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Import procedure for electric kettles
Electric kettles may look simple, but import clearance can still be delayed by three common issues: incorrect HS 8516.79.10, missing quality/conformity documents under QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN, or labels inconsistent with model, voltage and power rating. If these items are handled only after cargo arrival, the shipment may be routed for document review, additional test reports may be requested, and market launch may be delayed. This article provides an E2E checklist covering HS code, duty, C/O, specialized policy, customs documents and pre-ETA risks.
QUICK FACT
| Item | What to review | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Product name | Electric kettle | Nên thể hiện rõ là ấm đun nước dùng điện, không phải bình thủy điện hoặc thiết bị pha đồ uống. |
| Main reference HS | 8516.79.10 | Dòng “Ấm đun nước”. Chốt theo catalogue, cấu tạo gia nhiệt và công năng thực tế. |
| MFN duty | 25% | Theo biểu thuế nhóm 85.16; cần kiểm tra biểu hiện hành tại ngày đăng ký tờ khai. |
| Ordinary duty | 37.5% | Tham khảo theo nguyên tắc 150% MFN nếu không thuộc MFN/FTA và không có mức riêng. |
| VAT | Nền thường gặp 10%; rà 8% nếu chính sách giảm VAT còn hiệu lực | Không ghi 8% tuyệt đối nếu chưa rà thời điểm tờ khai và phụ lục loại trừ. |
| Specialized policy | Hàng hóa nhóm 2 Bộ KH&CN rà QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN và Sửa đổi 1:2016 | Có thể phát sinh kiểm tra chất lượng, chứng nhận hợp quy, công bố hợp quy. |
| Used/refurbished goods | Không áp chung với bài này | Ấm siêu tốc cũ có rủi ro thuộc nhóm hàng điện gia dụng đã qua sử dụng cấm nhập khẩu; cần rà Nghị định 69/2018/NĐ-CP và Thông tư 08/2023/TT-BCT. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
Applicable products
New 100% electric kettles used in households, offices, hotels or retail channels, including products with kettle body, heating element, power base or power cord.
Not automatically covered
Hot-water dispensers, water coolers/heaters, tea/coffee makers, electric hot pots, slow cookers, toasters, sandwich makers, air fryers or industrial equipment.
Imported spare parts
Power base, heating element, lid, kettle body, cord or replacement parts must be classified separately based on BOM and import purpose.
Used/refurbished goods
Do not treat as new goods. Used household electrical appliances may fall under the prohibited import list and must be reviewed before purchasing or booking.
CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION
The product description must be locked based on technical nature, not merely the commercial name on the invoice. A model described as “kettle” may require a different HS code if it includes tea/coffee brewing, hot-water dispensing or continuous storage functions.
| Criteria to check | Documents to compare | Risk if misdescribed | Suggested description on invoice/declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main function | Catalogue, user manual, model webpage | Misclassified as tea/coffee maker or hot-water dispenser | Electric kettle, model…, power…, voltage… |
| Voltage and power | Datasheet, nameplate, original label | Insufficient basis for QCVN/quality review | State 220–240V, wattage and capacity if available. |
| Capacity and body material | Catalogue, product photo, specification | Label and goods description mismatch | Electric kettle with stainless steel/plastic/glass body, capacity…L. |
| Power base/cord | Packing photos, accessory list | Accessory omission and electrical safety risk | Describe the power base/cord if included in retail set. |
| Keep-warm/dispensing function | Manual, function table | May shift to hot-water dispenser or another device type | Do not use HS 8516.79.10 if the product is not a standalone kettle. |
| Goods condition | Contract, invoice, actual photos, production year | Used goods may be prohibited | Use this article only for new 100% goods. |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
The HS code must be determined based on the heating-water function and whether the goods are complete units or spare parts. The matrix below is for pre-declaration review and must be checked against the tariff schedule effective on the declaration date.
| Reference HS code | Applicable condition | MFN | Ordinary duty | VAT | Risk if incorrect | Documents to compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8516.79.10 | Complete electric kettle/water kettle. | 25% | 37.5% | Base 10%; review 8% only if VAT reduction applies. | Misclassified as hot-water dispenser or beverage maker; QCVN documents missing. | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, nameplate, original label, product photos. |
| 8516.79.90 | Other electro-thermic appliances, not a dedicated electric kettle. | 20% | 30% | Base 10%; review 8% only if applicable. | Using this line for products already specifically covered by 8516.79.10. | Function description, heating structure, catalogue. |
| 8516.71.00 | Tea or coffee making appliance if the model brews beverages. | 25% | 37.5% | Base 10%; review 8% only if applicable. | A “kettle” in trade name is actually a tea/coffee maker. | Manual, filter/brewing structure, operating program. |
| 8516.10.11 | Domestic hot-water dispenser/storage water heater, not a standalone electric kettle. | 20% | 30% | Base 10%; review 8% only if applicable. | Confusing hot-water dispenser with electric kettle. | Catalogue, keep-warm/dispensing function, tank capacity. |
| 8516.90.29 | Other parts for goods under subheadings including 8516.79.10, when imported separately. | 3% | 4.5% | Review current VAT schedule. | Declaring parts as complete goods or vice versa. | Part list, BOM, packing list, part photos. |
SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
| Goods scenario | Potential policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal | Recommended timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard electric kettle with rated voltage not exceeding 250V | Group-2 goods under MOST; review QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2016; quality inspection/conformity certification/declaration may apply. | Catalogue, test report, conformity certificate, conformity declaration, label. | Standards/metrology/quality authority or applicable portal. | Before ETA. | Do not call it a general import licence; it is a quality/conformity compliance dossier. |
| Model with tea/coffee brewing function | May shift to 8516.71.00 and policy based on actual function. | Manual, brewing/filter structure, program description. | Customs/quality authority if required. | Before final documents are issued. | Trade name alone is not enough for classification. |
| Hot-water dispenser/water cooler-heater | Review 8516.10.11 or other code by function. | Catalogue, water dispensing design, keep-warm function. | Customs/quality authority. | Before ETA. | Do not apply one kettle HS code to all water-heating devices. |
| Sample/warranty/display goods | HS, electrical safety, labeling and group-2 policy still need review. | Import purpose, quantity, sample/warranty agreement. | Customs/specialized authority if any. | Before booking. | Do not assume automatic exemption. |
| Used/refurbished goods | Review prohibited import list for used consumer/household electrical goods under Decree 69/2018/ND-CP and Circular 08/2023/TT-BCT. | Goods condition, production year, import purpose, HS, actual photos. | Customs/MOIT when clarification is needed. | Before purchase contract. | Do not apply this new-goods procedure; import refusal risk exists. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document number/name | Issuing authority | Effective timing | Role in procedure | Key point | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP | Government | Effective from 15/07/2023 | MFN import tariff base. | Chapter 85.16, line 8516.79.10. | Check the tariff effective on declaration date. |
| Ordinary duty | Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg | Prime Minister | Effective from 15/07/2023 | Ordinary duty when MFN/FTA is not applicable. | Ordinary duty is generally 150% of MFN if no specific rate is listed. | Check current annex. |
| Quality management | Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN | MOST | Issued on 30/12/2022 | Group-2 goods list under MOST. | Electrical appliances for heating liquids; electric kettle 8516.79.10. | Review model, voltage and actual function. |
| Safety regulation | QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2016 | MOST | According to regulation validity | Safety requirements for electrical/electronic appliances. | Liquid-heating electrical appliances with rated voltage not exceeding 250V. | Conformity certification/declaration may apply. |
| Goods quality | Decree 132/2008, 74/2018, 154/2018, Circular 06/2020/TT-BKHCN | Government/MOST | Check current validity | Quality inspection/conformity framework. | Import quality control mechanism. | Apply based on actual dossier. |
| Labeling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP, 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Used for label review | Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label. | Goods name, origin, quantity, technical specs, safety warning. | Label data must match customs documents. |
| Used goods | Decree 69/2018/ND-CP, Circular 08/2023/TT-BCT | Government/MOIT | Circular 08/2023 effective from 16/05/2023 | Review prohibited used consumer/medical/vehicle goods list. | Used household electrical goods must be checked before purchase. | Not applicable to new 100% goods but important for refurbished/used cases. |
| VAT | VAT Law and period-specific VAT reduction documents | National Assembly/Government | Based on declaration date | Determine 10% or review 8%. | Exclusion annexes if any. | Do not state 8% as absolute without date review. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should additionally cross-check on official legal-document portals or websites of issuing authorities before applying.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENTS
Commercial documents
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, contract/PO if any, C/O for preferential duty, catalogue/datasheet, product photos and original label.
Specialized documents if applicable
Quality inspection registration, conformity certificate, conformity declaration, test report, catalogue, user manual and Vietnamese supplementary label.
Matching rule
Goods name, model, voltage, power, capacity, origin, quantity, HS code and label must match commercial documents, catalogue, specialized dossier and customs declaration.
Post-clearance file
Keep C/O, customs declaration, quality/conformity results, supplementary labels, import documents and distribution file for post-clearance audit.
OPERATIONAL DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
| Document group | Required documents | Used for | Usually prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO | Declaration, value and quantity | Buyer/Supplier/Docs | Generic “kettle”; missing model/power | Lock product description against catalogue before final documents. |
| Transport | B/L or AWB, Arrival Notice, pre-alert | Delivery order, manifest, declaration | Forwarder/Carrier/Agent | Package/weight mismatch | Compare Packing List with B/L/AWB before ETA. |
| Technical | Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, nameplate photos | HS and policy classification | Supplier/Technical team | Voltage/power/capacity missing | Request full technical file before booking. |
| Quality/conformity | Test report, conformity certificate/declaration, quality inspection file | Group-2 goods compliance | Importer/Compliance/Certification body | Test report not aligned with model/QCVN | Review QCVN, model and voltage before ETA. |
| C/O | Applicable C/O form, invoice, B/L, origin criterion | FTA duty claim | Supplier/Docs | Wrong HS/description; third-party invoice not handled | Check C/O draft before issuance. |
| Label | Original label, draft Vietnamese supplementary label | Post-import circulation | Importer/QA/Warehouse | Missing origin, technical specs or safety warning | Prepare supplementary label based on locked documents. |
CLEARANCE DECISION POINTS
| Decision point | Question to answer | Proof documents | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS code | Is the product truly an electric kettle under 8516.79.10? | Catalogue, manual, product photos | Classification query, reclassification, duty adjustment | Lock HS before ETA by actual function. |
| Group-2 policy | Is the model within QCVN 4 scope? | Test report, certificate, QCVN matrix | Delayed quality/conformity dossier | Prepare quality documents before arrival. |
| Voltage/power | Are electrical specs shown on label/catalogue? | Nameplate, datasheet | Technical explanation requested | Ask supplier for original label photo and datasheet. |
| Goods condition | New 100% or used/refurbished? | Invoice, photos, supplier confirmation | Used goods may be prohibited | Use this procedure only for new goods. |
| C/O | Correct form, HS, description and origin criterion? | C/O draft, B/L, invoice | FTA duty denied | Review C/O draft before issuance. |
| Labeling | Does supplementary label contain goods name, origin, specs and warnings? | Original label, draft supplementary label | Label supplementation needed before circulation | Prepare label under Decree 43/111. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Step 1: Pre-ETA review
Confirm HS 8516.79.10, duty, C/O, group-2 policy, QCVN, label and new/used condition.
Step 2: Lock documents and technical file
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, user manual, model list and label photos.
Step 3: Prepare quality dossier if applicable
Prepare test report, conformity certificate, conformity declaration and/or import quality inspection file under current mechanism.
Step 4: Customs declaration
Monitor Green/Yellow/Red channels; prepare explanations on HS, value, C/O, model and specialized policy.
Step 5: Clearance and post-clearance
Receive cargo, apply supplementary labels, complete any post-clearance quality/conformity obligations, and archive the shipment file.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA prevention | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic “kettle” description | Wrong HS and policy | Identify electric kettle, hot-water dispenser or tea/coffee maker | Catalogue, manual, product photos |
| Missing test report/QCVN file | Quality/conformity delay | Request model-aligned test report and certificate | Test report, certificate, QCVN |
| Incorrect C/O HS or description | FTA duty denied | Review C/O draft before issuance | C/O, invoice, B/L |
| Used/refurbished goods | Risk of prohibited import | Do not purchase/book until Decree 69 and Circular 08/2023 are reviewed | Photos, contract, condition confirmation |
| Label missing electrical specs | Circulation/compliance issue | Prepare supplementary label before warehouse release | Original label, datasheet |
| Model mismatch | Explanation or amendment request | Lock model list before invoice issuance | Invoice, Packing List, catalogue |
FAQ
Does an electric kettle need an import licence?
Do not describe it as a general licence issue. It may require group-2 quality/conformity procedures under QCVN, depending on the actual model.
What is the main HS code?
The common reference code is 8516.79.10 for electric kettles/water kettles. Recheck if the product has additional functions.
What is the import duty?
Reference MFN duty for 8516.79.10 is 25%; ordinary duty reference is 37.5%; VAT base is usually 10%.
Is VAT 8% or 10%?
The usual base is 10%. Review 8% only if the temporary VAT reduction is valid and the goods are not excluded.
Can C/O reduce duty?
Possibly, if the C/O is valid under the applicable FTA and matches HS, description and origin criterion.
Can used electric kettles be imported?
Not under this procedure. Used household electrical appliances may fall under the prohibited import list and must be reviewed separately.
IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FROM TGIMEX
This article provides a practical map for HS code, duty, customs documents and specialized policy for electric kettles. For an actual shipment, the dossier still needs to be reviewed against catalogue, datasheet, model, origin documents, voltage, power rating and import purpose.
Pre-ETA review
HS, specialized policy, C/O, duty, labeling, QCVN and quality dossier.
Compliance document control
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, test report, labels and technical documents.
Logistics & customs
Coordinate agents, carriers/airlines, ETA tracking, pre-alert and customs declaration file.
Post-clearance archive
Archive shipment file, labels, conformity documents and explanation file if required.
For shipments that may trigger quality inspection, C/O or labeling requirements, enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to start dossier review. An E2E approach helps control schedule, cost and compliance risk from the preparation stage.
NEED TO REVIEW IMPORT PROCEDURES OR A SHIPPING PLAN?
Send us the product name, shipping route, current dossier, or implementation request in advance so we can suggest a suitable approach that is practical, focused, and aligned with your shipment.
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