Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT PROCEDURES FOR VACUUM CLEANERS
Vacuum cleaners may appear straightforward, but customs handling depends on power rating, dust receptacle capacity, power source, motor structure, model and intended use.
A generic declaration such as “cleaning machine” may lead to HS misclassification, wrong duty, missing quality-inspection files, loss of C/O preference, document supplementation and additional logistics cost after arrival.
This article provides an E2E (End-to-End) review map before ETA: reference HS codes, import duty, VAT, C/O, QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN quality control, labelling, customs documents, decision points and risk checklist.
QUICK FACTS
| Review item | Operational conclusion | Application notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Electrical vacuum cleaners with motor/suction system for household, commercial or similar use. | Do not apply automatically to Wi-Fi/camera robot vacuums, floor-cleaning robots, separate parts or special industrial equipment. |
| Main HS references | 8508.11.00 or 8508.19.10 depending on power, dust capacity and product type. | Vacuum cleaners with self-contained electric motor, power ≤ 1,500 W and dust receptacle ≤ 20 L are generally reviewed under 8508.11.00. |
| Import duty | For 8508.11.00 and 8508.19.10: ordinary duty 37.5%, MFN 25%. | For 8508.19.90 or 8508.60.00, MFN may differ; check the final HS line. |
| VAT | Review 8% / 10% at the declaration date. | VAT reduction may allow 8% if the goods are not excluded; base rate is generally 10%. |
| Quality inspection | Self-contained motor vacuum cleaners must be checked against QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018. | Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN lists certain vacuum cleaners for state quality inspection after customs clearance; model and power source must be reviewed. |
| Energy labelling | Check the list under Circular 52/2025/TT-BCT and updates. | As reviewed, the household list does not separately name vacuum cleaners; re-check if the model overlaps with other listed appliances. |
SCOPE OF APPLICATION
This article applies to imported vacuum cleaners, including household, commercial, handheld electric, wet/dry and self-contained motor vacuum cleaners.
It does not automatically apply to blenders, juicers, mixers, egg beaters, irons, hair dryers, air purifiers, dehumidifiers or fan heaters in the same household-goods category; nor to Wi-Fi/camera robot vacuums, autonomous floor scrubbers, separate filters, lithium batteries, spare parts or special industrial equipment.
- New, used, refurbished, sample, warranty and project goods may trigger different policies.
- If the device has rechargeable batteries, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, camera, adapter, cleaning chemicals, disinfection function or control software, separate review is required.
- Review by catalogue, datasheet, model and actual import purpose.
CLASSIFICATION & PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Core function
A device that uses suction to collect dust, fine particles and dry or wet dirt; typically with motor, filter, suction head, hose and dust bag/container.
Mandatory specifications
Power rating in W, dust bag/container capacity in L, AC/DC power source, voltage, battery type and household/commercial/industrial use must be visible.
Variants to separate
Corded, battery-powered, handheld, wet/dry, industrial, robot vacuum, accessories and spare parts should not be merged into one declaration line.
| Technical criterion | Documents to compare | Risk if incorrectly described | Suggested description on documents/declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine type and function | Catalogue, manual, actual photos | Confusion with floor-cleaning machines, robot vacuums or industrial equipment | Electric vacuum cleaner with self-contained motor, new 100%, model…, power… |
| Power and dust capacity | Datasheet, rating label, original label | Wrong subheading between 8508.11.00, 8508.19.10 and 8508.19.90 | State whether power is ≤/over 1,500 W and dust capacity is ≤/over 20 L. |
| Power source | Rating label, adapter, battery spec, MSDS/UN38.3 if battery included | Battery/DC models may fall outside some AC appliance QCVN 9 scopes | Specify AC 220V vacuum cleaner or lithium-ion rechargeable vacuum cleaner with charger. |
| Connectivity module | Datasheet, user manual, app control | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/camera may trigger ICT/telecom/security review | Do not merge Wi-Fi/camera robot vacuums with ordinary vacuum cleaners. |
| Goods condition | Invoice, contract, photos, supplier declaration | Used/refurbished goods may trigger used-equipment policies | Declare new 100%; if refurbished, disclose accurately. |
| Set and accessories | Packing list, SKU list, photos | Separate filters, batteries, accessories or chemicals may require different HS/policy | Separate lines if importing parts/chemicals in commercial quantities. |
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
HS classification depends on suction function, self-contained electric motor, power rating, dust receptacle capacity, power source, intended use and product form. Do not use one HS code for all SKUs if the shipment includes different technical variants.
| Reference HS | Application conditions | Risk if misclassified | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8508.11.00 | Self-contained motor vacuum cleaner, power ≤ 1,500 W and dust bag/container ≤ 20 L. | Wrong if power/capacity exceeds limits or the motor is not self-contained. | Catalogue, rating label, datasheet, dust container photo, manual. |
| 8508.19.10 | Other self-contained motor vacuum cleaners suitable for household use. | May be wrong for industrial/commercial or battery/robot variants. | Catalogue, use purpose, power, capacity, brochure. |
| 8508.19.90 | Other self-contained motor vacuum cleaners not falling under the household subheading above. | May be wrong if actual goods are household models or need industrial proof. | Technical datasheet, manual, photos, operating documents. |
| 8508.60.00 | Other vacuum cleaners not under self-contained motor subheadings. | Do not use by default for ordinary household units. | Structure diagram, catalogue, operating principle. |
| 8508.70.00 | Parts of vacuum cleaners when separately imported. | Not for complete machines; some accessories may fall under other HS by material/function. | Packing list, parts photos, material and function. |
Reference import duty and VAT table
| HS code | Applied description | Import duty & VAT reference | C/O/FTA & operational notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8508.11.00 | Self-contained electric motor vacuum cleaner, power not exceeding 1,500 W and dust bag/container not exceeding 20 L. |
|
Special preferential duty may apply if C/O is valid under ACFTA/ATIGA/AKFTA/VKFTA/AJCEP/VJEPA/AANZFTA/CPTPP/EVFTA/UKVFTA/RCEP. Check C/O form, origin criterion, model description and transport route. |
| 8508.19.10 | Other self-contained electric motor vacuum cleaners suitable for household use and not falling under 8508.11.00. |
|
Check the special preferential tariff by export country and C/O form. Customs may request clarification if catalogue does not show household use, power, capacity and power source. |
| 8508.19.90 | Other self-contained electric motor vacuum cleaners not fitting the household subheading above. |
|
Even where MFN is low, C/O should be controlled if origin/FTA proof is needed. Do not use this code if the actual model fits 8508.11.00 or 8508.19.10. |
| 8508.60.00 | Other vacuum cleaners not classified as self-contained motor vacuum cleaners under 8508.11 or 8508.19. |
|
Do not use as a substitute for ordinary household/commercial vacuum cleaners if the catalogue shows a self-contained motor. Structure and operating principle documents are required. |
| 8508.70.00 | Parts of vacuum cleaners when separately imported, not complete machines. |
|
C/O depends on the final HS and the origin rule under each FTA. Not for complete machines; ordinary accessories may fall elsewhere by material/function. |
C/O CHECKLIST FOR PREFERENTIAL DUTY
| Origin route | Common C/O form | Key checks | Operational risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Form E/ACFTA, RCEP if eligible | Goods description, HS, origin criterion, direct transport, third-party invoice if any. | Wrong C/O may revert to MFN 25% for 8508.11/8508.19.10. |
| ASEAN | Form D/ATIGA, RCEP | WO/CTC/RVC or product-specific origin rule. | Preference denied if origin proof is insufficient. |
| Korea/Japan | AK, VK, AJ, VJ, RCEP | Correct form, HS and model description. | Model/HS mismatch may trigger verification. |
| EU/UK/CPTPP/AANZ | EVFTA, UKVFTA, CPTPP, AANZFTA | Self-certification or C/O mechanism under each agreement. | Wrong certification mechanism may lose preference. |
APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED POLICIES
| Goods situation | Possible policy | Documents to check | Authority/portal | Recommended timing | Risk note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC self-contained motor vacuum cleaners under 8508.11.00 / 8508.19.10 / 8508.19.90 | Post-clearance state quality inspection; QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018. | Catalogue, datasheet, EMC test report, conformity certificate/declaration, labels. | Provincial standards-metrology-quality authority / relevant public service portal. | Prepare before ETA; complete post-clearance files as required. | Missing test/conformity files may create post-clearance obligations. |
| Battery/DC vacuum cleaners | Separate review because Decision 2711 excludes battery/rechargeable battery models in the QCVN 9 vacuum cleaner description. | Battery spec, MSDS, UN38.3, battery label, charger spec. | Customs, carrier, specialized authority if triggered. | Before booking and ETA. | Lithium batteries may trigger transport safety requirements. |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/camera robot vacuums | Potential ICT/telecom/security policies depending on module and function. | Wireless datasheet, model list, manual, frequency/power, camera spec. | ICT specialized authority if listed. | Before HS and booking. | Do not treat as ordinary vacuum cleaner. |
| Industrial/commercial high-capacity models | Review HS, phase/power source, QCVN scope and use purpose. | Catalogue, structure diagram, power, voltage, tank capacity. | Customs and quality authority if applicable. | Before ETA. | Wrongly treating as household goods may misstate HS and policy. |
LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document name/number | Issuing body | Effective/application timing | Role in procedure | Key provisions/appendices | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Customs Law 54/2014/QH13 | National Assembly | Effective 01/01/2015 | Customs declaration, inspection and supervision. | Customs dossier and inspection rules. | Check amendments if any. |
| Tariff | Decree 26/2023/ND-CP | Government | Effective 15/07/2023 | MFN import tariff schedule. | Chapter 85, heading 8508. | Check later amendments. |
| Ordinary duty | Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg | Prime Minister | Effective 15/07/2023 | Ordinary import duty when MFN/FTA is unavailable. | Ordinary tariff rules and appendix. | Check final HS line. |
| Quality/conformity | Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN | MOST | Issued 30/12/2022 | Group-2 goods under MOST management. | Vacuum cleaners under 8508.11.00, 8508.19.10, 8508.19.90. | Battery models require separate review. |
| QCVN/Circular | Circular 11/2012/TT-BKHCN; Circular 07/2018/TT-BKHCN | MOST | QCVN 9:2012 and Amendment 1:2018 | EMC regulation for household/similar electrical equipment. | EMC scope and limits. | Test/conformity file may be required. |
| Labelling | Decree 43/2017/ND-CP; Decree 111/2021/ND-CP | Government | Effective 01/06/2017 and 15/02/2022 | Original label and Vietnamese supplementary label. | Product name, origin, responsible party, technical specs. | Review before market circulation. |
| Energy labelling | Circular 52/2025/TT-BCT | MOIT | Effective 01/01/2026 | List of energy-labelled products under MOIT. | Household/office/industrial equipment groups. | Vacuum cleaners not separately named as reviewed; check updates. |
| VAT | Decree 174/2025/ND-CP; Resolution 204/2025/QH15 | Government/National Assembly | From 01/07/2025 | VAT reduction policy by period. | Excluded goods appendices if any. | Verify at declaration date. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Enter the document number on the official legal document portal, Government portal or issuing authority website for final validation.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DOCUMENT SET
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice.
- Packing List.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
- Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
- C/O if preferential duty is claimed.
- Catalogue, datasheet, product photos, original label, model/SKU list.
Specialized documents if applicable
- Quality inspection registration/conformity declaration if applicable.
- EMC test report under QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN.
- Certificate/declaration of conformity and conformity mark if required.
- Original and Vietnamese supplementary labels.
- Battery documents, MSDS, UN38.3 for battery models.
- ICT file for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/camera robot vacuums.
Operational dossier checklist
| Document group | Required documents | Used for | Prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO | Declaration, value, quantity | Importer, seller, procurement | Generic description, missing model/power/capacity | Require model, power and new condition on invoice. |
| Transport | B/L or AWB, arrival notice, pre-alert | D/O, manifest, declaration | Forwarder, carrier, agent | Wrong consignee, package/weight mismatch | Close pre-alert before ETA. |
| Technical | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, rating label photos | HS, QCVN, customs explanation | Seller, importer, compliance | Power/capacity/source missing | Compare each model against HS table. |
| Quality | EMC report, conformity documents if applicable | Post-clearance quality obligations | Importer, lab, certification body | Wrong model or wrong QCVN | Check lab scope and model list. |
| Origin | C/O or origin proof | FTA duty preference | Seller/exporter, importer | Wrong form, HS, description or direct transport | Review C/O draft before issuance. |
DECISION POINTS THAT MAY HOLD THE SHIPMENT
| Decision point | Question to answer | Evidence | Consequence if unclear | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS code | Is the item 8508.11.00, 8508.19.10, 8508.19.90 or 8508.60.00? | Catalogue, rating label, datasheet | Wrong duty and policy | Finalize HS by model before ETA. |
| Technical specs | Does power exceed 1,500 W or dust capacity exceed 20 L? | Rating label, datasheet, manual | Wrong subheading | Request rating label photos and manual. |
| Quality inspection | Is the model subject to QCVN 9 and post-clearance quality inspection? | Decision 2711, test report, conformity file | Post-clearance document debt | Prepare test/conformity file before arrival. |
| C/O | Is the form, criterion, model, HS and transport route correct? | C/O, B/L, invoice, packing list | Preference denied, MFN applied | Check C/O draft before issuance. |
| Battery/wireless | Does the machine include lithium battery, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/camera? | Battery spec, MSDS, UN38.3, wireless datasheet | Transport/ICT policy may arise | Separate SKUs and review separately. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Pre-ETA review
Lock HS, MFN/ordinary/FTA duty, VAT, C/O, label, goods condition, power source and quality-inspection obligations.
Lock documents and technical data
Match invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, model list, rating label, photos and original label.
Prepare specialized files
If QCVN 9 applies, prepare test report, certificate/declaration of conformity and post-clearance quality documents.
Open customs declaration
Green channel: conditional release; Yellow: document check; Red: document and physical inspection.
Handle customs questions
Prepare HS, value, C/O, power/capacity, power source, QCVN and label explanations.
Clearance and post-clearance
Move goods to warehouse, affix Vietnamese label if required, complete conformity/quality files and archive by shipment.
PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST
| Risk | Consequence | Pre-ETA control | Documents to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing power/capacity data | Insufficient basis for HS 8508.11.00 or 8508.19 | Request datasheet and rating label photos by model | Catalogue, rating label, manual |
| Battery model treated as AC model | Wrong QCVN/quality policy and battery transport risk | Separate battery SKU and check MSDS/UN38.3 | Battery spec, packing list, MSDS |
| Wi-Fi/camera robot vacuum declared as ordinary vacuum | ICT/telecom policy may arise | Check wireless/camera module before booking | Wireless datasheet, app manual |
| Missing EMC/conformity file | Post-clearance document debt | Check test report model and prepare lab/certification plan | EMC report, conformity file |
| C/O form/model mismatch | Preference lost; MFN applied | Check C/O draft and direct transport | C/O, invoice, B/L |
FAQ – COMMON BUSINESS QUESTIONS
Which HS code applies?
Review heading 8508. Typical units ≤ 1,500 W and dust receptacle ≤ 20 L are often reviewed under 8508.11.00; other models may fall under 8508.19.10, 8508.19.90 or 8508.60.00.
What are the import duties?
For 8508.11.00 and 8508.19.10, reference ordinary duty is 37.5% and MFN is 25%. Other HS lines may have lower MFN; verify at declaration date.
Is quality inspection required?
It may be required. Self-contained motor vacuum cleaners should be reviewed under QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Decision 2711/QD-BKHCN; battery models need separate review.
Is energy labelling required?
Check the current list. Circular 52/2025/TT-BCT does not separately name vacuum cleaners in the reviewed household list, but updates and hybrid models must be checked.
Can C/O reduce duty?
Yes, if the C/O or origin proof satisfies the relevant FTA rule, matches the HS/model/description and meets direct transport requirements.
What if the invoice model differs from catalogue?
Request supplier confirmation or amend the documents before customs declaration; do not declare with inconsistent model data.
RELATED ARTICLES
IMPLEMENTATION SOLUTIONS FROM TGIMEX
This article provides a map of HS code, duty, documents and specialized policies. In real shipments, businesses still need to review catalogue, datasheet, model, documents, origin, power source, power rating, dust capacity and import purpose.
TGIMEX has an agency network in more than 60 countries and is a member of WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA, with capabilities in ocean, air, road/rail freight, customs clearance, C/O, permits, warehousing and inland transport.
Pre-ETA review
HS, duty, C/O, VAT, labelling, QCVN 9, test report, goods condition and model data.
Compliance control
Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, test report, labels and technical files.
E2E execution
Coordinate international freight, customs declaration, clearance handling, inland delivery and post-clearance archiving.
For shipments likely to involve specialized inspection, C/O or labelling requirements, businesses should not wait until cargo arrival to review the file. Small discrepancies may trigger document supplementation, customs delay or unplanned storage cost.
NEED TO REVIEW IMPORT PROCEDURES OR A SHIPPING PLAN?
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