Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
PROCEDURE GUIDE FOR ICT GROUP 2 PRODUCTS
ICT Group 2 shipments are usually blocked not by commercial names, but by model, HS code, connectivity standard, applicable QCVN, conformity certification and conformity declaration. Generic descriptions such as “router”, “network device”, “IP camera”, “server” or “gateway” may cause document supplements, customs channel escalation, delayed clearance, loss of C/O preference or DEM/DET. This guide provides an E2E review map for enterprises before implementing an ICT Group 2 shipment.
QUICK SUMMARY
| Review item | Application to ICT Group 2 products | Pre-ETA control point |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of procedure | ICT Group 2 products are potentially unsafe products in the ICT/telecommunications sector; application depends on both HS code and product description in the statutory list. | Do not conclude based on trade name only; check catalogue, datasheet, model and actual function. |
| Management measure | Some products require conformity certification plus conformity declaration; others require conformity declaration under the applicable appendix. | Identify Appendix I or Appendix II before cargo arrival. |
| Main legal basis | From 31 Dec 2025, the key instrument to review is Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN and the relevant QCVNs. | Do not apply the old Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT workflow by default for shipments after the new effective date. |
| Expected outputs | Certificate of conformity, declaration of conformity, notice of receipt, test report or self-assessment dossier where permitted. | Archive dossiers by shipment/model for post-clearance and market inspection. |
Legal note: Not all ICT devices are automatically Group 2 products. Review HS code, product description, model, actual function and applicable technical regulations.
TERMS AND WHY THE PROCEDURE MATTERS
Key terms
- Group 2 goods: potentially unsafe products/goods.
- ICT: information and communications technology.
- CNHQ: conformity certification.
- CBHQ: conformity declaration.
- KTCL: state quality inspection, where applicable.
- QCVN: mandatory national technical regulation.
Operational impact
The procedure affects pre-clearance, customs clearance, post-clearance and market/project handover. A small mismatch in band, power, wireless module, encryption function or model label can change the applicable policy.
DETAILED PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION
Do not classify ICT Group 2 products by trade name only. Review catalogue, datasheet, model, manual, configuration, ports, transmission standards, software/firmware and accessories.
| Product group / scenario | Technical signs to review | Example model/function | Evidence | Potential policy | Dossier to check | Application note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telecom terminal/mobile device | SIM/eSIM, IMEI, 2G/3G/4G/5G, bands and transmission power. | Mobile phone, mobile data terminal, SIM-enabled module. | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, manufacturer declaration. | Conformity certification/declaration, quality inspection, radio/EMC/electrical QCVN where applicable. | Invoice, packing list, model list, label, test report. | Apply only when HS and description match the list; samples and warranty goods need separate review. |
| Network equipment with Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth | Wireless standard, frequency band, power, antenna, firmware and ports. | Router, access point, CPE, mesh, gateway, switch with wireless function. | Wireless datasheet, RF specification, label image. | RF/EMC/safety QCVN, conformity certification/declaration, possible frequency-related review. | Catalogue, test report, model list, C/O. | Same commercial name but different wireless module may trigger different policy. |
| Data processing / IT equipment | CPU, RAM, storage, OS, main processing function, accessories. | Server, workstation, mini PC, data collector, handheld terminal. | Configuration datasheet, BOM, port images. | HS/duties, labeling, conformity declaration if wireless/telecom function is listed. | Catalogue, serial list, power adaptor spec. | Not every IT device is Group 2; check appendices and QCVNs. |
| Security/encryption/firewall device | VPN, encryption, firewall, IDS/IPS, security gateway, civil cryptography function. | Firewall appliance, security gateway, encryption device. | Security function sheet, license/firmware information. | May trigger ICT Group 2 plus information security or civil cryptography requirements. | Catalogue, datasheet, feature license, technical documents. | Never conclude “no licence” before reviewing encryption/security functions. |
| Used/refurbished/project goods | Year of manufacture, condition, import purpose, project contract, discontinued model. | Replacement network equipment, project server, warranty goods. | Quality records, actual photos, condition confirmation. | Used-goods policy, quality inspection, customs explanation. | Invoice, packing list, contract, warranty/project records. | Used goods often trigger questions on condition and customs value. |
Warning: Generic naming may lead to wrong HS, wrong specialized policy, wrong QCVN/TCVN, wrong licence conclusion and incorrect labeling.
HS CODE – DUTY – C/O
HS code must be determined by main function, structure, operating principle, integrated modules, accessories and condition of goods. The table below is indicative and must be checked against the tariff schedule and actual dossier.
| Indicative HS code | Suitable product group | Classification basis | Condition | Ordinary duty | MFN duty | VAT | C/O/FTA to review | Dossier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8517.13.00 | Telephones for cellular or other wireless networks. | Mobile terminal function, SIM/eSIM, IMEI, network standards. | Only for true mobile terminal devices. | Check the tariff schedule at declaration date. | Many telecom lines may be 0%, but not automatically for every model. | Usually 10% unless another VAT treatment applies. | ATIGA, ACFTA/RCEP, AKFTA/VKFTA/RCEP, VJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP, EVFTA, UKVFTA. | Catalogue, IMEI/SIM, datasheet, model list, C/O, invoice. |
| 8517.62.xx | Machines for receiving, converting, transmitting or regenerating data; routers, switches, gateways, modems, APs if suitable. | Data transmission/reception/switching and ports. | Confirm the 8-digit code by actual configuration. | Check the current tariff schedule. | Many lines may be 0%; verify each 8-digit HS. | Usually 10%. | Review by origin route and final HS. | Port list, wireless spec, firmware function, accessories, C/O. |
| 8471.30 / 8471.41 / 8471.49 / 8471.50 | ADP machines, computers, servers, workstations or processing units. | CPU, RAM, storage and main data processing function. | Do not use if the product is essentially telecom/security equipment. | Check by configuration and final HS. | Often 0% for many ADP lines; verify current tariff. | Usually 10%. | Form D/E/AK/VK/VJ/AJ/EUR.1/UK or relevant proof. | Configuration, serial list, catalogue, invoice, packing list. |
| 8525.89.xx | IP camera/television camera/recording device where appropriate. | Image capture/transmission/storage and network connectivity. | Separate ordinary camera, IP camera, security camera and recorder. | Check by 8-digit HS. | Varies by camera type. | Usually 10%. | Review by origin and description. | Datasheet, label images, data transmission function, C/O. |
| 8504.40.xx | Power supply/adaptor/charger imported with or separately from the main device. | Power conversion, capacity, voltage, electrical safety. | Review separately if imported as a standalone item or material accessory. | Check by capacity and final HS. | Varies by type. | Usually 10%. | Review if declared separately. | Power specification, electrical label, commercial documents. |
FTA/C/O SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL DUTY REVIEW BY IMPORT ROUTE
| Origin route | FTA | C/O or origin proof | Preferential duty if basis exists | Conditions | Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASEAN | ATIGA | Form D | Check by final HS; many ICT lines may reach 0% if rules are met. | ASEAN origin, direct transport, correct WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH criterion. | C/O, invoice, B/L, packing list, description, HS. | Mismatch in description or HS may cause rejection. |
| China | ACFTA or RCEP | Form E or RCEP proof | Check by final HS and current FTA tariff. | Correct form, origin criterion, third-party invoice review. | C/O, third-party invoice if any, through B/L. | Form E is often scrutinised for exporter, invoice and goods description. |
| Korea | AKFTA/VKFTA/RCEP | Form AK, VK or RCEP proof | Check by final HS. | Select the best FTA only if origin criterion is met. | C/O, invoice, packing list, production data if needed. | Do not choose an FTA without origin support. |
| Japan | VJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP | Form VJ, AJ, CPTPP/RCEP proof | Check by final HS. | Specific origin rule and direct transport. | Proof of origin, catalogue, HS, B/L. | CPTPP/RCEP proof rules should be reviewed before ETA. |
| EU/UK | EVFTA/UKVFTA | EUR.1 or approved origin statement | Check by final HS. | Eligible exporter, consistent description and HS. | Proof of origin, invoice, transport docs. | Check value thresholds and origin wording. |
| Australia-New Zealand / India / Hong Kong | AANZFTA/CPTPP, AIFTA, AHKFTA | AANZ, AI, AHK or relevant proof | Check by final HS. | Correct route, form and origin criterion. | C/O, invoice, B/L, packing list. | Export country is not always origin country. |
DOSSIER AND SUBMISSION METHOD
The dossier should be split into commercial, technical/specialized and authority-submission groups. Submission may be made via public service portal, National Single Window, specialized systems or as guided by the competent authority.
| Dossier group | Required documents | Used for | Usually prepared by | Common error | Pre-ETA check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial documents | Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Sales Contract/PO, C/O if claiming preference. | Customs declaration, value, origin, quantity. | Importer, supplier, forwarder. | Generic goods name, wrong model, quantity/unit mismatch, late C/O. | Match goods name, model, serial, origin, quantity and Incoterms. |
| Technical documents | Catalogue, datasheet, manual, model list, label image, configuration, wireless spec, power adaptor spec. | HS, QCVN, conformity certification/declaration, customs explanation. | Manufacturer, procurement, project engineers. | Catalogue lacks bands/power; label model differs from invoice. | Obtain exact technical file for imported model. |
| Conformity/quality dossier | Test report, certificate, declaration, notice of receipt, self-assessment report where applicable. | Specialized management, clearance, market circulation. | Importer, certification/testing body, logistics team. | Wrong QCVN, missing conformity mark, wrong applicant name. | Check QCVN, assessment method, validity and model scope. |
| Authority submission | Application forms, quality registration if any, declaration file, digital account/signature. | Submission, follow-up, result receipt. | Compliance/Ops/Docs. | Late submission, no digital signature, wrong receiving authority. | Check account, form and submission time before ETA. |
100% consistency rule: Goods name, model, serial, origin, quantity and specifications must match across commercial documents, technical documents, specialized dossier and customs declaration.
LEGAL BASIS AND SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX
Legal instruments to review
| Document group | Instrument | Issuing body | Effective time | Role | Key provisions/appendices | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialized circular | Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN | Ministry of Science and Technology | Effective from 31 Dec 2025. | List of Group 2 ICT/telecom products and management principles. | Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6; Appendix I and II. | Applies when HS and description match; replaces Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT from effective date. |
| Conformity assessment circular | Circular 14/2026/TT-BKHCN | Ministry of Science and Technology | Effective from 25 May 2026. | Regulates standards/regulations conformity declaration and assessment methods. | Review by actual dossier and assessment method. | Use for CNHQ/CBHQ dossier after effective date. |
| Laws | Law on Product and Goods Quality 2007; Law on Standards and Technical Regulations 2006 | National Assembly | Check consolidated/amended versions at application date. | Legal basis for product quality, QCVN and Group 2 goods. | Relevant provisions in current consolidated versions. | Do not cite specific clauses without verifying current consolidated text. |
| ICT laws | Telecommunications Law 2023; Radio Frequency Law 2009 as amended 2022; IT Law 2006 | National Assembly | Check current effect. | Telecom, radio frequency and IT management basis. | Device, frequency and technical-standard provisions. | Important for Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G devices. |
| Decrees | Decrees 132/2008, 74/2018, 154/2018, 13/2022 | Government | Check current amended versions. | Detailed rules on product quality and specialized inspection. | Quality inspection and Group 2 goods rules. | Use together with circulars and QCVNs. |
| QCVN/TCVN | Relevant QCVNs by product group in Appendix I/II | Competent ministry/MOST | By each QCVN effective date. | Testing/certification/declaration basis. | QCVN applicable to each model. | A model may need several QCVNs if it integrates multiple functions. |
| Tariffs | Current import tariff and FTA special preferential tariffs | Government/Ministry of Finance | At declaration date. | Duties, MFN, VAT and C/O preference. | 8-digit HS and FTA origin rules. | Final HS must be locked before applying rates. |
Policy matrix by goods scenario
| Goods scenario | Legal basis | Possible policy | Authority/portal if identifiable | Triggering condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appendix I goods under Circular 29 | Circular 29 and relevant QCVNs. | Conformity certification, conformity declaration, quality inspection if applicable. | Public service/NSW or specialized system; designated bodies. | HS and description match the list; model within QCVN scope. |
| Appendix II goods | Circular 29 and relevant QCVNs. | Conformity declaration; self-assessment/certification depending on mechanism. | Receiving authority as guided at submission time. | Goods listed as subject to conformity declaration. |
| Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G goods | Radio Frequency Law, Telecommunications Law, Circular 29 and RF QCVNs. | RF/EMC/electrical safety testing, certification/declaration. | Testing/certification bodies and competent authority. | Wireless module, band or power within QCVN scope. |
| Encryption/security/firewall goods | Circular 29 plus information-security/civil-cryptography rules if functions match. | May trigger additional licences/procedures beyond ICT Group 2. | ATTT/MMDS authority if applicable. | Encryption, VPN, IDS/IPS, key management or dedicated firewall function. |
| Battery/adaptor/charger | Electrical/power/battery QCVNs if within scope. | Accessory review, label, lithium battery transport safety. | Customs, testing/certification body, carrier. | Accessory imported separately or materially affects policy. |
| Used/refurbished/project goods | Used-goods policy, HS, customs value, project documents. | Condition, year, quality and purpose explanation. | Customs and relevant specialized authority. | Goods are not 100% new or imported for project/warranty. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Enterprises should further verify the documents on official legal portals or the issuing authority’s website before applying them to an actual shipment.
PROCESSING TIME, FEES AND RISK COSTS
| Stage | Work to perform | Suggested timing | Fee/cost note | Delay risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical dossier preparation | Collect catalogue, datasheet, label, model list, wireless/security/power data. | At least 7–15 working days before ETA, depending on complexity. | Translation, sample testing and technical consulting costs if any. | No basis to lock HS/QCVN/CNHQ/CBHQ. |
| HS, duty and C/O review | Lock indicative HS, MFN/VAT/FTA and C/O form. | Before shipping docs are issued. | Document amendment costs may arise. | Loss of preference, C/O correction or HS explanation. |
| Specialized dossier | Quality registration/CNHQ/CBHQ or related dossier if applicable. | Before ETA or immediately when documents are sufficient. | State fees/testing/certification fees depend on body and case. | DEM/DET/storage if waiting for result. |
| Customs declaration | Declare, submit documents and respond to HS/policy/C/O questions. | When full documents and declaration conditions are met. | Logistics/storage/container charges depend on progress. | Channel escalation, inspection, repeated supplements. |
| Post-clearance/circulation | Vietnamese label, conformity mark if applicable, shipment archive. | Before circulation/project handover. | Labeling/marking/warehouse/post-audit costs. | Post-clearance, market inspection or project claim risk. |
PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS
Pre-ETA review. Lock HS, policy, QCVN, CNHQ/CBHQ, C/O, label and goods condition.
Freeze documents and technical files. Finalize Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, model/serial list and label images.
Identify specialized procedure. Determine Appendix I/II and whether ATTT/MMDS may apply.
Submit/register dossier if applicable. Prepare test report, certificate, declaration, registration or self-assessment dossier.
Customs declaration and channel handling. Green means system acceptance subject to conditions; Yellow means document check; Red means document and physical inspection.
Release and post-clearance completion. Apply label/conformity mark if required and archive dossier by shipment.
FAQ
1. Are all ICT products Group 2 goods?
No. HS code, description, model, function and QCVN scope must match the statutory list.
2. Does Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth always require certification?
No absolute answer. Frequency band, transmission power, device type and applicable QCVN must be reviewed.
3. Can cargo clear without a test report?
It depends on the management mechanism and dossier status. Missing test reports often delay conformity dossiers and may increase storage cost.
4. Can C/O reduce duty?
Yes, if the form, origin criterion, description and HS are valid and the final HS has FTA preference.
5. Are samples and warranty goods handled like commercial cargo?
Not automatically. Import purpose, quantity, value and specialized policy must be reviewed.
6. What is the risk with refurbished goods?
Condition, production year, value, quality and used-goods policy may need explanation.
7. What should be archived after clearance?
Commercial documents, technical file, test report, certificate/declaration, C/O, labels and conformity-mark records.
8. When should the review begin?
As soon as PO/proforma and catalogue are available, before shipping documents are issued.
OUTPUTS AND POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS
Typical outputs
- Quality inspection registration where applicable.
- Certificate of conformity.
- Declaration of conformity and receipt notice.
- Test report or self-assessment dossier where permitted.
Post-output obligations
- Vietnamese sub-label where required.
- Conformity mark/label if applicable.
- Archive dossier by shipment, model and serial.
- Prepare for post-clearance or market inspection.
RELATED ARTICLES
Import quality inspection
Link to the base article on KTCL, CNHQ, CBHQ and submission workflow.
C/O rejection risks
Link to the article on C/O form, origin criteria, third-party invoice and direct transport.
Vietnamese labeling for imports
Link to original label, Vietnamese sub-label, conformity mark and dossier archive guidance.
EXECUTION CAPABILITY AND SUPPORT SCOPE
This guide provides a review map for ICT Group 2 products. For actual shipments, enterprises still need case-by-case review against catalogue, datasheet, model, documents, origin, condition and import purpose.
Pre-ETA review
HS, specialized policy, QCVN, C/O, duty, label, model and accessories.
Compliance control
Cross-checking Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, test report, labels and technical files.
E2E execution
International freight coordination, pre-alert, customs declaration, channel handling, delivery and post-clearance archive.
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.
Procedure Guide for ICT Group 2 Products
Import procedure guide for ICT goods subject to quality inspection
Import procedure guide for ATTT / network information security products
Import Procedure for Bowls and Soup Bowls
Import procedure guide for cups and mugs
Import procedure guide for plates
Import Procedure for Enamel-coated Pots and Pans
Import procedures for paper boxes / carton boxes / folding boxes for cosmetic packaging
Import procedure for glass bottles/jars used as cosmetic packaging
Import Procedure Guide for Massage Devices
Import Procedure Guide for Facial Cleansing Devices
Import procedure guide for makeup sponges
Import Procedure Guide for LED Mask Device
Import procedure guide for facial steamers used in skin-care applications
Import procedure guide for makeup brushes