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Import procedure for cranes
For imported cranes, the risk is not simply the word “crane” on documents, but whether the shipment is correctly identified by crane type, rated lifting capacity, mobility mechanism, new/used status and whether it falls under quality inspection / Group 2 goods. Wrong description may lead to HS errors, missing QCVN dossiers, additional documents, denial of C/O preference, DEM/DET, storage costs and project delays. This article provides an E2E map for pre-ETA review: HS Code, duty, C/O, occupational safety policy, quality inspection, customs dossier, clearance process and decision points that may hold the shipment.
Quick Fact
| Item | Quick review content |
|---|---|
| Applicable product | Cranes used for lifting, lowering and moving cargo/heavy loads in factories, construction sites, yards, ports or projects; including tower cranes, portal/pedestal jib cranes (not automatically treated as gantry cranes), self-propelled cranes, truck-mounted cranes and other cranes depending on the actual technical structure. |
| Reference HS codes | Main codes to review: 8426.20.00, 8426.30.00, 8426.41.00, 8426.49.00, 8426.91.00, 8426.99.00. Related codes such as 8426.11.00, 8426.19.20/30/90 are used to compare overhead/gantry cranes and must not be applied automatically. |
| Reference MFN duty | 0% for 8426.20.00, 8426.41.00, 8426.49.00, 8426.91.00, 8426.99.00; 5% for 8426.30.00 and 8426.11.00. Ordinary duty is referenced at 150% of MFN where no separate rate applies. |
| VAT | Reference 10%; review possible 8% during 01/07/2025–31/12/2026 if eligible under the VAT reduction policy and not excluded by annexes. |
| Specialized policy | Cranes are strict occupational safety equipment under Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH. Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH lists, for cranes subject to import quality inspection, the HS codes 8426.11.00, 8426.12.00, 8426.19.20, 8426.19.30, 8426.19.90 and 8426.30.00; other crane codes such as 8426.20, 8426.41, 8426.49, 8426.91 and 8426.99 must still be reviewed by model, QCVN scope and actual use. |
| Sensitive technical documents | Catalogue, datasheet, drawings, lifting capacity, outreach, lifting height, travel/slewing mechanism, model, serial, year of manufacture, new/used status and certificates if any. |
| Category IDs | VI 2852 / EN 2920 / ZH 2922. |
This article applies to cranes only. It does not automatically apply to overhead cranes, gantry cranes, electric hoists, winches, lift tables, lifting platforms, complete special vehicles or personnel lifting equipment if the technical dossier differs. Review by catalogue, datasheet, model, serial, rated load, operating mechanism and actual import purpose.
Scope of application
Applicable to
- Tower cranes, portal/pedestal jib cranes, self-propelled cranes, truck-mounted cranes and other cranes used to lift heavy cargo.
- Brand-new, complete or dismantled equipment imported for installation at construction sites, factories or ports.
- Project cargo or fixed assets where the dossier confirms the crane nature.
Not automatically applicable to
- Overhead/gantry cranes, hoists, winches, lift tables and lifting platforms requiring separate product-specific review.
- Complete special-purpose vehicles with chassis/VIN.
- Personnel lifting equipment, synchronized lines, used machinery or equipment requiring separate registration/inspection.
Variants within lifting equipment may lead to different HS, QCVN and quality inspection treatment. If data is insufficient, review by catalogue, datasheet, model and actual import purpose.
Classification & goods identification
A generic “crane” description may cause HS, Group 2, used machinery, labelling and C/O errors. Separate crane type, lifting capacity, travel/slewing mechanism, installation condition and accessories.
| Criteria to check | Documents to compare | Risk if wrongly described | Suggested customs description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crane type | Catalogue, general arrangement drawing, photos, user manual | Confusion between tower crane, jib crane, self-propelled crane or truck-mounted crane may lead to wrong HS and policy. | Tower crane / pedestal jib crane / self-propelled crane, model…, brand new 100%, for lifting goods. |
| Lifting capacity and outreach | Datasheet, load chart, nameplate | Missing load data may trigger questions on occupational safety, QCVN and inspection. | State rated load, lifting height and working radius if available. |
| Operating mechanism | Manual, hydraulic/electrical diagram, motor/drive list | Misclassifying self-propelled vs fixed or truck-mounted machinery affects 8426.41/49/91/99. | Describe power source, slewing, travelling mechanism and base/chassis. |
| Goods condition | Invoice, serial/nameplate photos, manufacturer statement | Used/refurbished machinery may trigger Decision 18/2019/QĐ-TTg, inspection certificate and age limits. | Brand new 100% or used/refurbished with manufacture year and inspection certificate if required. |
| Accessories/spare parts | Packing List, BOM, packing breakdown | Electrical parts, cables, remote controls, motors, hook blocks and spare parts may have separate HS/policy. | Separate main unit, synchronized accessories, spare parts and tools. |
HS Code – Duty – C/O
Cranes are usually reviewed under heading 8426. Do not use one HS code for all cranes; distinguish tower cranes, portal/pedestal jib cranes, self-propelled cranes, truck-mounted cranes and other cranes.
| Reference HS code | Applicable condition | Risk if wrongly applied | Documents to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8426.20.00 | Tower cranes, usually used in construction/project erection. | Confusion with portal/jib cranes or self-propelled cranes may lead to wrong tax and safety dossier. | Catalogue, tower sections, jib/counter-jib, load chart, photos. |
| 8426.30.00 | Portal/pedestal jib cranes. | This line has MFN 5%; wrong declaration into a 0% line may trigger duty reassessment. | Base/portal drawing, slewing mechanism, boom, lifting parameters. |
| 8426.41.00 | Other self-propelled machinery, on tyres. | A mobile crane declared as fixed equipment may be challenged. | Chassis, tyres, engine, mobility specification. |
| 8426.49.00 | Other self-propelled machinery, other than on tyres. | May be confused with truck-mounted or fixed cranes. | Crawler/rail/chassis details and photos. |
| 8426.91.00 | Designed for mounting on road vehicles. | If imported as a complete special vehicle, Chapter 87/registration issues may arise. | Mounting design, chassis/VIN, BOM. |
| 8426.99.00 | Other cranes not fitting detailed subheadings. | Residual code; do not use when the product fits a specific subheading. | Full technical dossier and function description. |
| 8426.11.00 / 8426.19.20/30/90 | Related comparison codes for overhead/bridge/gantry cranes. | Wrongly grouping them with general cranes may cause policy/QCVN mismatch. | Installation drawings, rails/beams, gantry structure. |
Reference duty table by HS code
| HS code | Description/condition | Ordinary duty | MFN duty | Reference VAT | C/O/FTA review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8426.20.00 | Tower crane | 0% if MFN is 0% and no separate ordinary rate applies | 0% | 10% or review 8% if eligible | C/O may be used for origin proof even if MFN is already 0%. |
| 8426.30.00 | Portal/pedestal jib crane | 7.5% under 150% MFN reference | 5% | 10% or review 8% if eligible | Preferential rates may apply under valid FTA C/O. |
| 8426.41.00 | Other self-propelled, on tyres | 0% if MFN is 0% | 0% | 10% or review 8% if eligible | Check direct transport, origin criteria and description. |
| 8426.49.00 | Other self-propelled machinery | 0% if MFN is 0% | 0% | 10% or review 8% if eligible | Check C/O and route. |
| 8426.91.00 | Designed for mounting on road vehicles | 0% if MFN is 0% | 0% | 10% or review 8% if eligible | Differentiate crane kit from complete special-purpose vehicle. |
| 8426.99.00 | Other cranes | 0% if MFN is 0% | 0% | 10% or review 8% if eligible | Do not use if a more specific subheading applies. |
Note: Duty rates are for planning. At declaration, recheck the current tariff, amendments, specific C/O and actual goods description. Ordinary duty is referenced at 150% of MFN where no separate rate applies.
Applicable specialized policy
| Goods scenario | Possible policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal if identified | Recommended timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New cranes under the specific Group 2 HS lines listed in Circular 01/2021 | State quality inspection for Group 2 goods when the HS/model falls under the listed scope; QCVN/TCVN; conformity assessment where required. | Catalogue, certificates, QCVN, invoice, packing list, model/serial/nameplate. | MOLISA/DOLISA or assigned authority; NSW if applicable. | Before ETA or upon draft documents. | Starting the review after arrival may delay clearance; do not assume all 8426 subheadings have the same import quality inspection treatment. |
| Cranes as strict occupational safety equipment | Technical safety inspection before use and occupational safety dossier management. | Technical dossier, equipment history file, manual, factory certificate, inspection result. | Authorized technical safety inspection organization. | Before operation; dossier should be prepared pre-ETA. | Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH lists cranes as strict safety equipment. |
| Used/refurbished crane | Decision 18/2019/QĐ-TTg, inspection certificate, equipment age and applicable standards. | Manufacture year, serial, condition, inspection certificate, technical documents. | Customs and inspection body. | Before PO/booking. | Unclear new/used status may hold the shipment. |
| Truck-mounted or chassis-related crane | Vehicle/registration/inspection policy may arise if imported as complete vehicle or with chassis. | Catalogue, chassis spec, engine, VIN/serial, photos. | Customs and relevant transport/inspection authority if applicable. | Before contract signing. | Separate crane kit from complete special-purpose vehicle. |
| Project cargo, dismantled shipment | Synchronized machinery classification, main unit/accessory separation, model/serial control. | BOM, packing breakdown, layout, drawings, contract. | Customs and specialized agencies if applicable. | Before each ETA. | Wrong packing breakdown may cause HS or quality inspection gaps. |
| EPE/FDI/factory import | Customs policy by import purpose, fixed assets, project machinery and post-clearance file retention. | Contract, equipment list, investment documents, payment records. | Managing customs branch and specialized agency if any. | Planning stage. | Wrong import purpose affects tax, valuation and audit file. |
Legal documents to review
| Document group | Document name/number | Issuing body | Effective date | Role | Key points | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/NĐ-CP | Government | Effective 15/07/2023 | MFN duty schedule for heading 84.26. | Appendix II; codes 8426.20, 8426.30, 8426.41, 8426.49, 8426.91, 8426.99. | Recheck amendments and tariff at declaration date. |
| Ordinary duty | Decision 15/2023/QĐ-TTg | Prime Minister | Effective 15/07/2023 | Ordinary duty application when preferential rates are not available. | 150% MFN reference where no separate rate applies. | Use only for duty planning and eligibility review. |
| Foreign trade management | Decree 69/2018/NĐ-CP | Government | Effective 15/05/2018 | Review prohibited/conditional import lists. | Specialized management annexes. | Do not conclude exemption without model/function review. |
| Group 2 quality | Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH | MOLISA | Effective 18/07/2021 | Group 2 goods and import state quality inspection. | Section I lists certain crane HS lines including 8426.11.00, 8426.12.00, 8426.19.20/30/90, 8426.30.00. | Review actual HS/model and current guidance. |
| Occupational safety | Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH | MOLISA | Effective 01/03/2020 | List of machinery with strict occupational safety requirements. | Includes cranes, overhead cranes and gantry cranes. | Relevant before putting the equipment into use. |
| QCVN | Circular 51/2016/TT-BLĐTBXH / QCVN 29:2016/BLĐTBXH | MOLISA | Effective 01/08/2017 | National technical regulation on safe work for cranes. | Scope and safety requirements for cranes. | Review together with QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH where applicable. |
| Used machinery | Decision 18/2019/QĐ-TTg | Prime Minister | Effective 15/06/2019 | Import management for used machinery and technological lines. | Equipment age, standards, inspection certificate. | Apply only if not brand new. |
| Labelling | Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP and Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP | Government | Effective 01/06/2017 and 15/02/2022 | Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label. | Mandatory labelling information. | Check model, serial, capacity and origin against documents. |
View / download original documents
Businesses may search documents by number on official legal portals or issuing authority websites. Always verify the effective version before application.
Customs clearance dossier
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order.
- C/O if preferential duty is claimed.
- Catalogue, datasheet, load chart, photos and nameplate.
Specialized documents if applicable
- Import quality inspection registration.
- Conformity/QCVN documents where required.
- Technical safety inspection dossier before use.
- Used machinery inspection certificate.
- Original and Vietnamese supplementary labels.
| Dossier group | Required documents | Used for | Typical preparer | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, Sales Contract/PO, B/L/AWB | Customs declaration, value and quantity | Seller, buyer, forwarder | Generic “crane” description; missing model/serial/load capacity. | Match each line with catalogue, nameplate and packing breakdown. |
| Technical | Catalogue, datasheet, load chart, drawings, manual, photos | HS classification, quality inspection, function explanation | Manufacturer, supplier, importer | No lifting capacity, outreach or mobility details. | Request technical dossier before booking. |
| Quality/safety | Quality inspection registration, conformity certificate/QCVN if applicable | State quality inspection and conditional clearance | Importer, certification/inspection body | Started after ETA; wrong QCVN/HS. | Review Circular 01/2021 and QCVN pre-ETA. |
| Used machinery | Inspection certificate, manufacture year, serial, condition | Decision 18 review | Supplier, inspection body, importer | Cannot prove manufacture year/new-used status. | Lock brand new/used status in contract. |
| C/O | Applicable C/O form if preferential duty is claimed | Preferential duty | Supplier, importer | Wrong HS, description, origin criterion or direct transport. | Review draft C/O before issuance. |
Dossier consistency rule: Goods name, quantity, model, serial, lifting capacity, manufacture year, origin, new/used status and technical specifications must match 100% across commercial documents, catalogue, nameplate, specialized dossier and customs declaration.
Decision points that may hold the shipment
| Decision point | Question to answer | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS basis | Is it 8426.20, 8426.30, 8426.41, 8426.49, 8426.91 or 8426.99? | Catalogue, load chart, photos, drawings | Wrong duty, C/O and HS consultation. | Finalize HS before ETA; avoid generic “crane”. |
| Group 2/quality inspection | Does HS/model fall under Circular 01/2021 or relevant QCVN? | HS, catalogue, QCVN, registration if any | Missing specialized dossier and delayed clearance. | Review Group 2 list at quotation stage. |
| New or used | Brand new 100% or used/refurbished? | Manufacturer statement, serial/nameplate photos, inspection certificate | Decision 18 dossier may be missing. | Lock status in contract and documents. |
| Chassis/vehicle issue | Crane kit or complete self-propelled vehicle? | Catalogue, VIN/chassis, BOM, packing list | Transport/registration policy may arise. | Separate crane, chassis, accessories and parts. |
| C/O validity | Correct form, description, HS, origin criterion and direct transport? | C/O, Invoice, B/L/AWB, route | Preferential duty may be denied. | Review draft C/O before declaration. |
Practical E2E process
Step 1 – Pre-ETA review
Finalize HS, model, capacity, new/used status, duty, C/O, labels, Group 2, QCVN and inspection dossier if any.
Step 2 – Lock documents
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, load chart, model, serial, BOM and packing breakdown.
Step 3 – Specialized registration
If Group 2 or used machinery applies, prepare quality inspection/inspection certificate before arrival.
Step 4 – Customs declaration
Green channel: system-based clearance; Yellow: document check; Red: document and physical inspection.
Step 5 – Clearance and post-clearance
Deliver to site/warehouse, complete safety inspection before use, label if needed, archive shipment files.
Pre-ETA risk checklist
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA prevention | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic “crane” description | Insufficient basis to classify 8426.20/30/41/49/91/99. | Standardize description by crane type and operation. | Catalogue, datasheet, photos, drawings. |
| No Group 2 review | Quality inspection or QCVN dossier may be missing. | Check Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH and QCVN before ETA. | HS, model, catalogue, QCVN. |
| Unclear new/used status | Decision 18/2019/QĐ-TTg may apply. | Obtain brand-new statement or inspection certificate. | Invoice, serial photos, manufacturer statement. |
| Accessories not separated | Wrong HS/value/policy for electrical parts, cables or remotes. | Review BOM and packing breakdown. | BOM, packing list, electrical specs. |
| C/O discrepancy | Preferential duty denied. | Review draft C/O before issuance. | C/O, Invoice, B/L/AWB, route. |
FAQ
1. Does importing cranes require a permit?
Do not conclude absolutely. Review HS, Group 2 quality inspection, QCVN, new/used status and actual use.
2. Is quality inspection required?
Certain 8426 codes under Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH require state quality inspection. Check by actual HS and model.
3. What is the main HS code?
Usually heading 8426: 8426.20.00 tower crane, 8426.30.00 portal/pedestal jib crane, 8426.41/49 self-propelled, 8426.91 truck-mounted.
4. What import duty applies?
Most main crane codes are MFN 0%; 8426.30.00 and 8426.11.00 are reference MFN 5%. Recheck tariff at declaration time.
5. Can used cranes be imported?
They may trigger Decision 18/2019/QĐ-TTg, inspection certificates and technical standards. Review manufacture year before purchase.
6. What if invoice model differs from catalogue?
Correct it before declaration. Model mismatch affects HS, quality inspection, C/O, labelling and post-clearance explanation.
Related articles
Execution support from TGIMEX
This article provides a map of HS, duty, documents and specialized policies for imported cranes. In actual shipments, businesses still need to review catalogue, datasheet, model, documents, origin, new/used status and import purpose before ETA.
Coordination capacity
- Agent network in more than 60 countries.
- WCA, WCA China Global, VLA, HNLA.
- Sea, air, road/rail freight, warehousing and domestic delivery.
Support scope
- Pre-ETA review: HS, Group 2, QCVN, C/O, duty, labels and technical dossier.
- Compliance dossier control: Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, load chart, nameplate and inspection certificate.
- Customs declaration, channel handling and explanation of HS, value, origin and specialized policy.
Small discrepancies among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, datasheet, C/O, nameplate or quality inspection documents may trigger additional document requests, delayed clearance or unplanned storage costs. TGIMEX supports an E2E import plan from pre-ETA review to international freight, customs clearance, domestic delivery and post-clearance file retention.
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