“Modem” is a broad commercial term. A product may be a wired xDSL/cable modem, an optical modem, a 4G/5G modem, a Wi‑Fi modem-router, or an industrial gateway with VPN and encryption. Classification and conformity obligations must therefore be determined from the actual transmission technology, radio bands, principal function, security features and model documentation—not from the invoice name alone.

HS references8517.62.41 · 8517.62.51 · 8517.62.59

2026 policyCircular 36/2026 · quality control · declaration

Pre‑ETA lockModel · technology · bands · test reports

Legal note: From 1 July 2026, Circular 36/2026/TT-BKHCN replaces Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN. Wi‑Fi, cellular and wired modems do not follow one automatic procedure. The final conclusion depends on the 8‑digit HS code, description, standards, radio bands, output power, routing/encryption functions, condition and actual import purpose.

QUICK FACTS

MODEM QUICK-FACT TABLE

Item	Working direction	Control point
Product description	State xDSL/cable, optical, Wi‑Fi, LTE/5G, USB cellular or industrial modem gateway.	Do not use only “modem” or “network device”.
HS references	8517.62.41 for modems including cable modems/modem cards; 8517.62.51 for WLAN devices such as Wi‑Fi modems; 8517.62.59 often reviewed for cellular/other data terminal modems.	Final code depends on principal function and actual configuration.
Taxes	Ordinary duty reference 5%; MFN often 0%; baseline VAT 10%.	Any VAT reduction must be checked against exclusions and the policy in force.
Wi‑Fi modem	May be high risk: state quality inspection on import plus conformity certification/declaration.	Check 2.4/5/6 GHz, EIRP, antenna, firmware and model.
4G/5G modem	May be medium risk: declaration of conformity before circulation under relevant mobile QCVNs.	Check LTE/NR bands, module, SIM/eSIM, IMEI and reports.
Security	Civil cryptography/cybersecurity review only when actual features and legal lists trigger it.	Do not infer from the word VPN alone.

Illustration for Vietnam Modem Import Procedure: HS Codes, Taxes, QCVNs and 2026 Compliance — Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

SCOPE

xDSL / Cable modem

Wired signal conversion over copper or coaxial lines; standalone or integrated with routing/Wi‑Fi.

Optical modem / ONT–ONU

GPON/EPON/XG‑PON terminal, bridge-only or integrated with router, Wi‑Fi and VoIP.

Wi‑Fi modem

WLAN modem-router operating at 2.4, 5 or 6 GHz; each band requires separate review.

4G/LTE/5G modem

SIM/eSIM device in USB, indoor/outdoor CPE or cellular router form.

Industrial modem

RS‑232/485, Ethernet, dual-SIM, VPN or DIN-rail gateway used for IoT/SCADA.

Samples / warranty / used

Purpose, quantity and new/used/refurbished condition may alter the procedure.

Do not automatically extend this guide to: standalone routers, access points, mesh nodes, switches, firewalls, CPE, media converters or communication modules. Review catalogue, datasheet, model and actual use.

KEY TERMS

Term	Meaning	Procedural relevance
Modem	A device that modulates/demodulates or converts signals for data transmission.	The word alone is insufficient for HS classification.
Modem-router	A combined modem with routing, NAT, DHCP, firewall and possibly Wi‑Fi.	May trigger more QCVNs than a standalone modem.
RF / EIRP	Radio-frequency characteristics and equivalent isotropically radiated power.	Used to determine bands, limits and applicable QCVNs.
State quality inspection	Import inspection for high-risk goods.	May be required before/during customs clearance.
Certification / declaration	Conformity certification and declaration against applicable QCVNs.	Required before circulation in the applicable scenario.
Methods 3 / 7	Type test plus production assessment / batch assessment.	Must match Circular 14/2026 and the import model.
Civil cryptography	Non-state-secret cryptographic products and activities.	Only applies when the product and functions fall within the regulated scope.

TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA

Check	Evidence	Risk if wrong	Suggested customs description
WAN technology	Catalogue, block diagram, port map.	Wrong distinction between xDSL, cable, optical and cellular.	“DOCSIS cable modem…”, “GPON optical modem…”, “LTE Cat… modem…”.
Principal function	Manual and operating modes.	Confusing modem, router, gateway and AP.	State bridge/router mode, NAT/DHCP/firewall if present.
Wi‑Fi	Bands, standard, antenna, EIRP.	Missing radio QCVN or using the wrong standard.	State 2.4/5/6 GHz and 802.11 standard.
Cellular	LTE/NR bands, module, SIM/eSIM, IMEI.	Report does not cover the imported variant.	State 4G LTE/5G NR and supported bands.
Security	Security datasheet and licences.	Missing cryptography review or over-classifying an ordinary device.	Describe actual functions only.
Model/version	Label, report, certificate, model list.	Conformity documents do not cover the SKU.	Match brand, model, HW and firmware/country code.
Condition	Invoice, serial list, production year.	Used/refurbished goods declared as new.	State new 100% only where evidenced.

HS CODE – TAX – ORIGIN

PROPOSED HS–TAX TABLE

HS reference	Typical scope	Ordinary duty*	MFN*	VAT*	Evidence
8517.62.41	Modems including cable modems and modem cards, where the tariff description fits.	5%	0%	10% baseline	WAN interface, block diagram, model.
8517.62.51	Wireless LAN equipment; often reviewed for Wi‑Fi modems.	5%	0%	10% baseline	RF bands, EIRP, antenna, reports.
8517.62.59	Other data transmission/reception apparatus; often reviewed for cellular modems.	5%	0%	10% baseline	LTE/NR bands, module, SIM/eSIM, IMEI.
Other 8517.62 subheading	Optical/industrial or special integrated configurations.	Verify	Verify	Verify	Full catalogue, BOM and classification memo.

Tax control: Figures are operational references only. Verify the current tariff, final HS, origin and VAT policy on the declaration date. If MFN is already 0%, an FTA certificate may not further reduce import duty, but origin compliance and document consistency still matter.

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Scenario	Possible requirement	Key files	Timing	Risk note
Wired/cable modem without radio	Check the list by exact HS/description; do not automatically apply Wi‑Fi QCVNs.	Catalogue, block diagram, ports, power supply.	Before HS finalization.	An integrated Wi‑Fi modem-router is no longer “non-radio”.
2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi modem – HS ref. 8517.62.51	High risk; state import quality inspection and conformity under QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT and QCVN 112:2017/BTTTT where applicable.	RF spec, EIRP, antenna, model list, reports.	Before ETA.	Antenna/firmware variants may not be covered.
5 GHz Wi‑Fi modem – HS ref. 8517.62.51	High risk; import quality inspection and conformity under QCVN 65:2021/BTTTT and QCVN 112:2017/BTTTT where applicable.	Bands, DFS/TPC, EIRP, reports.	Before ETA.	Regional models may use different channels/power.
6 GHz Wi‑Fi modem	High risk; check transitional QCVNs and QCVN 136:2025/BKHCN from 1 Jan 2027 where applicable.	6 GHz report, country code, antenna.	Before PO/production.	2.4/5 GHz reports do not cover 6 GHz.
3G/4G modem – HS ref. 8517.62.59	Medium risk; declaration before circulation under QCVN 86, QCVN 117 and related QCVNs; method 3 or 7 where applicable.	Bands, module, IMEI, reports, certificate.	Before market release.	Marketing model may have regional band variants.
5G modem – HS ref. 8517.62.59	Medium risk; declaration under QCVN 86, 127, 129 and related QCVNs where applicable.	NR/LTE bands, NSA/SA, reports.	Before circulation.	A 4G report does not cover 5G.
Optical modem/ONT with Wi‑Fi	Review optical and radio layers together.	GPON/EPON spec, Wi‑Fi reports, model list.	Before shipment.	Bridge-only ONT and Wi‑Fi ONT differ.
VPN/encryption gateway	Review Decree 211/2025 and cybersecurity rules only if functions/lists are triggered.	Security datasheet, algorithms, key management.	Before contract/booking.	Do not conclude from “VPN” alone.
Used/refurbished modem	Review the current prohibited-used-ICT list and exceptions.	Serial, year, condition report, purpose.	Before PO.	Do not ship without a legal conclusion.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

LEGAL REVIEW TABLE

Instrument	Authority / timing	Role
Customs Law 54/2014/QH13	National Assembly; review amendments.	Customs dossier, classification, valuation, inspection and post-clearance.
Telecommunications Law 24/2023/QH15	Effective 1 July 2024.	Sector framework for telecom terminal equipment.
Decree 37/2026/ND-CP	Effective 23 Jan 2026.	Risk-based product quality and conformity framework.
Circular 36/2026/TT-BKHCN	Issued 30 Jun 2026; effective 1 Jul 2026.	Medium/high-risk lists, HS descriptions and QCVNs; replaces Circular 29/2025.
Circular 14/2026/TT-BKHCN	Effective 25 May 2026.	Standards/conformity declarations and assessment methods.
Decree 211/2025/ND-CP	Effective 9 Sep 2025.	Civil cryptography where the device is in scope.
Decrees 43/2017 and 111/2021	Current labelling rules.	Original/Vietnamese supplementary labels.
Current tariffs and FTA schedules	At declaration date.	Import duty, VAT and origin preferences.

VIEW OFFICIAL TEXTS

Circular 36/2026 Signed PDF Circular 14/2026 Decree 37/2026 Decree 211/2025

Translations are for operational reference only and are not official legal translations. Always verify the Vietnamese official text and the issuing authority’s website.

CUSTOMS DOSSIER CHECKLIST

OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST

File group	Documents	Use	Common error	Pre‑ETA control
Commercial	Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO	Value, quantity, declaration.	Generic name or mismatched model.	Match each SKU to catalogue and packing.
Transport	B/L/AWB, pre-alert, arrival notice	Manifest, delivery order, ETA.	Wrong consignee or late pre-alert.	Review draft before cut-off.
Technical	Catalogue, datasheet, manual, block diagram	HS and policy.	No bands/power/operating modes.	Obtain official model-specific documents.
Radio/cellular	Bands, EIRP, antenna, IMEI, reports	QCVN, inspection, declaration.	Report for a different variant.	Create model–HW–firmware–report matrix.
Conformity	Reports, certificate, declaration, inspection record	Clearance/circulation.	Expired or wrong model/method.	Check scope and validity.
Origin	C/O/origin proof	FTA preference.	Wrong HS, description or criterion.	Approve draft before issuance.
Labels	Original/Vietnamese label, power label	Market circulation.	Missing model/origin/responsible entity.	Approve artwork before shipment.

100% consistency rule: product name, model, hardware version, quantity, origin, technology, bands, accessories and specifications must be consistent across commercial documents, labels, reports, conformity files and the customs declaration.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

CLEARANCE DECISION TABLE

Decision	Question	Evidence	Consequence	Recommended action
HS	8517.62.41, 8517.62.51, 8517.62.59 or another code?	Catalogue, WAN/RF spec, block diagram.	Consultation, amendment, tax exposure.	Prepare a classification memo.
Product nature	Standalone modem, modem-router, ONT, CPE or gateway?	Manual, port map, operating modes.	Wrong policy/QCVN.	Describe principal function.
Bands	2.4/5/6 GHz or LTE/NR bands?	RF spec, reports, firmware.	Missing inspection/declaration.	Lock the Vietnam variant.
Model coverage	Does the report/certificate cover the imported SKU?	Label, model list, certificates.	Retesting and delay.	Create model mapping.
Security	Does civil cryptography/cybersecurity apply?	Security datasheet and licences.	Missing licence/explanation.	Review before PO.
Condition	New or used/refurbished?	Serial, year, condition report.	Possible import restriction.	Do not book before conclusion.

END-TO-END PROCEDURE

Collect model data before PO

Identify WAN technology, radio/cellular bands, security features, accessories and condition.

Finalize HS, taxes and origin

Prepare HS memo, check MFN/FTA/VAT and draft origin requirements.

Map Circular 36 and QCVNs

Determine risk level, QCVNs, method 3/7 and testing/certification plan.

Lock documents before ETA

Cross-check commercial, transport, technical, label, report and C/O files.

Complete inspection/declaration/licence where applicable

File through the competent portal/authority and track deficiencies.

Customs declaration and channel handling

Prepare for Green, Yellow or Red channel questions on HS, value, model, origin and specialized policy.

Clearance and market-release obligations

Deliver goods, apply Vietnamese labels/conformity marks and complete declaration before circulation.

Post-clearance file retention

Retain model–serial–report mapping, tax/origin and conformity records.

PRE‑ETA RISK CHECKLIST

PRE‑ETA RISK TABLE

Risk	Consequence	Prevention	Files
Generic “modem” description	Insufficient HS/policy basis.	Describe WAN technology, radio/cellular and model.	Catalogue, block diagram, invoice draft.
Model/report mismatch	Conformity file does not cover shipment.	Approve label and model matrix.	Label, report, certificate.
Missing 5/6 GHz or cellular bands	Missing QCVN/inspection/declaration.	Review full RF spec and country code.	RF reports, firmware, antenna.
Using 4G reports for 5G	Insufficient declaration basis.	Separate LTE fallback and NR evidence.	QCVN 86/127/129 reports.
Invalid C/O	Lost preference/verification.	Approve draft.	C/O, invoice, B/L.
Used goods declared as new	Import restriction risk.	Check serial/year/condition.	Photos, serial list, report.

FAQ

Does every modem require an import licence?

No single answer applies. Ordinary modems usually focus on HS, quality/conformity and labelling; security-specialized or used products may trigger additional controls.

Is a Wi‑Fi modem subject to state quality inspection?

A model falling under the high-risk description/HS in Circular 36/2026 may require import quality inspection and conformity procedures.

Is a 4G/5G modem handled like a Wi‑Fi modem?

No. Cellular modems are generally reviewed under mobile-technology QCVNs and medium-risk circulation requirements; a combined model must satisfy both layers.

Does a wired modem need Wi‑Fi conformity?

Not automatically. Review the exact HS, description, EMC/safety and integrated functions.

Can an FTA C/O reduce duty?

It depends on the final HS. Where MFN is already 0%, it may not reduce duty further, but origin compliance remains important.

Is a Vietnamese supplementary label required?

Goods circulated in Vietnam must comply with current labelling rules; exact content and timing depend on the product and original label.

Does VPN automatically trigger civil cryptography licensing?

No. Review algorithms, key management, principal function and legal lists under Decree 211/2025.

Can refurbished modems be imported?

Review the current used-ICT restrictions and exceptions before contracting or shipment.

IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FROM TGIMEX

The actual import plan must be finalized from the catalogue, model, bands, documents, origin and intended use. Support may cover pre‑ETA HS/policy review, document consistency, international transport coordination, customs declaration, conformity workflow and post-clearance file retention.

Pre‑ETA review

HS, Circular 36, QCVNs, taxes, C/O, labels, encryption and condition.

Compliance control

Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, reports, certificates, labels and origin files.

Logistics coordination

International agent/carrier coordination, ETA and pre-alert management.

Customs handling

Green/Yellow/Red channel preparation and technical explanations.

Post-clearance

Model–serial–report mapping and dossier retention.

Network capability

WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA network with multimodal operations.

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