Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT PROCEDURE FOR DESKTOP COMPUTERS
A desktop computer is not automatically the same as a “CPU box”. The imported configuration, input/output units, tower or mini-PC form factor, integrated Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, all-in-one display, power supply, product condition and market purpose can change the HS classification, QCVN scope, energy-efficiency obligations and post-clearance records. This E2E guide separates the key decision branches before shipment and before market circulation.
QUICK FACTS
| Item | Working position | Control point |
|---|---|---|
| Product name | Desktop/personal computer, tower, SFF, mini PC, workstation, industrial PC or all-in-one as technically applicable. | Avoid “computer”, “CPU” or “computer case” alone. |
| Indicative HS | 8471.41.10 personal computers; 8471.41.90 other qualifying machines; review 8471.49 for systems and 8471.50 for processing units imported separately. | Classification depends on actual configuration and packing. |
| Tax | Ordinary duty 5%; MFN 0%; VAT commonly 8% through 31 Dec 2026 if Decree 174/2025 applies. | Recheck on the customs declaration date. |
| Conformity | QCVN 118 and QCVN 132 are the main desktop standards; wireless models require additional radio QCVNs. | Reports must match model, hardware and power supply. |
| Energy | Desktop models within scope must comply with TCVN 13371:2021 and energy-labelling rules, mandatory from 1 Apr 2025. | Confirm standard scope and representative configuration. |
| Used goods | Used/refurbished ICT products require a separate prohibition/exception review. | Do not contract or ship before legal screening. |
SCOPE
Complete desktop systems with processing, storage and I/O interfaces.
Small devices that may lack separate input/output units and may fall under 8471.50.
Engineering or graphics workstations; classification follows ADP design rather than marketing name.
Panel, embedded or industrial computers require separate technical review.
Display and processor in one enclosure, often with wireless modules and external adapters.
FDI, EPE, factory, education and internal-use imports still require compliance review.
TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
| Check | Evidence | Risk | Suggested declaration wording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product form | Catalogue, photos, BOM, packing. | Confusing complete desktop, processing unit and system. | “Desktop personal computer, SFF, model…, CPU…, RAM…, SSD…, new 100%”. |
| CPU/input/output in same housing | Block diagram and I/O list. | Wrong 8471.41 classification. | State USB, HDMI/DP, LAN and bundled devices. |
| Wireless functions | Module, antenna and RF specs. | Missing radio conformity. | State integrated Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth or no radio function. |
| Power supply | PSU/adapter label and ratings. | QCVN 132 mismatch. | State internal AC PSU or external adapter. |
| Model/hardware | Label, report and certificate. | Evidence not accepted for the imported SKU. | Match model, SKU and hardware version exactly. |
| Condition | Serial, manufacture year and photos. | Used goods declared as new. | Use “brand new, unused” only with evidence. |
HS – TAX – ORIGIN
| HS | Application | Ordinary | MFN | VAT* | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8471.41.10 | Qualifying personal desktop computer in one housing with CPU, input and output units. | 5% | 0% | 8% | Catalogue, I/O, packing. |
| 8471.41.90 | Other qualifying ADP machines, often reviewed for industrial computers. | 5% | 0% | 8% | Function, enclosure, OS and I/O. |
| 8471.49.10/90 | ADP machine presented as a system. | 5% | 0% | 8% | System diagram and unit list. |
| 8471.50.10/90 | Processing unit not meeting 8471.41/49. | 5% | 0% | 8% | Barebone/CPU box configuration. |
| Origin route | FTA/document | Indicative preferential duty | Operational note |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | ACFTA Form E / RCEP | Generally 0% if origin rules are met. | MFN is already 0%; use origin evidence for traceability and contract compliance. |
| ASEAN | ATIGA e‑Form D | Generally 0%. | Check description, invoice and direct consignment. |
| Korea/Japan | AKFTA, VKFTA, VJEPA, CPTPP, RCEP | Generally 0%. | Select one valid agreement and PSR. |
| EU/UK | EVFTA/UKVFTA | Generally 0% subject to schedule and origin. | Review statement/EUR.1 mechanism. |
SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
| Scenario | Potential requirements | Key records | Timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wired desktop | QCVN 118/132 conformity declaration; Methods 3 or 7. | Tests, certificate or self-assessment, model/PSU. | Before market circulation. | Do not automatically require the old pre-clearance registration form. |
| Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth desktop | Desktop requirements plus radio certification/declaration under applicable QCVNs. | RF report, module, antenna, firmware. | Before shipment/market circulation. | One model may trigger medium- and high-risk controls. |
| All-in-one | Desktop, wireless and energy layers. | AIO spec, display, adapter, wireless. | Before testing/PO. | Tower reports cannot be reused automatically. |
| Energy-scope desktop | Testing, declaration and energy label under TCVN 13371:2021. | Energy report and representative configuration. | Preferably before ETA; mandatory before sale. | CPU/GPU/PSU changes can affect the tested family. |
| Industrial PC/workstation | HS, QCVN and energy scope by actual design. | Application note, OS, I/O and PSU. | Before order. | “Industrial” is not an automatic exemption. |
| Used/refurbished | Used-ICT prohibition and exception review. | Year, serial, condition and purpose. | Before contract/booking. | Possible refusal or re-export. |
NEW VS OLD RULES
| Period | Regime | Desktop treatment | Required action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 30 Jun 2026 | Circular 29/2025 and former workflows. | Group-2 ICT with established quality-registration practices. | Do not copy the old dossier into post-1 July shipments. |
| From 1 Jul 2026 | Circular 36/2026 + Circular 14/2026. | Medium-risk goods, QCVNs, Methods 3/7, declaration before circulation. | Rebuild the conformity and electronic filing plan. |
| From 1 Apr 2025 | Decision 14/2023 and TCVN 13371:2021. | Mandatory energy layer for in-scope desktops. | Complete energy testing and labelling. |
LEGAL SOURCES TO REVIEW
| Type | Instrument | Status | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current list | Circular 36/2026/TT-BKHCN | Effective 1 Jul 2026; replaces Circular 29/2025. | Medium/high-risk list; desktop HS 8471.41.10/90. |
| Procedure | Circular 14/2026/TT-BKHCN | Effective 25 May 2026. | Conformity declaration and Methods 3/7. |
| Former list | Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN | Expired from 1 Jul 2026. | Transition reference only. |
| QCVN | QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT; QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT | Apply subject to scope and replacement rules. | EMC emission and electrical safety. |
| Energy | Decision 14/2023/QD-TTg; Circular 36/2016/TT-BCT; TCVN 13371:2021 | Mandatory roadmap from 1 Apr 2025. | Energy efficiency and label. |
| Used goods | Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT and current foreign-trade rules | Verify current status. | Used ICT prohibition/exception. |
| Tax | Decree 26/2023; Decision 15/2023; Decree 174/2025 | Check amendments and declaration date. | MFN, ordinary duty and VAT. |
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
| Group | Documents | Use | Common error | Pre-ETA control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing, Contract/PO | Customs value and declaration. | Generic description or missing configuration. | Lock SKU wording. |
| Technical | Catalogue, BOM, I/O and PSU spec | HS and policy. | Brochure does not match SKU. | Use region-specific documents. |
| Conformity | QCVN reports, certificate/self-assessment | Conformity declaration. | Wrong model/PSU/hardware. | Build model-report matrix. |
| Energy | Energy report/declaration/label | Market circulation. | Test configuration differs from sale model. | Lock representative family. |
| Origin | C/O/origin declaration | Preference and audit. | HS/invoice/criterion mismatch. | Approve draft before issuance. |
| Labels | Original/Vietnamese label | Market compliance. | Missing origin/responsible entity. | Approve artwork and real photos. |
E2E PROCESS
PRODUCT LOCK
Collect model, BOM, CPU/RAM/storage, I/O, PSU, wireless, condition and use. Separate tower, mini PC, AIO, workstation and industrial PC.
HS/TAX/ORIGIN
Select 8471.41/49/50, calculate duty/VAT and approve origin draft.
QCVN & ENERGY MATRIX
Map Circular 36, QCVN 118/132, radio standards and TCVN 13371.
TEST/ASSESS/DECLARE
Choose Method 3 or 7, complete tests/certification or self-assessment, file conformity and energy documents.
PRE-ETA DOCUMENT LOCK
Cross-check invoice, packing, transport, origin, labels and reports.
CUSTOMS DECLARATION
Declare full description, model, configuration, condition, HS, origin and value; prepare for green/yellow/red channel.
CLEARANCE & DELIVERY
Support physical inspection with serial list, labels and technical staff; pay tax and deliver.
BEFORE MARKET CIRCULATION
Complete conformity mark, Vietnamese label and energy label; archive by model and shipment.
MAJOR PRE-ETA RISKS
| Risk | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Calling the tower “CPU” | Wrong HS/description. | Use complete technical wording. |
| One HS for all form factors | Reclassification and delay. | Separate each SKU and function. |
| Hidden Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth | Missing radio compliance. | Review module and BOM. |
| Wrong model/PSU report | Conformity dossier rejected. | Match hardware and power supply. |
| No energy test | Product cannot be lawfully marketed. | Test before ETA. |
| Invalid C/O | Preference denied or audit issue. | Approve draft. |
| Used goods declared new | Import refusal/re-export. | Screen condition before booking. |
FAQ
Does a new desktop need an import licence?
Normally no standalone import licence, but conformity, QCVN, energy, wireless and product-condition rules must be checked.
Is old quality-registration required after 1 July 2026?
Do not assume so. Circular 36 focuses on risk-based conformity and declaration before circulation; verify current customs implementation.
Does a wired desktop still need conformity declaration?
Yes when it is within the desktop list and QCVN scope; absence of wireless only removes the radio layer.
What changes when Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth is integrated?
Radio QCVNs and possibly certification apply in addition to the desktop requirements.
Can a CPU box use HS 8471.41.10?
Not automatically. If it lacks the required input/output configuration, review 8471.50 or another heading.
Is energy labelling mandatory?
Yes for in-scope models under TCVN 13371:2021 from 1 April 2025.
Is VAT 8% or 10%?
Often 8% during Decree 174/2025, subject to the valid period and exclusions; recheck at declaration.
Can refurbished desktops be imported?
Only after a specific used-ICT prohibition/exception review; do not treat refurbished goods as new.
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NEED TO REVIEW IMPORT PROCEDURES OR A SHIPPING PLAN?
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