NFC (Near Field Communication) is usually a short-range wireless data transmission and reception module. If it is described merely as an “electronic module” or “component”, the shipment may face HS misclassification, unclear SRD policy treatment, missing technical files, C/O rejection or additional customs queries. This guide provides an end-to-end map for reviewing HS code, duties, specialized management, documents and pre-ETA risks for one product only: NFC.

QUICK FACT

Review item	NFC orientation	Operational note
Recommended goods description	NFC module used for short-range wireless data exchange	Avoid generic descriptions such as “electronic module” when the goods have a radio function.
Suggested HS code	8517.62.59 for an NFC data transmission/reception module, subject to actual construction	NFC tags, smart cards, bare ICs or finished host devices must be classified separately.
Suggested duties	Ordinary import duty 5%; MFN duty 0%; VAT 10%; FTA duty may be 0% with valid origin proof	Check the applicable tariff schedule and origin documents at the customs declaration date.
Specialized policy	May fall under short-range radio equipment and ICT Group 2 management	Review Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN, QCVN 55:2023/BTTTT and technical files.
Key technical files	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, test report, label photos, model list, frequency/power/antenna data	Missing radio parameters may delay quality inspection or conformity assessment.

Legal note: This guide applies only to NFC under the category Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, Zigbee, NFC, SRD module. It must not be automatically applied to Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth modules, Zigbee modules, RFID tags, smart cards, bare NFC ICs or host devices with integrated NFC. Review the actual catalogue, datasheet, model and import purpose before filing.

Illustration for Import Procedure Guide for NFC — Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Applicable goods

NFC modules with short-range wireless data transmission/reception, commonly around 13.56 MHz.
PCB/board modules, SMD modules, modules with chip and integrated antenna or antenna connector.
Modules imported for assembly into POS devices, readers, smart locks, scanners, IoT devices, industrial equipment or control boards.

Not automatically covered

NFC cards, NFC labels, RFID tags, smart cards or passive data carriers.
Bare NFC ICs, semiconductor chips, separate antennas, blank PCBs or loose electronic components.
Finished devices with NFC such as phones, POS terminals, readers, access-control devices or barcode scanners.

CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

NFC modules should be identified by their core function of short-range wireless data exchange, not merely by their appearance as a circuit board. The importer should confirm the NFC technology, frequency, output power, antenna type, interface with the host device, assembly purpose, security/encryption functions, goods condition and accompanying accessories.

Technical criterion	Documents to compare	Risk of wrong description	Suggested declaration wording
Technology and frequency	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual	SRD/NFC policy may be missed	NFC module for short-range wireless data transmission/reception, 13.56 MHz, model…, brand…, new 100%.
Physical form	Product photos, BOM, datasheet	Confusion between a finished module, a bare IC or a passive tag	NFC module in board/PCB/SMD form, with chip and integrated antenna or antenna connector.
Output power and antenna	Test report, technical specification	Wrong QCVN scope or insufficient data for conformity review	State output power, antenna type and NFC standard where available.
Import purpose	Contract, PO, project description	Commercial, manufacturing, sample or warranty imports may differ	Used for assembly into…, not a finished device if this matches the facts.
Goods condition	Invoice, contract, label photos, serial/model list	Used/refurbished ICT goods may trigger separate policy review	State new 100% or the actual condition clearly.

HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O

For an NFC module that receives and transmits wireless data, HS classification is generally reviewed under data transmission/reception equipment. Final classification depends on the actual form: finished module, loose component, semiconductor IC, smart card/tag or host device with integrated NFC.

Suggested HS code	Applicable condition	Risk if misapplied	Documents to compare
8517.62.59	NFC module capable of wireless data reception/conversion/transmission, supplied as a module for device or PCB assembly	Wrong duties, wrong Group 2 policy treatment or classification query	Catalogue, datasheet, product photos, data transmission function, frequency, output power and antenna structure.
8523.52.00 or other heading to be reviewed	Possible only for smart cards, NFC cards/tags or data carriers	Module code may not match the nature of passive tags/cards	Sample, active/passive structure and data-storage function.
8542 or component headings to be reviewed	Possible only for bare NFC ICs or chips, not a complete module	Classifying an IC as a module may be incorrect	BOM, chip datasheet, packaging photos and independent function assessment.

Duty item	Suggested rate	Applicable condition	Control note
Ordinary import duty	5%	Where MFN/FTA treatment is not available or another tariff rule applies	Check the tariff schedule effective on the declaration date.
MFN import duty	0%	Where the goods satisfy MFN tariff conditions	Confirm HS 8517.62.59 and declared origin.
VAT	10%	For electronics/telecom goods under the current VAT policy	Recheck any VAT reduction policy at the import date.
Special preferential FTA duty	May be 0%	Only with valid C/O or origin proof, correct form, origin criterion, description and HS code	Incorrect C/O form, HS code or description may lead to rejection of preference.

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Goods situation	Potential policy	Files to review	Authority/portal if identified	Recommended timing	Risk note
NFC module with radio transmission/reception	ICT Group 2 review; quality inspection, certification and declaration of conformity may apply	Catalogue, datasheet, test report, QCVN, model list	Telecommunications authority / relevant public service portal	Before ETA, preferably before shipping	Do not conclude exemption without matching both HS code and product description.
NFC module around 13.56 MHz	Review QCVN 55:2023/BTTTT for SRD/NFC and inductive loop systems	Frequency, output power, antenna, bandwidth, NFC standard	Designated testing/certification body; telecommunications authority	Before ETA or before first commercial import	Invalid or missing test reports may delay conformity assessment.
Module with encryption/security features	Civil cryptography or cybersecurity policy may need review if the function goes beyond ordinary NFC communication	Security datasheet, encryption features, secure element, firmware	Relevant specialized authority if applicable	Before purchase contract	Do not apply cryptography policy where the product is ordinary NFC, but review actual functions.
Module with battery/adapter/charger	Battery, electrical safety or dangerous goods transport rules may apply	MSDS, UN38.3, battery/adapter specifications, packing instructions	Carrier, airline/shipping line and competent authority if applicable	Before booking	Standalone modules usually have no battery; development kits must be reviewed separately.
Used/refurbished goods	Used ICT goods import policy review	Invoice, contract, condition, year of manufacture, import purpose	Customs and relevant authority	Before purchase	Do not use new-goods documents for refurbished goods.
Sample/R&D/EPE/FDI imports	Policy may vary by import purpose, customs regime and exemption rules	PO, import purpose, project documents, production plan	Customs and relevant authority	Before ETA	Goods name, model, quantity and use purpose must be consistent.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Effective date / application timing	Role in the procedure	Relevant point	Review note
ICT specialized circular	Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN	Ministry of Science and Technology	Effective 31 Dec 2025	Group 2 ICT/telecom goods list and basis for quality/conformity management	Appendices by HS code and product description	Match both HS code and description.
Technical regulation	Circular 17/2023/TT-BTTTT; QCVN 55:2023/BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Effective from 1 Jul 2024	Technical regulation for SRD and inductive loop equipment, including NFC	Scope and Appendix J if applicable	Critical for 13.56 MHz NFC.
Product quality decree	Decree 37/2026/ND-CP	Government	Effective 23 Jan 2026	Quality management, inspection and risk-based control framework	Relevant import quality inspection provisions	Use for Group 2 quality filing.
Used ICT goods	Circular 26/2025/TT-BKHCN	Ministry of Science and Technology	Effective 31 Oct 2025	Review used/refurbished ICT goods	List and special import conditions	Only when goods are not new 100%.
Goods labeling	Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, Decree 111/2021/ND-CP and amendments if any	Government	Check current validity at circulation date	Original label, Vietnamese supplementary label, origin, model and responsible party	Labeling provisions for imported goods	Prepare label photos before ETA.
Import tariff	Current import tariff schedule by HS code	Ministry of Finance / Government	At declaration date	Determine ordinary duty, MFN duty, VAT and FTA rate	HS 8517.62.59 or another final HS	Do not use outdated duty rates.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL TEXTS

Enter the document number on official legal databases, the Government portal or the issuing authority’s website. Enterprises should cross-check the document on the legal database or the issuing authority’s website before application.

Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN Decree 37/2026/ND-CP ICT QCVN list

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill.
Sales Contract or Purchase Order if available.
C/O if preferential duty is claimed.
Catalogue, datasheet, product photos, label photos and model list.

Specialized files if applicable

State quality inspection registration.
Certificate/declaration of conformity.
Test report under the applicable QCVN.
Technical files on frequency, power, antenna and NFC standard.
Labeling dossier and Vietnamese supplementary label.
Battery/adapter/DG files if included in a development kit.

File group	Required documents	Used for	Usually prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial documents	Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, contract/PO	Declaration, value, quantity and trade terms	Importer, shipper, forwarder	Generic goods name, model mismatch, inconsistent quantity	Cross-check every model and quantity with catalogue and packing list.
Technical documents	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, photos, labels	HS, specialized policy and QCVN assessment	Manufacturer, buyer, compliance	Missing frequency/power/antenna data	Request technical datasheet before booking.
Conformity/quality files	Quality inspection registration, certificate/declaration of conformity, test report	Clearance and market circulation if listed	Importer, certification/testing body, compliance	Test report not matching model or QCVN	Lock model list and consult testing body in advance.
Origin files	C/O, through transport document, third-party invoice if any	FTA duty preference	Shipper, exporter, importer	Wrong form, origin criterion, description or HS	Review draft C/O before official issuance.
Labeling files	Original label, supplementary label, responsible party information	Clearance/market circulation	Importer, supplier, warehouse	Missing model, origin, specification or responsible party	Obtain original label photos before ETA.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point	Question to answer	Proof documents	Consequence if unclear	Recommended handling
HS code	Is 8517.62.59 sufficiently supported for the NFC module?	Datasheet, module photos, function description	Reclassification query or duty/policy correction	Prepare classification memo before declaration.
Group 2 policy	Is the product SRD/NFC subject to conformity control?	Circular 29, QCVN 55, frequency/power data	Delayed clearance or circulation restriction	Review with conformity service provider before ETA.
Model consistency	Does invoice model match datasheet and label?	Invoice, packing list, model list, label	Customs query or channel escalation	Freeze model list before invoice issuance.
C/O	Is the C/O form, origin criterion, description and HS code correct?	Draft C/O, invoice, bill, packing list	FTA preference may be denied	Check draft C/O line by line.
Goods condition	New, used or refurbished?	Invoice, contract, product photos, serial	Used ICT policy risk	Review policy before purchasing used/refurbished goods.
Accessories	Any battery, dev kit, separate antenna, adapter or host device?	Packing list, BOM, package photos	Additional HS/policy may arise	Split and classify accessories if needed.

PRACTICAL END-TO-END PROCESS

Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS code, duties, C/O, label, goods condition and Group 2 ICT risk. For NFC, verify frequency, output power, antenna and applicable QCVN before arrival.

Lock documents and technical files

Compare Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, model list and original label. The goods description must be consistent across all files.

Specialized registration if applicable

Prepare quality inspection registration, test report, certificate/declaration of conformity under the relevant QCVN. Do not wait until arrival to request technical files.

Customs declaration

Green channel may clear subject to system conditions; Yellow channel checks documents; Red channel checks documents and physical goods. Likely query points are HS code, model, C/O, QCVN and NFC description.

Clearance, delivery and post-clearance filing

Deliver cargo to warehouse, complete supplementary label/CR mark if applicable, archive shipment files and prepare explanation files for post-clearance audit.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Risk	Consequence	Pre-ETA control	Documents to check
Generic goods description	Wrong HS code and policy treatment	State NFC module, wireless data function, model and frequency	Invoice, packing list, catalogue, datasheet.
Missing frequency/power/antenna data	Insufficient QCVN/conformity basis	Request complete technical datasheet	Datasheet, test report, user manual.
Model mismatch	Channel escalation and extended explanation	Freeze model list before shipping documents	Invoice, PL, label, model list.
Incorrect C/O	FTA preference denied	Check draft C/O form, criterion, HS and description	Draft C/O, invoice, bill.
Unclear new/used condition	Used ICT goods policy risk	State condition in contract and invoice	Contract, invoice, photos, serial.
Bundled accessories	Additional HS/policy risks	Separate antenna, dev kit, adapter, battery and cables if needed	Packing list, BOM, package photos.

FAQ

Does importing NFC require an import license?

Do not conclude from the goods name alone. Review HS code, product description, radio function, frequency, power and the ICT Group 2 list.

Does an NFC module require conformity assessment?

It may, if it falls within SRD/NFC technical regulations and Group 2 management. The conclusion depends on the actual technical dossier.

Can HS 8517.62.59 be used for every NFC product?

No. It is suitable for review for NFC data transmission/reception modules. NFC tags, smart cards, bare ICs or finished devices may fall elsewhere.

Can C/O reduce duty?

Yes, if it is valid, under the correct agreement, form, origin criterion, product description and HS code.

Are sample imports treated the same as commercial imports?

Not automatically. Samples must still be declared according to their nature, quantity, value and applicable specialized policy.

What if the invoice model differs from the datasheet?

Request corrected documents or a model confirmation letter before declaration. Do not leave the mismatch until arrival.

IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FROM TGIMEX

This guide outlines HS code, duties, documents and specialized policy for NFC. For an actual shipment, review must still be based on catalogue, datasheet, model, origin documents and import purpose.

Support scope

Pre-ETA review: HS code, specialized policy, C/O, duties and labeling.
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, test report and labels.
Coordinate international freight, pre-alert, ETA and clearance documents.

Operational risk control

Prepare customs declaration files and handle Green/Yellow/Red channels.
Support explanations on HS code, value, origin and specialized policy.
Archive shipment files and review supplementary labels/CR mark where applicable.

For shipments potentially subject to specialized inspection, origin documents or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to review files. Small discrepancies among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, datasheet, C/O or labels may cause additional document requests, delayed clearance or unexpected storage costs.

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