Bridge cranes are high-risk lifting equipment from both customs-classification and occupational-safety perspectives. If the HS code is selected incorrectly, technical documents are incomplete, new/used status is unclear, or the control device is not reviewed, the shipment may be routed for document/physical inspection, customs may request catalogue clarification, DEM/DET may arise, and factory installation may be delayed. This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) control map before ETA: HS code, import duty, VAT, C/O, specialized policy, customs documents, clearance workflow and pre-arrival risk points.

Main HS8426.19.20

Indicative MFN0%

Standard VAT10%

Policy groupSection II Group 2

QUICK FACTS

Item	Review orientation	Items to close before ETA
Product	Bridge crane for factory/warehouse use, usually including main girder, end carriage, hoist/trolley, rail system, electrical cabinet, control device and synchronized accessories if imported together.	Catalogue, installation drawing, lifting capacity, span, lifting height, control type and new/used status.
Indicative HS	8426.19.20 for bridge cranes; review 8426.11.00 if the document describes an overhead travelling crane on fixed support.	Do not finalize HS by trade name only. Check structure, travelling mechanism, drawings and classification rules.
Import duty	8426.19.20: MFN 0%, ordinary duty 5%. 8426.11.00: MFN 5%, ordinary duty 7.5%.	Finalize against the tariff in force on the customs declaration date; separate parts may have different HS/duty.
VAT	Standard VAT 10%; review 8% only if the temporary VAT reduction policy applies and the goods are not excluded.	Check HS, goods nature, exclusion appendices and customs tax guidance at import time.
C/O	Preferential C/O may reduce special preferential import duty to 0% if FTA rules are met. Where MFN is already 0%, C/O still matters for origin records and HS-change risk.	Check form, origin criterion, description, HS code, quantity, weight and direct-transport documents.
Specialized policy	Bridge cranes are lifting equipment with potential safety risk. Review Circular 01/2021/TT-BLDTBXH, QCVN 30:2016/BLDTBXH and safety documents before use.	Do not stop at import clearance; prepare installation, technical safety inspection and operating documents.

Legal note This article is for operational reference. The importer must review the catalogue, datasheet, technical drawings, model, synchronized accessories, new/used status and actual import purpose before finalizing HS code or specialized policy.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

This article applies only to bridge cranes. It does not automatically apply to tower cranes, gantry cranes, electric hoists, electric winches, lift tables, lifting platforms or other lifting equipment even if they are in the same website category.

Applicable when

The bridge crane is imported for installation in a factory, warehouse or production line.
The equipment includes girders, hoist/trolley, drive system, electrical cabinet and control device as a synchronized set.
The goods are imported as a complete unit or disassembled but with sufficient basis to be classified as a complete article.
The shipment is for trading, FDI/EPE project use or internal factory use.

Not automatically applicable when

The goods are a gantry crane, tower crane, mobile crane, forklift, lifting platform or separate hoist.
The shipment consists of parts only: motor, gearbox, electrical cabinet, steel girder, rail, cable, remote control or hook.
The crane has wireless control, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G or encryption/security modules requiring separate review.
Final treatment must be reviewed according to catalogue, datasheet, model and actual import purpose.

CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

The decisive factor is not the commercial name but the structure and travelling mechanism. A shipment may be treated as a complete bridge crane, an overhead travelling crane on fixed support, or separate parts if imported in pieces without sufficient evidence of a complete set.

Criteria to check	Documents to cross-check	Risk if misdescribed	Suggested description on documents/declaration
Crane type	Catalogue, GA drawing, installation drawing, product photos.	Confusion between 8426.19.20 and 8426.11.00.	“Single/double girder bridge crane, lifting capacity … tons, span … m, brand-new 100%”.
Safe working load	Nameplate, test certificate, manual, drawing.	Insufficient basis for safety review or customs explanation.	State “Safe Working Load/SWL: … tons”.
Travelling mechanism	Rail layout, wheel block, end carriage, runway beam.	May be confused with gantry crane or mobile crane.	Describe rail-mounted movement inside factory if supported by documents.
Control system	Manual, electrical diagram, remote frequency and cabinet specs.	Wireless remote may trigger additional ICT/radio review.	Separate “wired pendant control” or “wireless remote at frequency…”.
Accessories and parts	Packing List, parts list, drawings.	Motor, control cabinet, rails or remote control may require separate classification.	Separate main machine, synchronized accessories and spare parts.
Condition	Contract, invoice, inspection certificate, manufacturing year, photos.	Used machinery may trigger Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg.	State “brand-new 100%” or “used, manufacturing year …”.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O

Bridge-crane HS should not be finalized by the term “overhead crane/bridge crane” alone. Review technical structure, travelling mechanism, complete/disassembled status and classification rules. If the goods arrive in several shipments, check whether complete/disassembled article rules can be supported.

Indicative HS code table

Indicative HS	Application conditions	Risk if wrongly applied	Documents to review
8426.19.20	Bridge crane classified under “other”, where technical documents support bridge-crane nature.	If the goods are an overhead travelling crane on fixed support, customs may consider 8426.11.00.	Catalogue, GA drawing, installation photo, travelling mechanism description.
8426.11.00	Overhead travelling crane on fixed support.	Different MFN rate from 8426.19.20; wrong classification changes duty.	Fixed-support rail drawing, manual, classification correspondence if available.
8426.19.90	Other equipment in the same subheading not properly described as bridge/gantry crane.	Using it as a “fallback” code without evidence may be rejected.	Catalogue and explanation why it is not the specific bridge-crane line.
8431.49.90 or relevant parts code	Parts for heading 8426 equipment imported separately and proven as parts.	Motors, electrical cabinets, steel rails, cables or remote controls may have their own HS.	Parts list, drawings, separated invoice lines, main-crane catalogue.
8501 / 8537 / 8526	Motor, electrical control cabinet or radio remote control imported separately or having its own identity.	May have different duty/policy, especially for radio devices.	Electrical datasheet, wiring diagram, transmission frequency and power.

Indicative duty table by HS scenario

Classification scenario	Indicative MFN	Ordinary import duty	VAT	Special preferential C/O	Operational note
8426.19.20 – bridge crane	0%	5%	10%; review 8% if VAT reduction applies	May be 0% under many FTAs if C/O is valid	Main code for bridge cranes; confirm by drawings and technical description.
8426.11.00 – overhead travelling crane on fixed support	5%	7.5%	10%; review 8% if eligible	Valid C/O may reduce duty to 0% depending on FTA and origin criteria	Duty difference versus 8426.19.20 must be controlled carefully.
8426.19.90 – other in same subheading	0%	5%	10% or 8% if eligible	Apply the relevant FTA schedule if C/O is valid	Use only with technical basis.
Parts, motor, electrical cabinet, remote, rails/girders	Check actual HS	Check actual HS	Usually 10%; review reduction if applicable	Apply by each HS and origin rule	Do not apply bridge-crane duty to separate parts with their own identity.

C/O control point C/O must have correct form, origin criterion, goods description, HS consistency, quantity/weight match, direct transport evidence and proper third-party invoice declaration if any.

APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED MANAGEMENT POLICY

Goods scenario	Possible policy	Documents to check	Authority/portal if identifiable	Recommended timing	Risk note
New bridge crane imported complete or as synchronized disassembled set	Customs documents, HS classification, labeling; review Circular 01/2021/TT-BLDTBXH and QCVN 30:2016/BLDTBXH.	Catalogue, drawings, nameplate, quality certificate, operation manual.	Customs; technical safety inspection body before use.	Before ETA and before installation.	The crane has safety risks; clearance is not the end of compliance.
Goods falling under Section II of Circular 01/2021	Review whether it is Group 2 goods not subject to state quality inspection at import.	HS, goods description, applicable QCVN and supporting documents.	Customs/specialized authority if clarification is requested.	Before declaration.	This does not remove safety inspection/operation obligations after import.
Crane with wireless remote control	May require radio/SRD or ICT review if the remote is separately managed.	Remote datasheet, frequency, output power, module model, label.	Ministry of Information and Communications / relevant portal if applicable.	Before ETA.	Generic “remote control” description may be insufficient.
Used/refurbished bridge crane	Review Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg and Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg.	Manufacturing year, inspection certificate, condition, safety standards, use purpose.	Customs; accredited inspection body if needed.	Before contract signing and before ETA.	High risk if manufacturing year or safety condition is unclear.
Project / FDI / EPE import	Customs regime, possible tax exemption, project asset management and internal-use conditions.	Contract, PO, machinery list, investment certificate if relevant, exemption dossier if any.	Customs and investment/industrial-zone authority if relevant.	Before booking and declaration.	Wrong import type may affect tax liability and post-clearance audit.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Name/number	Issuing authority	Effective timing	Role	Key points	Review note
Tariff	Decree 26/2023/ND-CP	Government	Effective 15/07/2023	MFN import tariff schedule.	Appendix II, heading 84.26.	Check at declaration date.
Ordinary duty	Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg	Prime Minister	Effective 15/07/2023	Ordinary import duty where MFN/FTA is not applied.	Ordinary tariff schedule; 150% rule if code not listed.	Do not confuse with MFN.
Product quality	Law 05/2007/QH12 as amended by Law 78/2025/QH15; Decree 37/2026/ND-CP	National Assembly/Government	Amendment effective 01/01/2026; Decree effective 23/01/2026	Quality management and risk-based inspection framework.	Review applicable provisions by product risk.	Apply according to actual dossier.
Group 2 goods	Circular 01/2021/TT-BLDTBXH	Ministry of Labour	Effective 18/07/2021	List of potentially unsafe goods under labour authority.	Section I/II and crane lines.	Check exact HS and description.
Technical regulation	QCVN 30:2016/BLDTBXH; QCVN 7:2012/BLDTBXH	Ministry of Labour	According to each issuing document	Occupational safety and inspection requirements.	Circular 52/2016/TT-BLDTBXH issued QCVN 30.	Important for installation and operation.
Used machinery	Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg; Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg	Prime Minister	15/06/2019 and 01/03/2023	Conditions for importing used machinery/equipment.	Age, inspection dossier, safety/environment requirements.	Only if goods are not brand-new.
Labeling	Decree 43/2017/ND-CP; Decree 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	01/06/2017; 15/02/2022	Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label.	Mandatory label contents.	Check nameplate and technical label.
VAT	Decree 174/2025/ND-CP	Government	Effective 01/07/2025	VAT reduction policy under Resolution 204/2025/QH15.	Exclusion appendices and applicable period.	Check before VAT declaration.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Businesses may search legal documents by number on official government portals or issuing authority websites. Businesses should further verify on official legal document portals or the issuing authority website before applying.

Decree 26/2023/NĐ-CP
Decision 15/2023/QĐ-TTg
Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH
QCVN 30:2016/BLĐTBXH
Decision 18/2019/QĐ-TTg

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List separating main equipment, accessories and spare parts.
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
C/O if claiming preferential duty or retaining origin proof.
Catalogue, datasheet, technical drawing, model list and product photos.

Technical / safety documents

Nameplate, manual, load chart or lifting capacity information.
Quality certificate, test certificate or manufacturer inspection certificate.
Wireless remote dossier if applicable.
Inspection certificate if used machinery.
Technical safety inspection dossier after installation before operation.

Document group	Required documents	Used for	Prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial	Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO	Value, quantity and goods description	Importer, supplier, logistics provider	Vague description such as “crane parts”	Match model, quantity, weight and Incoterms
Transport	B/L/AWB, arrival notice, packing photos	D/O, customs declaration and cargo release	Forwarder/carrier	Missing oversized/heavy cargo details	Check dimension, gross weight and OOG status
Technical	Catalogue, datasheet, drawing, manual	HS classification and customs explanation	Supplier and engineering team	No drawing showing crane structure	Request GA drawing and actual photos
Safety	QCVN/TCVN, test certificate, inspection plan	Group 2 and post-installation inspection	Importer, factory, inspection body	Focus only on clearance, forget operation compliance	Prepare safety checklist before installation
Origin	C/O, transport document, third-party invoice if any	Preferential duty and post-clearance file	Exporter/importer	C/O mismatch in HS or description	Cross-check C/O against invoice, packing list and B/L

Document matching rule Goods name, model, lifting capacity, quantity, serial, origin and specifications must match 100% across commercial documents, catalogue, labels, specialized documents and customs declaration.

DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT

Decision point	Question to answer	Evidence	Consequence if unclear	Recommended handling
HS	Is it 8426.19.20 or 8426.11.00?	Catalogue, drawing, installation photos	Wrong duty and classification dispute	Close technical description before booking
Condition	Brand-new 100% or used?	Invoice, certificate, photos, manufacturing year	Used-machinery dossier may be missing	Reject vague “refurbished/used” documents
Remote/cabinet	Any wireless device or separate cabinet?	Datasheet, frequency, electrical diagram	Separate policy or HS may arise	Separate accessory lines clearly
Complete/disassembled	Does the shipment support complete-crane classification?	Contract, packing list, assembly drawing	Parts may be classified separately	Prepare evidence of synchronized set
C/O	Does C/O match HS/description/origin?	C/O, invoice, B/L, packing list	Preferential treatment denied	Review C/O draft before issuance
Label and safety inspection	Are nameplate and safety records ready?	Nameplate, manual, QCVN, inspection plan	Clearance done but operation delayed	Prepare inspection plan from ordering stage

PRACTICAL E2E PROCEDURE

Step 1: Pre-ETA review

Pre-close HS: 8426.19.20 or 8426.11.00.
Review MFN, ordinary duty, VAT and C/O.
Check new/used status, wireless remote and separate parts.

Step 2: Lock documents

Finalize Invoice, Packing List and B/L/AWB.
Lock catalogue, drawing, lifting capacity, span and lifting height.
Match model, serial, packages and gross weight.

Step 3: Specialized policy review

Check Circular 01/2021/TT-BLDTBXH.
Prepare QCVN 30:2016/BLDTBXH documents for operation stage.
Review Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg if used.

Step 4: Customs declaration

Green channel: monitor clearance conditions.
Yellow channel: explain HS, value, C/O and catalogue.
Red channel: prepare physical inspection by package, serial and nameplate.

Step 5: Clearance and delivery

Release cargo, deliver to warehouse/site and check package condition.
Control OOG/heavy cargo if applicable.
Archive documents for post-clearance audit.

Step 6: Post-clearance compliance

Review Vietnamese supplementary label/nameplate if circulated.
Arrange technical safety inspection before operation.
Archive import, C/O, catalogue and inspection files.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Risk	Consequence	How to block before ETA	Documents to check
Confusing 8426.19.20 and 8426.11.00	Wrong duty and classification challenge	Lock drawings, structure and technical description	Catalogue, GA drawing, manual
Overly generic goods description	Insufficient basis for declaration	Request lifting capacity, girder type, span and model	Invoice, Packing List
C/O form or description error	Preferential treatment denied	Review C/O draft before issuance	C/O, invoice, B/L
Used status not disclosed	Missing Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg dossier	Check manufacturing year, photos and inspection certificate	Certificate, photos, inspection report
Remote/cabinet not separated	Wrong HS or missing specialized policy	Separate accessories with independent nature	Remote datasheet, electrical diagram
No safety plan after installation	Clearance done but operation delayed	Plan inspection before arrival	QCVN, manual, inspection checklist

FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS

1. Does importing a bridge crane require an import permit?

Do not conclude absolutely. For ordinary bridge cranes, key points are HS, duty, labeling, Group 2 review and safety files; wireless controls, used machinery or special features require separate review.

2. Is state quality inspection required at import?

Review Circular 01/2021/TT-BLDTBXH. Bridge/gantry crane lines are in Section II, so they are generally not subject to state quality inspection at import; QCVN 7:2012, QCVN 30:2016 and pre-use safety inspection still apply.

3. Is 8426.19.20 always correct?

No. If the technical dossier shows an overhead travelling crane on fixed support, 8426.11.00 may need to be reviewed.

4. Can C/O reduce import duty?

Yes if valid under the relevant FTA. If 8426.19.20 already has MFN 0%, C/O may mainly serve origin proof and HS-change risk control.

5. Can disassembled shipments be declared as a complete crane?

Possibly, if the synchronized/complete nature is sufficiently documented. Otherwise parts may be classified separately.

6. What is required for used bridge cranes?

Review Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg, Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg, manufacturing year, condition, inspection certificate and safety standards.

7. What risk does a wireless remote create?

If it transmits radio signals, frequency, output power, model and possible ICT/radio policy must be checked.

8. What is required after clearance?

Installation, technical safety inspection, operation/maintenance records and import-file retention should be arranged before use.

EXECUTION SOLUTION FROM TGIMEX

This article provides a map of HS code, duty, C/O, documents and specialized policy for bridge cranes. In practice, importers still need to review catalogue, datasheet, technical drawings, model, documents, origin, new/used status and actual import purpose.

Pre-ETA review

HS, duty, VAT, C/O.
Group 2 and safety documents.
Remote, cabinet and separate accessories.

Compliance file control

Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB.
Catalogue, drawings, nameplate.
C/O, certificates and used-machinery files if any.

Logistics execution

International freight and ETA monitoring.
Customs declaration and channel handling.
Domestic delivery and post-clearance file retention.

For shipments that may involve specialized inspection, C/O, labeling or technical safety requirements, businesses should not wait until cargo arrival to begin document review. Even a small mismatch among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, technical drawings, C/O or labels may result in document supplementation, delayed clearance or unplanned storage costs.

TGIMEX supports importers in setting up an E2E import plan: pre-ETA policy review, document checking, international freight coordination, customs declaration, clearance handling, domestic delivery and post-clearance file retention.

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