Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR BLUETOOTH MODULE
Bluetooth module is a short-range wireless data transceiver module, commonly operating in the 2.4 GHz band and integrated into PCBs, IoT devices, control equipment, audio devices or industrial systems. For import clearance, the key risk is not merely the word “module”; it is whether the item is treated as radio transmission/reception equipment, ICT Group-2 goods, and whether testing, conformity certification/declaration, civil cryptography, battery, adapter or used-goods controls are triggered.
If the description or technical file is incomplete, the shipment may be classified under the wrong HS code, held for specialized inspection, required to supplement test reports, denied preferential C/O treatment, or incur DEM/DET and post-clearance explanation risks. This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) review map before ETA.
QUICK FACTS
| Item | Review direction | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Product name | Bluetooth module / Bluetooth transceiver module | Avoid generic wording such as “electronic module” if the datasheet confirms radio transmission and reception. |
| Reference HS code | 8517.62.59 – other transmission apparatus incorporating reception | May differ if the item is an IC, a spare part, an incomplete board, a combo module or a finished device. |
| Indicative duties | MFN 0%; ordinary duty 5%; VAT 10% | Special preferential duty depends on a valid C/O and the applicable FTA tariff schedule. |
| Specialized policy | Review ICT Group-2 goods, Bluetooth 2.4 GHz, conformity certification/declaration if listed | Do not conclude that no permit is required without checking model, frequency, output power and technical files. |
| Technical file | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, label photos, model list and test report if available | Product name, model, origin, frequency and power must match across all documents. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
Covered products
Bluetooth Classic/BLE modules in PCB/module form, with built-in or external antenna, UART/SPI/I2C/USB interface, used for short-range wireless data transmission between a host device and peripherals.
Excluded variants
This guide does not automatically apply to Wi‑Fi modules, Zigbee, NFC, other SRD modules, finished IoT devices, gateways, finished beacons, Bluetooth headphones/speakers, remote controllers, standalone Bluetooth ICs or multifunction control boards.
PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & IDENTIFICATION
The review must clarify the main function as short-range wireless data transmission/reception, frequency band, Bluetooth version, output power/EIRP, antenna type, connection interface, supply voltage, firmware, security/encryption function, condition of goods and import purpose.
| Technical criterion | Documents to compare | Risk if misdescribed | Suggested description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main function | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual | Misclassification as IC, control board or finished equipment | Bluetooth module, model…, for short-range wireless data transmission |
| Bluetooth standard | Datasheet, RF specification | Insufficient basis for QCVN/testing review | Bluetooth 5.x/BLE module, 2.4 GHz, brand new |
| Frequency / power / antenna | RF test report, datasheet, product photos | Unable to determine conformity and radio controls | State band, output power or EIRP when supported by technical files |
| Physical form | Product photos, labels, BOM if needed | Confusing a complete module with an IC or spare part | PCB/module-type Bluetooth transceiver with integrated/external antenna |
| Accessories | Packing list, kit photos | Battery/adapter/antenna/demo kit may trigger separate policies | Separate accessories by line item if their nature or HS differs |
| Condition | Invoice, contract, brand-new declaration, serial list | Used/refurbished risk under used ICT goods policy | Brand new, unused |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
For a Bluetooth module that receives and transmits wireless data, the HS review usually starts from heading 8517. Where the module is other transmission apparatus incorporating reception and is not specifically described as wireless LAN, router, gateway or another specific device, HS 8517.62.59 may be used as a reference. The final HS code must be based on actual catalogue, datasheet, construction and import documents.
| Reference HS code | When applicable | Risk if incorrect | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8517.62.59 | Bluetooth module with wireless data transmission/reception function, other transmission apparatus incorporating reception | Wrong HS may affect duty, specialized policy, C/O and post-clearance review | Catalogue, RF datasheet, product photos, model list, test report |
| 8517.62.51 | Only if the module is technically a WLAN/wireless LAN or Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth combo module | Misclassifying a single-function Bluetooth module as wireless LAN | Datasheet showing Wi‑Fi/WLAN, IEEE 802.11 and 2.4/5/6 GHz bands |
| 8517.79.xx | Only if the item is a part/spare part of 8517 apparatus, not a complete transceiver module | Treating an operational module as a spare part | BOM and technical function of the module |
| 8542.xx | Only if the item is a standalone Bluetooth IC/chip, not a complete module | Confusing IC with finished module | IC datasheet, package, pinout and product photos |
| Other headings | For control boards, remote control devices, beacons, finished equipment or products with another principal function | Wrong principal function classification | Finished product catalogue and operating principle |
| Duty / preference | Indicative rate | Condition | Control note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN import duty | 0% | If HS 8517.62.59 applies and the MFN tariff remains unchanged at declaration date | Recheck the tariff schedule at customs declaration date. |
| Ordinary import duty | 5% | Where ordinary duty treatment applies | Check Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg and any amendments. |
| VAT | 10% | For goods not subject to 0% or 5% VAT | Check VAT policy at import date. |
| FTA special duty | Possibly 0% | Only with valid C/O and applicable FTA tariff | Do not assume preference if C/O form, origin criterion, description or HS is inconsistent. |
| C/O checkpoint | How to review | Common risk | Pre-ETA control |
|---|---|---|---|
| C/O form | Match the agreement and exporting country | Wrong form or inapplicable agreement | Ask for draft C/O before cargo arrival. |
| Description | Should show Bluetooth module, model, brand, quantity and origin | Generic wording such as “electronic parts” | Unify wording across Invoice, Packing List and C/O. |
| HS code | Compare C/O HS with Vietnam declaration HS | Different 6/8-digit HS or vague description | Prepare function explanation and catalogue. |
| Origin criterion | Check WO, PE, RVC, CTH/CTSH or product-specific rules | Incorrect origin criterion or missing transit proof | Confirm origin criterion with supplier before issuance. |
APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES
| Goods scenario | Possible policy | Documents to check | Authority / portal if identifiable | Recommended timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth module 2.4 GHz | ICT Group-2 review; conformity certification/declaration if HS and description are listed | Datasheet, RF specification, test report, frequency, power, antenna | Sector authority / designated testing and certification bodies; online portals if available | Before ETA, ideally before PO confirmation | Do not conclude exemption without model and technical parameters. |
| Wi‑Fi + Bluetooth combo module | Additional QCVN review for Wi‑Fi 2.4/5/6 GHz may arise | Combo datasheet, IEEE 802.11 standards, bands, EIRP | Designated testing/certification body | Before order placement | Multiple wireless technologies may require multiple test reports. |
| Security/encryption functions | Civil cryptography or cybersecurity review if functions fall under controlled lists | Security datasheet, encryption features, firmware, user manual | Relevant sector authority | Before booking | Standard Bluetooth protocol encryption is not automatically a civil cryptography product, but must be reviewed case by case. |
| Battery/adapter/demo kit included | Battery, adapter, labeling or electrical safety policies may arise | Packing list, product photos, accessory specifications | Customs/sector authority | Before ETA | Accessories may need separate HS lines. |
| Used/refurbished goods | Review used ICT goods prohibitions/restrictions | Invoice, serial photos, brand-new declaration | Customs/sector authority | Before purchase | High risk if goods cannot be proven brand-new. |
| Samples/warranty/project/EPE/FDI | Policy depends on import purpose and customs regime | Contract/PO, project documents, purpose of use | Managing customs office / sector authority | Before ETA | Do not automatically apply trading-goods procedure. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document name/number | Issuing body | Effective timing | Role | Key point | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Customs Law 2014 | National Assembly | Check current validity | Customs declaration, inspection and supervision | Customs operations | General basis for import procedures. |
| Law | Law on Product and Goods Quality 2007; Law on Standards and Technical Regulations 2006 | National Assembly | Check amendments | Basis for Group-2 goods, conformity certification/declaration | Implementing documents | Applicable if the module is subject to quality control. |
| Circular | Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN | Ministry of Science and Technology | Issued 13 Nov 2025; effective 31 Dec 2025 | ICT and telecommunications Group-2 goods list | Articles 1, 3, 4; Appendices I/II | Applies only when both HS code and product description match the list. |
| QCVN | QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT and other QCVNs depending on wireless technology | Sector ministry | Depends on frequency, power and technology | Technical basis for testing/conformity | Scope of each QCVN | Do not assign QCVNs without datasheet. |
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP | Government | Effective from 15 Jul 2023; check amendments | MFN import tariff | Chapter 85, heading 8517 | Check at declaration date. |
| Ordinary tariff | Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg | Prime Minister | Effective from 15 Jul 2023 | Ordinary import duty | Ordinary tariff appendix | Used when MFN/FTA is not applicable. |
| VAT | VAT Law 2024 | National Assembly | Effective from 01 Jul 2025 | Import VAT basis | 10% standard rate where not 0% or 5% | Check implementing guidance. |
| Labeling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Check current validity | Original label and Vietnamese supplemental label | Mandatory label information | Check product name, model, origin and responsible entity. |
| Civil cryptography / cybersecurity | Decree 58/2016/ND-CP and relevant sector documents | Government / sector authorities | Review by actual function | Permit review if encryption/security functions are controlled | Controlled product list if applicable | Only conclude after reviewing security datasheet. |
| Used ICT goods | Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT and related documents | Ministry of Information and Communications | Check current validity | Used ICT import restriction/prohibition review | Used ICT goods list | Important for refurbished/used goods. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should search by document number on official legal portals, the Government portal or the issuing authority’s website. Do not rely only on screenshots or tariff tables without update dates.
Enterprises should cross-check on official legal portals or the issuing authority’s website before application.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET
Commercial documents
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, Sales Contract/Purchase Order if available, C/O for duty preference, catalogue/datasheet, product photos, original label, model/serial list.
Specialized documents if triggered
Quality inspection registration, conformity certificate, declaration of conformity, test report, technical documents, labeling file and civil cryptography/cybersecurity file if controlled functions are present.
| Document group | Required document | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO | Declaration, value, quantity and origin | Importer, shipper, purchasing | Wrong model, missing brand/origin | Compare each line with datasheet and label. |
| Transport | B/L or AWB, arrival notice, pre-alert | D/O, manifest and ETA follow-up | Forwarder, agent, carrier/airline | Wrong consignee, packages or weight | Lock transport data before ETA. |
| Technical | Catalogue, datasheet, RF specification, user manual, model list | HS and policy classification | Manufacturer, supplier, compliance | Missing frequency, power, antenna or Bluetooth version | Request official datasheet for exact model. |
| Conformity / quality | Test report, conformity certificate/declaration if applicable | Specialized inspection / circulation | Importer, testing/certification body | Report not matching model or frequency | Compare model, hardware and firmware if available. |
| Duty / C/O | C/O, tariff reference, origin explanation if needed | Special preferential duty | Shipper, importer, docs | Wrong form, HS or origin criterion | Check draft C/O before departure/arrival. |
DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question to answer | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS basis | Is it a complete transceiver module, an IC or a part? | Datasheet, photos, model list | HS query, channel change, reassessment | Prepare function-based HS explanation. |
| ICT Group-2 status | Do HS and description match the controlled list? | Circular 29/2025, datasheet, test report | Specialized inspection hold | Review before ETA. |
| Radio import permit | Is it a component or an independently operating radio transceiver? | Catalogue, user manual, accessories | Permit/explanation request | Check model against permit list. |
| C/O validity | Are form, origin criterion, description, HS and invoice correct? | Draft C/O, Invoice, Packing List | Preference denied | Review draft C/O before ETA. |
| Labeling | Does label show model, origin and manufacturer/importer information? | Label photos, packing photos | Supplemental labeling request | Prepare Vietnamese label before circulation. |
| Goods condition | Brand-new, refurbished or used? | Invoice, serial photos, declaration | Used ICT goods risk | Lock brand-new condition in PO/contract. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Step 1: Pre-ETA review
Lock HS, ICT Group-2 policy, permit if any, duties, C/O, labeling and goods condition.
Step 2: Freeze documents and technical files
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, model list, label photos and RF specification.
Step 3: Register specialized procedures if triggered
Prepare quality inspection, conformity certification/declaration, test report or permit documents based on actual model.
Step 4: Lodge customs declaration
Describe the product by function; prepare explanation for HS, value, model, C/O and specialized policy.
Step 5: Clear and deliver cargo
Monitor clearance, move cargo to warehouse, check supplemental labels and keep specialized results.
Step 6: Post-clearance file retention
Archive HS, C/O, test report, conformity and technical evidence for audit readiness.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA control | Document to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic product name | Wrong HS and policy query | State Bluetooth module, model, Bluetooth version, frequency and function | Invoice, Packing List, datasheet |
| Missing RF datasheet | Unable to determine QCVN and conformity scope | Request official datasheet before booking | Datasheet, RF specification |
| Incorrect C/O form or description | FTA preference denied | Review draft C/O before issuance | C/O draft, Invoice, Packing List |
| Model mismatch | Specialized file/test report mismatch | Freeze model list before ETA | Model list, label, catalogue |
| Used/refurbished not reviewed | Used ICT goods policy risk | Require brand-new declaration and serial photos | Contract, Invoice, packing photos |
| Accessories not separated | Wrong HS or extra policies | Separate accessories where necessary | Packing List, accessory specs |
FAQ
| Question | Brief answer |
|---|---|
| Does importing a Bluetooth module require an import permit? | It depends on model, function and whether the module is treated as an independently operating radio transceiver. Review the actual file. |
| Is quality inspection/conformity required? | It may be required if HS and product description fall under the ICT Group-2 list. Check Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN and applicable QCVNs. |
| Is HS 8517.62.59 always correct? | No. It is a reference for certain wireless data transceiver modules; ICs, spare parts, kits or finished devices may differ. |
| Is Vietnamese supplemental labeling required? | If the goods are circulated in Vietnam, labeling requirements should be reviewed. Label data must match model and origin. |
| Can C/O reduce import duty? | Possibly, if the FTA tariff provides a preference and the C/O is valid in form, origin criterion, description and transport route. |
| Are samples or warranty goods treated like commercial goods? | Not automatically. Samples/warranty/project/EPE/FDI imports require separate customs regime and policy review. |
| What if Invoice model differs from datasheet? | Ask the supplier to correct documents or issue an official model matching statement before declaration. |
RELATED ARTICLES
ICT Quality Inspection
Group-2 goods, conformity certification and declaration of conformity.
TGIMEX EXECUTION SUPPORT
This article provides a map of HS code, duty, documentation and specialized policy for Bluetooth module. In real shipments, each enterprise still needs a model-based review of catalogue, datasheet, documents, origin, accessories and import purpose.
With an agency network in more than 60 countries, WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA memberships, and capabilities in ocean freight, air freight, road/rail transport, customs clearance, C/O, import permits, warehousing and domestic delivery, TGIMEX can help control compliance risk from the preparation stage.
Pre-ETA review
HS, specialized policy, C/O, duty, labeling, catalogue, datasheet and model check.
Compliance file control
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, test reports, labels and technical documents.
International logistics
Coordinate agents, carriers and airlines, follow ETA, pre-alerts and transport documents.
Customs & post-clearance
Prepare declaration, handle Green/Yellow/Red channels and retain post-clearance evidence.
Recommendation: For shipments likely to involve specialized inspection, permits, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until arrival to start compliance review. Small inconsistencies between Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, datasheet, C/O or labels may delay clearance and create unplanned storage costs.
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