAX – ORIGIN

HS 8528.52.00 is a common reference for a monitor without television reception apparatus, directly connectable to and designed for ADP machines of heading 84.71. The technical file must support these criteria.

Reference HSConditionMisclassification riskEvidence
8528.52.00Monitor without television reception apparatus, directly connectable to and designed for use with ADP machines of heading 84.71Incorrect when a tuner or another principal specialised function is presentCatalogue, manual, ports, no-tuner evidence, model specification
8528.59.10 / 8528.59.20Other colour/monochrome monitors not meeting 8528.52 criteriaHigher duty or different policy may apply; “other” is not a safe defaultFunction, target use, signal method and classification evidence
8528.72.xxTelevision reception apparatus with displayA TV declared as a monitor creates HS, tax and conformity risksTuner data, remote, channel scan, RF input and QCVN reports
8471/8517 or another headingOnly where the article is principally an ADP machine, terminal, conference device or multifunction network deviceThe trade name “smart monitor” does not determine classificationCPU/OS/BOM, architecture and principal function
TaxReferenceConditionOperational note
MFN import duty0% reference for HS 8528.52.00Correct classification and MFN-eligible originCheck Decree 26/2023 and amendments on declaration date.
Ordinary import duty5% reference for HS 8528.52.00Where MFN/FTA eligibility is unavailableCheck Decision 15/2023 and origin evidence.
Import VATConditional 8% through 31 Dec 2026Goods normally taxed at 10% and not excluded by Annex I or II of Decree 174/2025Confirm the actual product and rules on declaration date.
Special preferential dutyMay be 0% under FTAsValid origin proof, criterion, validity and transport conditionsWhere MFN is already 0%, assess the practical value of the C/O.
C/O control: validate the form, origin criterion, description, HS, invoice reference and transport conditions. Where MFN is already zero, define the actual purpose of the C/O.

SECTORAL POLICY MATRIX

Controls depend on the tuner, wireless modules, operating system and intended use. Do not apply the passive-monitor conclusion to every model.

ScenarioPossible policyEvidenceTimingRisk note
Ordinary computer monitor; no tuner or radio transmitterHS 8528.52.00 is not separately identified in the current risk list under Circular 36/2026; no ICT procedure should be inferred from the name aloneCatalogue, manual, model and labels/portsBefore bookingThis is an inference from the current list; re-check integrated functions.
Computer monitors in 2026Voluntary energy labelling under Circular 52/2025/TT-BCTTCVN test data if the company elects to labelBefore market placement if usedDo not treat energy-label registration as a mandatory customs document in 2026.
Minimum energy performanceReview Decision 14/2023/QD-TTg and TCVN 9508:2012Test report or manufacturer efficiency dataBefore purchasing/commercial importVoluntary labelling does not remove low-efficiency elimination requirements.
Display with DVB-T2/TV tunerMay fall under television apparatus, HS 8528.72 and applicable QCVN/quality controlTuner data, RF input, test reports and certificatesBefore ETADo not declare as a computer monitor where TV reception is available.
Smart/interactive display with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Android, camera or microphoneReview every module and principal function under Circular 36/2026; multiple measures may applyProtocol list, RF report, CPU/OS/BOM and manualBefore bookingPassive-monitor conclusions cannot be copied to smart models.
Medical, marine, automotive, surveillance or signage displayOther sectoral controls or HS headings may applySector catalogue, intended use, certificates and project contractBefore POThe words display/monitor are not decisive.
Adapter, camera or accessories imported together/separatelyReview separate HS and policy where sold or packed independently or changing the set’s characterBOM, packing list, adapter and electrical dataBefore Invoice/PLKeep accessory models consistent.
Used/refurbished goodsReview prohibited used ICT list and exceptions under Circular 26/2025/TT-BKHCNYear, serial, condition, import purpose and exception dossierBefore purchaseDo not follow the new-goods process; Decree 292/2026 takes effect on 5 Sep 2026.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL SOURCES

Use the official sources below to verify document numbers, effective dates and signed files.

Circular 52/2025/TT-BCT – energy-labelling listOfficial Government source; effective 1 Jan 2026.
Decision 14/2023/QD-TTg – low-efficiency equipmentOfficial Government source; see TCVN 9508:2012.
Circular 36/2026/TT-BKHCN – risk listOfficial Government source; effective 1 Jul 2026.
Decree 26/2023/ND-CP – MFN tariffOfficial Government source; read with amendments.
Decree 174/2025/ND-CP – VAT reductionOfficial Government source; through 31 Dec 2026.
Decree 43/2017 – goods labellingOfficial Government source; read with Decree 111/2021.

Businesses should verify the rules again on official legal portals or the issuing authority’s website before application.

CUSTOMS DOCUMENT SET

Commercial set

Commercial Invoice; Packing List; B/L or AWB; Sales Contract/PO; origin proof where used; catalogue/datasheet; original-label photos; model/serial list where relevant.

Technical and sectoral set

Manual; port photos; tuner/wireless specifications; BOM/OS details for smart displays; energy-performance data; test reports, certificates/declarations or used-goods dossier where triggered.

GroupDocumentsUsed atOwnerCommon errorPre-ETA check
CommercialInvoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Contract/POCustoms, value, quantity and transportExporter/Importer/ForwarderGeneric name or model/quantity/Incoterms mismatchUse one master model list
TechnicalCatalogue, datasheet, manual, port photos, functional diagramHS, policy and explanationManufacturer/ImporterMarketing brochure lacks tuner/OS/wireless detailsLock the exact revision
EnergyTCVN 9508:2012 test data; voluntary label dossier if electedMinimum performance and voluntary labelManufacturer/Importer/LabTreating voluntary label as mandatory or lacking efficiency dataObtain report before PO
Sectoral if triggeredRF/TV reports, certificate/declaration, licence or registrationTuner, wireless or specialised functionsImporter/ComplianceUsing a similar model’s report or missing a moduleMap each model/module to each QCVN
OriginC/O or origin declaration and supporting evidenceFTA preference and origin proofExporter/ImporterWrong form, criterion, invoice reference, description or HSPre-check draft
LabellingOriginal label photo, Vietnamese supplementary label artwork, manualDomestic circulationImporter/Brand ownerMissing model, origin or importer; mistranslated specsApprove artwork before arrival
Used/refurbishedYear, serial, condition, purpose and exception dossierProhibition/exception reviewImporter/ComplianceCondition disclosed after bookingWritten confirmation before PO
Consistency rule: product name, model, quantity, serial, origin and technical specifications must match across commercial, technical, sectoral, label and customs documents.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision pointQuestionEvidenceConsequenceRecommended action
Product identityComputer monitor, TV, signage or interactive display?Catalogue, manual, tuner/OS/BOMWrong HS and policyPrepare a one-page technical memo
8528.52 criteriaDirectly connectable to and designed for ADP machines of 84.71?Ports, intended use, datasheetReclassification to 8528.59 or elsewhereSecure manufacturer evidence
Tuner/radioDVB-T2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC or cellular present?Protocol list, RF input and reportsUnprepared QCVN/quality proceduresReview by model, not product family
Energy performanceMeets TCVN 9508:2012 minimum level?Test report/manufacturer dataMarket-surveillance riskObtain data before contract
Tax/VATAre HS, origin and 8% VAT supportable on declaration date?Tariff, C/O, VAT annexesAssessment, preference loss or amendmentPrepare a tax sheet
Document consistencyDo Invoice, PL, B/L, catalogue, label and C/O match?Master model listYellow/Red channel and amendmentsSingle source of truth
ConditionNew or used/refurbished?PO, invoice, serial and photosPotential prohibited importNo booking before confirmation

PRACTICAL END-TO-END PROCESS

1

Pre-ETA review

Collect catalogue/manual; identify monitor/TV/interactive display; lock HS, taxes, VAT, origin, condition and integrated modules.

2

Technical memo and model list

Prepare a one-page sheet per model covering panel, size, ports, tuner, OS/CPU, wireless, power and intended use.

3

Energy and sectoral review

Confirm TCVN 9508:2012 performance; decide whether to use voluntary energy labelling; prepare radio/TV/specialised compliance where triggered.

4

Lock documents and origin

Cross-check Invoice, PL, B/L/AWB, Contract/PO, catalogue, label and C/O against the master model list.

5

Customs declaration

Use a technically complete description. Green channel does not remove declarant liability; Yellow checks documents; Red checks documents and goods.

6

Clearance and market placement

Complete Vietnamese labels and any sectoral marks, retain model test data and shipment records, and prepare for post-clearance or market surveillance.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

RiskConsequencePreventionEvidence
Generic “LCD monitor” descriptionInsufficient HS basisStandardise declaration description and memoCatalogue, manual, ports
Using old assumption that energy label is mandatory in 2026Unnecessary procedure and delayApply Circular 52/2025: voluntary for monitorsCircular 52 and market plan
Ignoring minimum performance because labelling is voluntaryLow-efficiency compliance riskReview Decision 14/2023 and TCVN 9508Model test data
Tuner/Wi-Fi model treated as passive monitorMissing conformity/quality process and wrong HSReview every module before ETAProtocol list, RF/tuner reports
Model mismatch across documentsAmendment, delay and preference lossMaster model list and pre-checkFull document set
Refurbished goods shipped as “new”Potential prohibited used ICT importCondition warranty and serial/year checkPO, photos and serial list
Applying 8% VAT without exclusion checkTax assessment riskReview Decree 174/2025 on declaration dateHS, product description and annexes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does an ordinary standalone monitor require an import licence?

A new ordinary computer monitor without a tuner or radio function generally does not trigger a standalone import licence merely because it is a monitor. The exact model must still be checked; smart functions, specialised use or used condition can change the result.

What HS code is commonly used?

HS 8528.52.00 is commonly referenced where the monitor has no television reception apparatus and is directly connectable to and designed for ADP machines of heading 84.71. Final classification depends on the technical file.

Is energy labelling mandatory for computer monitors in 2026?

No. Circular 52/2025/TT-BCT places computer monitors under voluntary energy labelling in 2026. Minimum energy performance under Decision 14/2023 and TCVN 9508:2012 remains a separate review point.

Can a Wi-Fi/Android smart monitor use the ordinary monitor procedure?

Do not assume so. Review CPU/OS, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, camera, microphone and principal function under Circular 36/2026.

Is a monitor with a TV tuner classified the same way?

Not necessarily. Television reception may move the product to 8528.72 and trigger QCVN and quality-control requirements.

Is import VAT 8% or 10% in 2026?

The base rate is 10%; eligible goods not excluded by Decree 174/2025 may receive the temporary 8% rate through 31 Dec 2026. Confirm on the declaration date.

Is a C/O useful where MFN duty is already 0%?

It may not reduce import duty further, but may still support origin, contract, project or trade-compliance requirements. Assess by shipment.

Can used/refurbished monitors be imported for sale?

They cannot be processed as new goods. Check the prohibited used ICT list and exceptions under Circular 26/2025 before purchase.

When is the Vietnamese supplementary label applied?

Complete the Vietnamese supplementary label before domestic circulation, unless another rule applies. It must match the model, origin, specifications and responsible importer.

SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX

This guide maps HS, tax, energy, documents and policy triggers for standalone monitors. Each live shipment must still be concluded from the actual model, origin, condition and intended use.

Pre-ETA legal review

Monitor/TV/interactive classification; HS, VAT, C/O, energy, tuner/wireless and used-goods review.

Compliance document control

Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, manual, labels, test data and master model list.

End-to-end logistics

Agent network in 60+ countries; sea, air, road/rail coordination, pre-alert, ETA, customs and domestic delivery.

Clearance and post-audit

Green/Yellow/Red channel handling, HS/value/origin explanation, Vietnamese labels and shipment records.

For smart displays, tuner-equipped models, used goods or multi-model shipments, do not wait until arrival to begin review.

Operational reference only. This is not an official legal translation or a binding tariff/classification ruling. Application depends on the actual dossier and import date.

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