Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR AIR FRYERS INTO VIETNAM
An air fryer is an electric household cooking appliance with a heating element, convection fan and enclosed cooking chamber. If it is declared generically as an “electric pot” or “kitchen appliance”, the HS classification, quality inspection requirement, conformity certification and labeling may be misapplied. Any mismatch among the Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, model and original label may result in customs channel escalation, additional document requests, delayed clearance and DEM/DET charges. This guide provides an E2E (End-to-End) control map for enterprises to review HS code, duties, C/O, specialized management policy, customs dossier and risks before ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival).
QUICK FACT
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable product | Air fryer, electrically operated, using heating element and hot-air convection to cook/process food. |
| Related product group | Electric kettles, electric hot pots, slow cookers, toasters, sandwich makers and air fryers; this article applies only to air fryers. |
| Reference HS code | 8516.60.90 – Other appliances under other ovens/cookers/cooking plates/boiling rings/grillers/roasters; to be verified against the actual catalogue and operating principle. |
| Reference taxes | MFN duty 20%; ordinary import duty 30%; standard VAT 10%; reduced VAT 8% if eligible during the valid policy period; valid C/O may reduce import duty below MFN, see detailed tax tables below. |
| Pre-ETA control point | HS code, model, power rating, voltage/frequency, catalogue, test report, C/O, original label, Vietnamese sub-label and quality/conformity plan. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
- This article applies to standalone electric air fryers with cooking chamber, heating element, hot-air fan and temperature/time control.
- It does not automatically apply to large electric ovens, microwave ovens with air-fry function, electric pressure cookers, electric hot pots, toasters, sandwich makers or multifunction cooking machines with multiple modules.
- New, used, refurbished, sample, warranty, project, EPE/FDI goods may involve different control requirements.
- If the product has Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/app control, touch screen, separate adapter, battery, IoT module or connectivity software, ICT/cybersecurity/labeling/technical documents must be reviewed separately.
- Review must be made based on the actual catalogue, datasheet, model and import purpose.
PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION & IDENTIFICATION
Main function
Cooking/processing food with hot-air convection, commonly used for frying, roasting and reheating with little or no oil.
Technical structure
Plastic/metal body, cooking chamber, basket/tray, heating element, fan, temperature controller, timer, power cord and mechanical/electronic control panel.
Data to lock
Model, wattage, voltage, frequency, capacity, control type, food-contact materials, safety standards, warning labels and accessories.
Use purpose
Household/commercial/project use; purpose affects product description, labels, technical documents and specialized inspection planning.
TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA
| Criterion to check | Document to compare | Risk if wrongly described | Suggested goods description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product name & model | Catalogue, datasheet, original label, model list | Generic name may lead to wrong HS and policy | Air fryer, model…, wattage…, capacity…, voltage… |
| Operating principle | Manual, technical description, structure images | May be confused with toaster, oven, electric hot pot or pressure cooker | Electric cooking appliance with heating element and hot-air convection fan |
| Power/voltage/frequency | Product label, test report, catalogue | Insufficient basis for electrical safety/EMC testing | State 220–240V, 50/60Hz and wattage as per actual label |
| Included accessories | Packing List, manual, packing images | Accessories may change description or policy | Basket, tray, grill rack, power cord, instruction manual |
| Goods condition | Contract, Invoice, product photos, supplier declaration | Used/refurbished goods may require additional explanation or policy review | Brand-new and unused; otherwise declare clearly |
HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O
Air fryers are generally reviewed under heading 8516 for electro-thermic domestic appliances. Given their cooking/roasting function with a heating element and hot-air convection, the reference HS code is usually 8516.60.90 “other” under other ovens, cookers, cooking plates, boiling rings, grillers and roasters. However, HS classification must be finalized based on actual technical documents, not merely the commercial term “air fryer”.
| Reference HS code | Application condition | Risk if misapplied | Documents to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8516.60.90 | Standalone electric air fryer with heating element and convection fan; not microwave oven, rice cooker or standalone toaster | Wrong classification may affect duties, policy and conformity dossier | Catalogue, label, datasheet, images, manual, structure |
| 8516.72.00 | Only if the product is in fact a toaster whose principal function is bread toasting | Confusing toaster with air fryer may lead to wrong HS and description | Catalogue, principal function, cooking chamber images |
| 8516.79.90 | Only where the appliance is another electro-thermic tool not covered by 8516.60/8516.72 | Overly broad “other” code may trigger explanation | Catalogue, operating principle, technical description |
DETAILED REFERENCE TAX TABLE FOR AIR FRYERS
| Tax item | Specific reference level | Application condition | Documents/legal basis to verify | Control risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference HS code | 8516.60.90 | Standalone electric air fryer with cooking chamber, heating element and hot-air convection fan | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, product structure photos and model label | Finalize only after confirming principal function; do not classify solely by commercial name |
| MFN import duty | 20% | Applies where MFN treatment is available and no special preferential C/O is used | Effective MFN tariff at declaration date; origin and commercial documents | Wrong HS/origin may lead to duty adjustment or post-clearance recovery |
| Ordinary import duty | 30% | Reference level based on 150% of the MFN duty where MFN/special preference is not applicable | Origin, exporting country, trade relationship and tariff schedule at import time | Do not use ordinary duty in place of MFN where MFN conditions are met |
| Standard VAT | 10% | Applies when the goods are not eligible for VAT reduction or the reduction period has expired | VAT policy at declaration date and any exclusion appendices | Do not default to reduced VAT without legal review |
| VAT reduction by period | 8% if eligible | Applicable while the VAT reduction policy is in force, e.g. Decree 174/2025/NĐ-CP from 01/07/2025 to 31/12/2026, provided the goods are not excluded | Current VAT reduction decree, exclusion appendices, HS code and product description | The key risk is applying 8% where the goods are excluded or the policy has expired |
| Special consumption/environmental protection tax | Normally not the focus for standard air fryers | Review only if the shipment includes separate items/components subject to specific taxes | Packing List, bundle description, accessories and technical documents | Do not conclude absolutely for mixed-product bundles |
SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL DUTY CONTROL BY C/O
| Common origin/route | FTA/C/O form to review | Reference duty for HS 8516.60.90 | Conditions for entitlement | Errors causing loss of preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | ACFTA – Form E; RCEP where suitable | May reach 0% under ACFTA if all conditions are met; RCEP must be checked by year | Valid C/O, correct form, origin criterion, consistent description/HS and direct transport | Wrong Form E criterion, wrong description, wrong HS or improperly declared third-party invoice |
| ASEAN | ATIGA – Form D | Check the current ATIGA schedule; many household electrical appliance lines may enjoy low preferential rates where origin is met | ATIGA origin rule and transport documents must be satisfied | Incorrect retroactive issuance, missing direct transport proof or description mismatch |
| Japan | AJCEP – Form AJ; VJEPA – Form VJ | May reach 0% under certain schedules/sources for HS 8516.60.90; official tariff must be checked at declaration time | Correct C/O form, origin criterion and consistency between C/O and declaration | Using the wrong AJ/VJ form or unsupported origin criterion |
| Korea | AKFTA – Form AK; VKFTA – Form KV/VK; RCEP | Preferential rates may differ by agreement; some 2026 references for this HS line may not be lower than MFN | Compare AKFTA, VKFTA, RCEP and MFN before selecting the tax approach | C/O does not reduce duty or is rejected, creating duty and timing risk |
| EU/UK/Australia – New Zealand | EVFTA, UKVFTA, AANZFTA, CPTPP/RCEP where suitable | May be lower than MFN, and some routes may reach 0% if conditions are met | Origin rule, self-certification/C/O mechanism and direct transport proof under each FTA | Unable to prove origin, missing transport documents or inconsistent product description |
APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED MANAGEMENT POLICY
| Goods scenario | Potential policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal if identifiable | Recommended timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard air fryer, no wireless connectivity | State quality inspection; conformity certification/declaration under applicable QCVN; goods labeling | Catalogue, test report, original label, model list, quality inspection registration | Standards/Quality authority or NSW if applicable | Before ETA or upon draft dossier availability | Do not wait until cargo arrival to obtain test reports or certificates |
| Model with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/app control | May trigger additional radio/ICT review besides electrical safety/EMC | Module datasheet, frequency, transmission power, user manual | Relevant specialized authority if applicable | Before purchase/booking | Do not conclude by product name; check RF module |
| Model with encryption/security/cloud function | May require cybersecurity/civil cryptography review where functions exceed ordinary appliance control | Software description, connectivity documents, security function description | Relevant specialized authority if triggered | Before ETA | Apply only where supported by actual functions |
| Separate adapter/charger/electrical accessories | Accessories may carry separate label or policy requirements | Packing List, adapter label, accessory catalogue | Quality authority if within scope | Before ETA | Undeclared accessories may cause inspection issues |
| Used/refurbished goods | May trigger used-goods management and extra documents | Year of manufacture, condition statement, photos, serials | Customs/relevant authority | Before signing contract | Review based on actual dossier; do not treat as new goods |
| Samples, warranty, project, EPE/FDI goods | Different import purpose, internal records and storage/clearance requirements may apply | PO, contract, purpose letter, project documents | Customs and specialized authority if applicable | Before cargo arrival | Import purpose must match declaration and documents |
LEGAL INSTRUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Name/number | Issuing authority | Effective timing if identifiable | Role in procedure | Key article/clause/appendix if any | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Customs Law 2014 | National Assembly | Effective from 01/01/2015 | General basis for customs procedures, document inspection and physical inspection | Rules on customs dossier, declaration, customs supervision and inspection | Check amendments/supplements where applicable |
| Law | Law on Export and Import Duties No. 107/2016/QH13 | National Assembly | Effective from 01/09/2016 | Basis for tax calculation, exemption/reduction/refund and duty rates | Principles on applying duty rates according to origin and tariff schedules | Review by import type |
| Decree | Decree 08/2015/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 59/2018/NĐ-CP | Government | Applicable to currently effective provisions | Detailed customs procedures, inspection, supervision and control | Rules on dossier, amended declaration and bonded/storage handling where conditions are met | Check consolidated/current versions |
| Circular | Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC, amended by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC | Ministry of Finance | Applicable to currently effective provisions | Guidance on customs declaration, customs valuation, tax and dossier management | Rules on e-customs dossier and documents attached to the declaration | Review by customs procedure type and channel |
| Circular | Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC | Ministry of Finance | Effective from 01/12/2022 | Vietnam nomenclature of exported and imported goods; HS classification basis | Chapter 85, heading 8516 | Use to compare tariff description |
| Tariff decree | Decree 26/2023/NĐ-CP and relevant amendments/supplements | Government | Apply according to declaration date | MFN export/import tariff schedule; basis for MFN rate | Chapter 85, code 8516.60.90 | Check the latest tariff before declaration |
| QCVN/Circular | QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2016 QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN issued under Circular 21/2016/TT-BKHCN | Ministry of Science and Technology | QCVN 4 applied from 01/06/2010; Amendment 1:2016 effective 01/02/2017 | Safety technical regulation for electrical and electronic appliances | Check list of electrical household appliances and corresponding standards | Air fryer must be reviewed based on actual function/structure |
| Decision | Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN dated 2022 | Ministry of Science and Technology | Effective from 30/12/2022; replacing Decision 3810/QD-BKHCN and Decision 3115/QD-BKHCN | Announces group-2 products/goods under MOST management by current HS/QCVN references | Appendix listing group-2 goods; portable electric ovens/grillers under HS 8516.60.90 and QCVN 4 | Use this current list instead of the old Decision 3810 when reviewing present shipments |
| Decree | Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP, amended by Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP | Government | Applicable to currently effective provisions | Goods labeling for imported goods and domestic circulation | Original label, Vietnamese sub-label and mandatory information | Check label contents based on actual product |
| Decree | Decree 174/2025/NĐ-CP | Government | Effective from 01/07/2025 to 31/12/2026 | VAT reduction policy under Resolution 204/2025/QH15 | Conditions for reducing VAT from 10% to 8% if not excluded | Do not default to reduced VAT without checking appendices |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should cross-check the effective legal documents on official legal portals or the issuing authority website before application.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOSSIER
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List stating quantity, accessories, cartons and weight.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order where available.
- Certificate of Origin – C/O if claiming preferential duty.
- Catalogue/Datasheet/User Manual for the exact imported model.
- Product photos, original label, model/serial list where required.
Specialized documents where applicable
- State quality inspection registration if the product falls under Group 2 goods.
- Conformity certificate/declaration under applicable QCVN.
- Electrical safety test report/certificate under QCVN 4 for the correct model, where applicable.
- Goods label dossier and Vietnamese sub-label.
- Technical documents showing wattage, voltage, structure and food-contact materials.
- Energy performance labeling dossier if the model is determined to fall under the energy labeling list at the time of import/market circulation.
OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST
| Dossier group | Required document | Used for which step | Typical preparer | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial dossier | Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO | Declaration, valuation, quantity and delivery term verification | Importer/Procurement/Supplier | Generic goods name, missing model/wattage/capacity | Compare each model with catalogue and original label |
| Transport documents | B/L or AWB, Arrival Notice, Pre-alert | D/O collection, customs declaration and ETA monitoring | Forwarder/Carrier/Docs team | Wrong consignee, wrong package count, late pre-alert | Check at least 3–5 working days before ETA |
| Preferential C/O | Form E/D/AK/VJ/AJ/CPTPP/RCEP… if available | Claim special preferential duty | Supplier/Exporter/Importer | Wrong HS, description or origin criterion | Check C/O draft, direct transport, description and HS |
| Technical dossier | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, model list, test report | HS classification, quality inspection and conformity | Supplier/Compliance | Catalogue does not match imported model | Lock model list before booking |
| Specialized dossier | Quality inspection registration, conformity certificate/declaration, CR marking if applicable | Clearance and market circulation | Importer/Compliance/testing/certification body | Late post-ETA handling, missing test sample | Prepare before ETA and identify processing authority |
DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question to answer | Supporting document | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is HS code sufficiently supported? | Is the air fryer an electric cooking/roasting appliance or another electro-thermic appliance? | Catalogue, manual, structure images, model label | HS consultation, duty adjustment or post-clearance exposure | Finalize technical description and HS before declaration |
| Do models match across documents? | Do Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, labels and test reports show the same model? | Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, original label, test report | Conformity dossier may be rejected or additional documents required | Cross-check models by product line before ETA |
| Is quality inspection/conformity required? | Is the model within applicable QCVN and Group 2 goods list? | QCVN 4, Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN, model-specific test report/certificate | Delayed clearance or market circulation restriction | Review with certification/specialized party before arrival |
| Is C/O eligible? | Is the C/O form, origin criterion, origin and direct transport correct? | C/O, Invoice, B/L, transport documents | Preferential duty may be rejected and tax cost increases | Check C/O draft before official issuance |
| Are labels complete? | Do original and Vietnamese labels show mandatory information, electrical data and safety warnings? | Label photos, artwork, manual | Label supplementation or market circulation risk | Prepare Vietnamese label before domestic release |
| Do accessories change the policy? | Are adapter, power cord, RF module or accessories clearly declared? | Packing List, packing images, accessory datasheet | Physical inspection may reveal undeclared items | Declare included accessories clearly |
E2E IMPORT PROCEDURE FOR AIR FRYERS
Pre-ETA review
Finalize HS 8516.60.90 where justified; check MFN duty, VAT, C/O, quality inspection/conformity/labeling and included accessories.
Lock documents and technical files
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, model list, original label and test report by model.
Register specialized inspection/conformity where applicable
Prepare quality inspection registration, test sample, test report, certification contract and conformity declaration plan; avoid post-ETA surprises.
Submit customs declaration
Green channel: system clearance under conditions; Yellow: document check; Red: document and physical inspection. Common questions include value, HS, C/O, catalogue and specialized policy.
Clear customs, deliver cargo and close post-clearance obligations
Take delivery, complete Vietnamese label/CR marking where applicable, submit supplementary results and retain records by shipment.
Market circulation review
Before sale, verify Vietnamese sub-label, conformity mark, user manual, safety warnings and retained compliance dossier.
PRE-ETA RISK BLOCKING CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA control | Document to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrong HS 8516.60.90 assessment | Wrong duty, wrong specialized policy and possible customs questioning | Lock principal function and operating principle by catalogue before ETA | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, structure photos |
| Model mismatch across documents and technical files | Test report/conformity file may not be accepted for the imported model | Lock model list and require supplier documents by exact model | Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, test report, label |
| Missing quality inspection/conformity dossier | Cargo may not clear smoothly or may not be eligible for circulation | Determine QCVN and testing/certification plan before arrival | Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN, QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN, Amendment 1:2016 QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and model-specific test report/certificate |
| Incorrect C/O form or origin criterion | Special preferential duty may be rejected, increasing landed cost | Check C/O draft, direct transport, goods description and HS | C/O, B/L, Invoice, Packing List |
| Vietnamese label missing mandatory information | Supplementation may be required before circulation; post-clearance risk | Prepare Vietnamese sub-label under Decree 43/2017 and 111/2021 | Original label, Vietnamese label, manual |
| Wireless module not reviewed | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth model may trigger unexpected ICT policy | Request module datasheet and manufacturer confirmation | Datasheet, user manual, module information |
FAQ – COMMON ENTERPRISE QUESTIONS
Does an air fryer require an import license?
Do not conclude absolutely by product name. For standard air fryers, the key controls usually concern quality inspection, conformity, labeling and taxes; if the model has special functions or wireless connectivity, further review is required.
Is quality inspection/conformity certification required?
Air fryers may fall under household electrical appliance control and applicable QCVN. The exact model, wattage, structure and Group 2 goods list at the time of import must be checked.
What is the HS code for air fryers?
The common reference code is 8516.60.90. Final classification must be based on function, structure, catalogue and actual operating principle, not only the commercial name.
Can C/O reduce import duty?
Yes, if a valid C/O under an applicable FTA meets origin rules. Common risks include wrong form, HS code, goods description or failure to meet direct transport requirements.
Is a Vietnamese sub-label required?
Yes. Imported goods circulated in Vietnam need labels compliant with regulations; the Vietnamese sub-label must align with the original label and dossier.
Is energy labeling required for air fryers?
Do not assume. Check the list of appliances subject to energy labeling under MOIT at the time of import/circulation, especially if the product is described as an oven, cooker or integrated cooking appliance.
Are samples or warranty goods handled like commercial goods?
Not always. Import type, purpose, quantity, specialized policy and post-clearance obligations must be determined case by case.
RELATED ARTICLES
IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FROM TGIMEX
This article provides an operational map on HS code, taxes, dossier and specialized management policies for air fryers. For actual shipments, enterprises still need to review the catalogue, datasheet, model, documents, origin and import purpose.
Implementation credentials: an agency network in more than 60 countries; membership in WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA; operational capacity in ocean freight, air freight, road/rail transport, customs clearance, C/O, import permits, warehousing and domestic delivery.
Pre-ETA review
HS code, specialized policy, C/O, taxes, product labels, catalogue/datasheet/model.
Compliance dossier control
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, test reports, labels and technical documents.
International logistics
Coordinate with agents, carriers/airlines, ETA tracking, pre-alert and transport documents.
Customs & post-clearance
Prepare declarations, handle Green/Yellow/Red channels, retain shipment records and prepare post-clearance explanations.
For shipments that may involve specialized inspection, permits, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to start dossier review. Even a small mismatch among Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, datasheet, C/O or product label may lead to additional document requests, delayed clearance or unplanned storage costs. TGIMEX supports enterprises in establishing an E2E import plan: pre-ETA policy review, document checking, international transport coordination, customs declaration, clearance handling, domestic delivery and post-clearance record keeping.
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