IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR WI-FI/BLUETOOTH SCANNERS
| Item | Quick review | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Scanner integrated with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Applies only to standalone document/image scanners; not automatically to MFP, printer, photocopier, barcode scanner or access-control devices. |
| Suggested HS | 8471.90.40 – document/image scanner under automatic data processing equipment | Final classification must be based on function, structure, scanning mechanism, connectivity and actual import form. |
| Suggested duty | Ordinary import duty 5%; MFN 0%; VAT 10%; FTA may be 0% with valid C/O | Do not apply to MFP, network device, adapter or accessories imported separately. |
| Specialized policy | May trigger conformity certification/declaration due to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Review Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN, applicable QCVN and model technical file. |
| Main risks | Wrong HS, wrong policy, missing test report, model discrepancy, missing Vietnamese label/CR mark if applicable | Complete review before ETA. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This article applies to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scanners: standalone document/image scanning equipment capable of transmitting data to computers, mobile devices or internal storage systems via wireless connection.
- It does not automatically apply to MFPs, photocopiers, printers with scanner, barcode readers, biometric scanners, security devices or specialized industrial devices.
- New, used, refurbished, sample, warranty, project, EPE/FDI or factory-use shipments may trigger different policies.
- If the scanner includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G, encryption, lithium battery, adapter, charger, security software or bundled accessories, each component must be reviewed separately.
Review according to catalogue, datasheet, model and actual import purpose.
CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
The technical file must clarify the main scanning function, scanning mechanism, resolution, speed, wireless standards, power supply, accessories and condition. A short description such as “scanner” may be insufficient for HS, QCVN/TCVN or conformity assessment.
| Criteria | Documents | Risk if misstated | Suggested goods description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main function | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual | Misclassification as MFP/printer or barcode scanner | Document/image scanner, brand…, model…, brand new, with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth standard | Datasheet, test report, module spec | Missing SRD/wireless conformity obligations | State Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth version… |
| Condition | Invoice, contract, photos | Used/refurbished policy risk | State brand new or actual condition |
| Accessories | Packing List, BOM, packing photos | Adapter/battery/module may have separate HS/policy | Scanner with adapter/USB cable/user manual, accessories not sold separately |
| Model/serial | Model list, serial list, original label | Specialized dossier mismatch | Unify model across Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, label and declaration |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
For a standalone document/image scanner used with automatic data processing systems, HS 8471.90.40 is a common classification basis. Classification must rely on main function, scanning mechanism, connectivity and actual import status. MFPs, photocopiers, barcode scanners, network devices or separate accessories must not be classified by this HS without review.
A C/O may enable FTA preferential duty if the form, origin criterion, goods description, HS, quantity/weight and transport route are valid. Incorrect C/O form, origin criterion, description or HS discrepancy may lead to rejection of preference.
| Suggested HS | Application condition | Risk if wrong | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8471.90.40 | Standalone document/image scanner used with ADP systems | Wrong HS, duty and specialized policy; reclassification query | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, photos, model list, commercial documents |
| Other groups to review | MFP, printer, photocopier, barcode scanner, security/medical/industrial device | Applying standalone scanner policy to another product type | Detailed catalogue, function description, structure and BOM |
SUGGESTED DUTY TABLE
| Tax type | Suggested rate | Condition | Documents | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary import duty | 5% | Where MFN/FTA conditions are not met | HS, origin, commercial documents | Check tariff at declaration date. |
| MFN import duty | 0% | Goods from MFN eligible origin with correct HS | Invoice, Packing List, origin proof | Wrong HS may change duty. |
| Import VAT | 10% | Applicable under current VAT policy | Declaration, customs value, VAT policy | Separate from import duty. |
| FTA preferential duty | May be 0% | Valid C/O/origin proof, correct form and origin criterion | C/O, B/L, Invoice, Packing List, HS, description | Incorrect C/O may be rejected. |
APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICY
| Goods scenario | Possible policy | Documents | Authority/portal if identifiable | Timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard scanner without wireless module | Regular customs procedure; HS, tax and labeling still reviewed | Catalogue, datasheet, label | Customs authority | Before ETA | Do not infer from name only. |
| Scanner with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | May fall under group-2 ICT/telecom goods; conformity certification/declaration and quality inspection may apply | Module datasheet, test report, applicable QCVN, model list | Ministry of Science and Technology / telecommunications authority or relevant public service portal | Before cargo arrival | Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN requires review by HS and product description. |
| Encryption/security function | Civil cryptography/network security policy may need review | Security datasheet, software description | Specialized authority based on actual dossier | Before purchase/shipment | Do not conclude exemption before reviewing encryption function. |
| Adapter/charger/battery | Labeling, electrical safety or lithium battery transport requirements may arise | Packing List, MSDS if battery, adapter specification | Customs, carrier, specialized authority if applicable | Before booking and ETA | Separate accessories may need separate classification. |
| Used/refurbished goods | Review used ICT goods import restrictions/conditions | Condition evidence, year, quality statement | Customs/specialized authority | Before purchase | High risk if “used/refurbished” appears in documents. |
| Sample/warranty/project/EPE/FDI | Policy varies by purpose and customs regime | PO, project contract, use purpose | Customs / industrial zone authority if relevant | Before ETA | Wrong import type affects tax and post-clearance. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Group | Document | Issuing body | Effective time | Role | Key points | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Customs Law 2014 | National Assembly | Check validity at filing date | Customs procedure basis | Declaration, customs dossier, inspection | Review by import type. |
| Law | Law on Product and Goods Quality 05/2007/QH12 | National Assembly | In force with guiding/amending documents | Group-2 goods quality control | Unsafe products/goods management | Apply if model is in specialized list. |
| Decree | Decree 132/2008/ND-CP; 74/2018/ND-CP; 13/2022/ND-CP | Government | Decree 74 from 01/07/2018; Decree 13 from 15/03/2022 | Product quality management | Quality inspection, conformity declaration/certification | Check latest amendments. |
| Specialized circular | Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN | Ministry of Science and Technology | Issued 13/11/2025; effective 31/12/2025 | Group-2 ICT/telecom product list | Article 3: Appendix I certification+declaration; Appendix II declaration. Article 4: integrated group-2 goods must satisfy corresponding QCVN. | Review HS and description, especially Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. |
| QCVN/TCVN | Applicable QCVN for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/SRD module | Specialized ministry | Depends on valid QCVN | Testing and conformity basis | Frequency band, output power, wireless standard | Do not select QCVN without technical file. |
| Tariff | Current import-export tariff and FTA schedules | Government/Ministry of Finance | At customs declaration date | Duty and VAT basis | Chapter 84, heading 8471; FTA rules of origin | Recheck before declaration. |
| Labeling | Goods labeling regulations | Government/specialized authority | Check validity before circulation | Original label, Vietnamese sub-label, CR mark if applicable | Mandatory labeling content | Further review required by actual dossier. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL TEXTS
Enter the document number on the Government Portal or issuing authority website. The enterprise should also compare with the legal document portal or authority website before applying.
CUSTOMS DOCUMENT DOSSIER
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
- C/O if claiming preferential duty.
- Catalogue, datasheet, photos, original labels, model list.
- Quality inspection registration.
- Conformity certificate/declaration.
- Test report, technical file, user manual.
- Labeling dossier, CR mark if applicable.
- Civil cryptography/network security dossier if function applies.
Name, model, quantity, serial, origin and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth specifications must match across commercial documents, catalogue, labels, specialized dossier and customs declaration.
| Dossier group | Documents | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO | Value, quantity, description | Importer, supplier, purchasing | Generic name, incomplete model suffix | Compare each line with catalogue and label. |
| Transport | B/L or AWB, Arrival Notice, pre-alert | D/O, declaration, ETA tracking | Forwarder, carrier, shipper | Wrong consignee, package/weight mismatch | Lock draft B/L before issuance. |
| Technical | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, model list | HS and policy review | Supplier/importer/technical team | Wireless specs not shown | Request full datasheet before booking. |
| Origin | C/O, transport documents, third-party invoice if any | FTA duty | Supplier/exporter/importer | Wrong form, description or HS | Review draft C/O against Invoice/PL/HS. |
| Specialized | Test report, conformity docs, quality inspection registration | Clearance/circulation | Importer, compliance, testing/certification body | Report not matching model/QCVN | Finalize model list and QCVN before ETA. |
DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question | Evidence | Consequence | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS | Standalone scanner or multifunction device? | Catalogue, datasheet, manual | Classification query | Confirm main function before declaration. |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Is the wireless module in group-2 goods? | Module datasheet, test report | Missing conformity/quality documents | Review Circular 29/2025 and applicable QCVN. |
| Model | Does document model match catalogue/label? | Invoice, PL, original label | Dossier mismatch | Lock model list before shipment. |
| C/O | Correct form, criterion, description and route? | C/O draft, B/L, invoice | Loss of preference | Check C/O before original issuance. |
| Label/mark | Vietnamese label/CR mark required? | Original label, conformity dossier | Circulation/post-clearance issue | Prepare sub-label and CR plan if applicable. |
| Condition | New, used or refurbished? | Invoice, contract, photos | Wrong import policy | Do not ship used goods before policy review. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Confirm HS, policy, duty, C/O, label and specialized inspection obligations.
Finalize Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue/datasheet, model/serial list and wireless specs.
Prepare test reports, conformity dossier, quality inspection or permit before ETA.
Green channel: system clearance under conditions; Yellow: documentary check; Red: documentary and physical inspection. Common query points: value, HS, model, C/O, catalogue and policy.
Release cargo, pay duties, affix sub-label/CR mark if required, hand over to warehouse/accounting.
Keep declaration, invoice, PL, B/L, C/O, catalogue, test report and conformity dossier for audit.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Impact | Pre-ETA control | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong C/O form or origin criterion | FTA duty denied | Review draft C/O | C/O, Invoice, B/L, origin rules |
| Model mismatch | Query and delay | Create model list | Invoice, PL, catalogue, label |
| Missing test report/conformity dossier | Specialized clearance issue | Identify QCVN before booking | Datasheet, test report, module information |
| Generic goods name | Wrong HS/policy | State function, model, condition, wireless specs | Invoice, PL, declaration |
| Unreviewed used/refurbished status | Import restriction risk | Confirm condition in contract | Contract, invoice, photos, serial |
| Omitted accessories/battery/adapter | Wrong HS or transport/specialized requirement | Review BOM and packing | PL, BOM, MSDS if battery |
FAQ
Does a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth scanner require an import permit?
Do not conclude absolutely. Review the model, wireless standards, frequency band, output power, encryption and group-2 goods list at the import date.
Is quality inspection/conformity required?
It may be required if the model falls under ICT/telecom specialized management or integrates a radio module subject to applicable QCVN.
Is Vietnamese sub-labeling required?
Imported goods for circulation generally need Vietnamese labeling review. Label information must match model, origin and importer/manufacturer data.
Can C/O reduce duty?
Yes, if the C/O is valid and matches form, origin criterion, transport route, description and HS.
Are samples/warranty goods processed like commercial goods?
Not automatically. Review customs regime, purpose, value, specialized policy and exemption conditions.
What if invoice model differs from catalogue?
Request correction or technical confirmation before declaration.
RELATED ARTICLES
IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTION FROM TGIMEX
This guide gives a review map for HS, duty, dossier and specialized policy. In actual shipments, review must be performed against catalogue, datasheet, model, documents, origin, wireless standards and import purpose.
TGIMEX has an agent network in more than 60 countries and is a member of WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA, with capabilities in sea, air, road/rail freight, customs clearance, C/O, import permits, warehousing and inland delivery, including FDI, EPE, factory and technical shipments requiring multi-party coordination.
HS, policy, C/O, duty, label, catalogue/datasheet/model.
Match Invoice, PL, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, test report, label and technical file.
Coordinate agent, carrier, ETA, pre-alert and transport documents.
Prepare declaration and handle Green/Yellow/Red channels, HS, value, origin and policy queries.
File retention, sub-label, CR mark and other post-clearance obligations if applicable.
For shipments likely to involve specialized inspection, permits, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to start the review. Even a small discrepancy among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, datasheet, C/O or label may trigger additional documents, customs delay or unexpected storage costs.
TGIMEX supports an E2E import approach: pre-ETA policy review, document check, international freight coordination, customs declaration, clearance handling, inland delivery and post-clearance file retention to better control schedule, cost and compliance risk.
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