ICT Group 2 imports are often delayed not by one document, but by the intersection of HS code, QCVN, conformity certification, conformity declaration, C/O, labeling and technical dossier. This guide provides an E2E review map for importers before ETA.

RISK OVERVIEW AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Core product scope

Telecom, IT, network equipment and devices with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G or data transmission features covered by the ICT Group 2 list.

Pre-ETA decisions

Final HS, applicable QCVN, CNHQ/CBHQ, test report, label, C/O and new/used/refurbished condition.

Authority/portal

Review current Vietnam Telecommunications Authority and Ministry of Science and Technology structure; avoid relying on old agency names.

Application rule

Do not apply a generic conclusion to all models. Review catalogue, datasheet, model, function and import purpose.

Operational warning: this is a sector-level guide. Each shipment must be reviewed by final 8-digit HS, applicable QCVN, model, radio/security module, accessories and import purpose.

TERMS AND PROCEDURE IMPORTANCE

For ICT Group 2 products, the key question is not only whether the product appears on a sectoral list, but how HS classification, technical description, applicable QCVN, conformity dossier and actual import purpose interact. A model with additional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G, security module or firmware may trigger a different compliance pathway.

ICT Group 2

Information and communication technology products that may cause safety risks and are controlled by sectoral lists, HS codes, product descriptions and applicable QCVN.

QCVN

Mandatory national technical regulation. It is the basis for testing, certification and/or declaration requirements where applicable.

CNHQ

Conformity certification: a certification body confirms that the product complies with the applicable QCVN for the declared model and configuration.

CBHQ

Conformity declaration: the importer declares product conformity before market circulation or use where required by regulations.

Quality inspection

A control mechanism for imported goods that may cause safety risks when listed under relevant sectoral management.

ETA

Estimated time of arrival. It is the operational deadline for locking documents, reviewing policy triggers and preventing storage/DEM/DET costs.

Term	Practical meaning for ICT shipments	Dossier control point
Model	The technical identifier of the product; similar commercial names may still have different QCVN or policy treatment.	Must match across Invoice, Packing List, catalogue, original label, test report, certification/declaration dossier and customs declaration.
Datasheet/Catalogue	Documents proving function, connectivity standard, frequency band, transmission power, power supply, software/firmware.	Prefer official manufacturer PDF showing the exact imported model.
Test report	Testing evidence used to demonstrate compliance with QCVN or relevant technical standards.	Check laboratory, report number, model, QCVN scope, issue date and testing coverage.
Conformity dossier	The documentation set for conformity certification/declaration and market circulation obligations.	Review against current regulations; avoid applying templates, marks or workflows that have been amended or abolished.

Operational value: this section helps the importer identify the policy trigger before ETA. If the shipment is described only as router, switch, scanner, IP camera or network device without reviewing model, connectivity, QCVN, test report and import purpose, customs or the sectoral authority may request additional explanation during Yellow/Red channel or post-clearance review.

DETAILED PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Products should not be classified by trade name only. The same commercial name may trigger different policies due to radio module, transmitting power, firmware, security license or technical configuration.

Product group/situation	Technical signs to check	Examples/functions	Supporting documents	Possible policy	Documents to compare	Application note
Mobile terminals and network access devices	2G/3G/4G/5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GNSS modules; IMEI/eSIM/SIM	Smartphones, cellular tablets, data collectors with SIM	Catalogue, datasheet, RF/EMC/SAR test reports if available, original label, model list	May fall under ICT Group 2; conformity certification/declaration; radio or quality control requirements	Model, frequency bands, transmitting power, connectivity standards, applicable QCVN	Do not conclude by trade name only; review each model and configuration.
Wireless networking equipment	Wi-Fi 2.4/5/6 GHz, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa or radio data module	Router, access point, Wi-Fi mesh, CPE, ONT/ONU with Wi-Fi	RF datasheet, user manual, antenna/interface images, reference FCC/CE reports	Conformity certification/declaration under applicable QCVN; possible state quality inspection	HS, QCVN, frequency, power, bundled adapter	Same product name but different radio module may trigger different rules.
Data transmission/switching equipment	Reception, conversion, transmission or regeneration of data; LAN/WAN/optical ports	Switch, gateway, media converter, network adapter	Catalogue, datasheet, function diagram, model label images	May be ICT-regulated where telecom/data functions and QCVN are listed	Main function, port count, optical module, power supply	Not all switches/media converters are treated alike; review HS and policy by configuration.
Security/encryption equipment	VPN, firewall, IPS/IDS, encryption engine, secure gateway, HSM or civil cryptography function	Firewall, VPN gateway, security appliance, encryption device	Security datasheet, license features, firmware/software description, crypto documentation	May trigger ATTT/MMDS procedures in addition to ICT Group 2	Encryption/security function, enabled license, import purpose	Separate ICT Group 2, information security and civil cryptography analysis.
Connected office/peripheral equipment	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/LAN, printing/scanning/data transmission functions	Wireless printer/MFP/scanner	Catalogue, datasheet, port/interface images, original label	ICT/conformity obligations may arise from radio/data transmission features	Model, connectivity standard, radio module, accessories	If there is no radio/data transmission feature, policy may differ.
Samples, warranty, refurbished, project/EPE goods	Non-commercial purpose or used/refurbished condition	Test sample, demo unit, replacement unit, project equipment	Contract, import purpose letter, serial list, warranty/project documents	Separate treatment may arise for dossier, value, label, quality or used goods	Condition, purpose, quantity, circulation plan	Do not assume exemption merely because goods are samples.

HS CODE – DUTY – C/O PROPOSAL

HS classification must be based on main function, structure, operating principle, connectivity, radio module, firmware, accessories and condition. The following HS references are only a review map and do not replace final classification.

Reference HS	Suitable product group	Classification basis	Application condition	Ordinary duty	MFN duty	VAT	C/O/FTA to review	Documents to compare
8517.13.00 / 8517.14.00	Smartphones and cellular network terminals	Main function is mobile terminal communication	SIM/eSIM/IMEI, 4G/5G module, catalogue showing terminal function	Check the current ordinary tariff by final HS	MFN reference often 0%	VAT reference 10%	ATIGA, ACFTA/RCEP, AKFTA/VKFTA/RCEP, VJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP, EVFTA, UKVFTA…	Catalogue, datasheet, C/O, invoice, model/IMEI list
8517.62.xx	Reception/conversion/transmission or regeneration equipment: router, AP, gateway, switch, CPE, ONT/ONU	Data communication equipment; 8-digit HS depends on configuration	LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi/optical interface; routing/switching/transmission function	Check the current ordinary tariff by final HS	MFN reference often 0%	VAT reference 10%	Review preferential origin by import route	Technical datasheet, interface images, model label, C/O
8471.30.xx	Laptop, tablet/PDA/data collector with automatic data processing function	Main function is data processing, not pure transmission	CPU, RAM, OS, touch screen/keyboard; may include Wi-Fi/BT/4G	Check the current ordinary tariff by final HS	MFN reference often 0%	VAT reference 10%	Preferential C/O if origin rules are satisfied	Catalogue, datasheet, configuration, C/O
8471.41 / 8471.49 / 8471.50 / 8471.80	Server, workstation, desktop, ADP unit or expansion unit	Classified by CPU, memory, input/output devices and system role	Server/workstation/industrial PC or data processing unit	Check the current ordinary tariff by final HS	MFN reference often 0%	VAT reference 10%	FTA preference depends on origin and PSR	BOM, datasheet, configuration, invoice, C/O
8443.xx	Printer, MFP, scanner or copier with data connectivity	Main function is printing/scanning/copying; ICT policy reviewed by connectivity features	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/LAN or data transmission function	Check the current ordinary tariff by final HS	Check MFN by final 8-digit HS	VAT reference 10%	Preferential C/O if HS and description match	Catalogue, model list, label images, C/O
8525.89 / 8526.92 / 8523.51 / 8542.32	IP cameras, remote control devices, memory/IC products depending on structure	Use only where main function matches the heading	Technical documentation shows function outside 8517/8471/8443	Check current tariff schedule	Check MFN by final HS	VAT reference 10%	Review by import route and PSR	Datasheet, BOM, function description, C/O

C/O checklist: form, origin criteria WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH, third-party invoice, direct consignment, goods description, HS, quantity, weight, origin country, signature/seal, issue date and validity.

SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL C/O/FTA TABLE BY IMPORT ROUTE

Origin/route	FTA	C/O form or proof of origin	Preferential duty if basis exists	Conditions	Documents to compare	Application note
ASEAN	ATIGA	Form D	May enjoy 0% if HS, description and origin criteria qualify	PSR/RVC/CTH/CTSH and direct consignment	C/O, invoice, packing list, B/L, product description	Check description, HS, quantity, issue date and signature/seal.
China	ACFTA or RCEP	Form E or RCEP proof of origin	Preferential tariff if conditions are satisfied	Correct HS, origin criteria and third-party invoice if any	C/O, transport document, invoice, packing list, catalogue	Model or HS mismatch may trigger customs query.
Korea	AKFTA / VKFTA / RCEP	Form AK / VK / RCEP	May reach 0% depending on HS and schedule	Correct form and origin criteria	C/O, invoice, B/L, catalogue	Choose form according to trade route and sale terms.
Japan	VJEPA / AJCEP / CPTPP / RCEP	Form VJ / AJ / CPTPP origin statement / RCEP	Preference depends on HS, origin and document type	Rules of origin under selected FTA	C/O or origin document, invoice, B/L	CPTPP has specific origin documentation mechanism.
EU	EVFTA	EUR.1 or valid origin statement	Potentially deep preference under EVFTA	Proper origin certification and direct consignment	EUR.1/statement, invoice, B/L, transit documents if any	Check value and exporter authorization/self-certification condition.
UK	UKVFTA	EUR.1 or origin document under UKVFTA	Preference under UKVFTA schedule	Correct form and product description	Origin document, invoice, B/L	Do not apply EVFTA mechanism to UK-origin goods.
Australia/New Zealand	AANZFTA / CPTPP / RCEP	AANZ Form or CPTPP/RCEP origin document	Preference if PSR is met	Origin and transport conditions	C/O, invoice, B/L	Select the FTA that is beneficial and documentable.
India	AIFTA	Form AI	Preference under AIFTA if conditions qualify	PSR by HS	Form AI, invoice, B/L	ICT description should match catalogue/model.
Hong Kong	AHKFTA	Form AHK	Preference if AHKFTA conditions qualify	Correct Hong Kong origin and transport route	C/O, invoice, B/L	Review carefully when actual manufacturing is outside Hong Kong.

DOSSIER AND SUBMISSION METHOD

Separate the dossier into commercial documents, technical/specialized documents and authority submission documents. Product name, model, serial, origin, quantity and specifications must match across all documents.

Dossier group	Required documents	Used for	Prepared by	Common errors	Pre-ETA check
Commercial dossier	Commercial Invoice, Packing List, B/L or AWB, Sales Contract/Purchase Order	Customs declaration, customs value and Incoterms review	Importer, shipper, forwarder	Mismatch in name/model/quantity/Incoterms	Lock final version before ETA and compare with catalogue/original label
Technical dossier	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, label photos, model/serial list, RF/EMC/Safety specs	HS classification, QCVN mapping and policy explanation	Supplier, technical team, procurement	Datasheet lacks frequency/power/connectivity details	Request official PDF showing exact model
Conformity dossier	Certificate of conformity, declaration of conformity, test report, self-assessment report where applicable	Certification/declaration and post-clearance circulation	Importer, conformity body/lab, compliance	Test report not covering exact model/QCVN	Check QCVN, model, lab, date and certification scope
Quality inspection dossier if triggered	State quality inspection registration or dossier on relevant portal	Clearance or specialized management completion	Importer, customs broker, compliance	Late submission after ETA	Identify trigger as soon as draft documents are available
C/O dossier	C/O or proof of origin, third-party invoice if any, through B/L/transit documents	Preferential tariff claim	Shipper, exporter, importer	Wrong form, origin criteria, HS or description	Check form, HS, description, quantity, issue date and direct consignment
Label dossier	Original label, Vietnamese sub-label, conformity dossier/mark only if still required by current regulations	Market circulation and post-clearance audit	Importer, legal/compliance	Missing product name, model, origin or importer details	Review before printing sub-labels

LEGAL BASIS AND SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

ICT Group 2 should be reviewed through two layers: the general product quality framework and the sector-specific list/QCVN/conformity rules. Current authority names and portals should be verified before filing.

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Effective date/application timing	Role in procedure	Key provisions/annexes	Review note
Law	Law on Product and Goods Quality 05/2007/QH12	National Assembly	Effective from 01/07/2008	Foundation for Group 2 goods and quality control	Rules on potentially unsafe products/goods	Read with implementing decrees and sectoral list.
Law	Law on Standards and Technical Regulations 68/2006/QH11	National Assembly	Effective from 01/01/2007	Basis for QCVN/TCVN, conformity declaration and assessment	Rules on technical regulations and conformity declaration	Important for CNHQ/CBHQ obligations.
Decree	Decree 132/2008/NĐ-CP, amended by 74/2018/NĐ-CP	Government	Decree 74 effective from 01/07/2018	Implementation of product and goods quality management	Group 2 goods mechanism	Review subsequent amendments at the time of import.
Decree	Decree 154/2018/NĐ-CP	Government	Effective from 09/11/2018	Amends/abolishes certain business conditions and specialized inspection rules	Specialized inspection-related provisions	Background document, not a substitute for ICT list.
Circular	Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Effective from 15/05/2024	List of potentially unsafe products/goods under MIC management	ICT Group 2 list, QCVN, conformity certification/declaration	Core document to map HS + product description + QCVN.
Circular	Circular 23/2024/TT-BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Effective from 31/12/2024	Abolishes several legal documents issued by MIC	Old operational rules may no longer apply	Check validity before using legacy procedures.
Circular	Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Effective from 01/01/2012; partly effective status must be reviewed	Conformity certification/declaration for ICT products	Certification/declaration dossier	Apply together with amendments and abolitions.
Circular	Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN, amended by 04/2025/TT-BKHCN	Ministry of Science and Technology	Circular 04/2025 issued on 31/05/2025	General framework for standard/conformity declaration and assessment	Conformity declaration mechanism	Review relationship with ICT sectoral rules.
Authority	Vietnam Telecommunications Authority under Ministry of Science and Technology	Ministry of Science and Technology	Under post-2025 organizational arrangement	State management body for telecom, internet and digital infrastructure	Authority/portal information	Name of legacy issuing body may differ from current receiving authority.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL TEXTS

Companies should verify the original legal documents and effective status at the time of import.

View Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT View Circular 23/2024/TT-BTTTT View Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT Current VNTA information

SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX BY GOODS SITUATION

Goods situation	Legal basis to compare	Possible policy	Authority/portal if identifiable	Policy trigger
Goods listed as ICT Group 2 with applicable QCVN	Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT; Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT; Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN	CNHQ/CBHQ, test report, conformity dossier; possible quality inspection	VNTA / relevant portal or designated certification body	HS + product description + QCVN + model in the list
Equipment with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G	Group 2 list and applicable radio/EMC QCVN	Conformity certification under radio/EMC QCVN where required	Designated lab/body; VNTA	Radio module, frequency band, transmitting power, antenna
Wired transmission equipment	Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT and related QCVN	Possible CBHQ/CNHQ if HS/description is covered	VNTA or relevant authority	Reception/conversion/transmission function and HS
Equipment with encryption/security	Information security/civil cryptography regulations plus ICT rules	Possible ATTT/MMDS procedures besides ICT conformity	Relevant specialized authority	VPN, firewall, encryption, HSM, security license
Equipment with battery/adapter/charger	Safety/power/pin and transport rules if applicable	Additional safety, DG transport or labeling review	Relevant certification/transport authority	Lithium battery, adapter, charger, power output
Used/refurbished goods	Used goods policy, sectoral rules and customs regulations	Condition/year/purpose explanation may be required	Customs and specialized authority if triggered	Used/refurbished description, serial list, purpose
EPE/FDI/factory/project import	Customs rules, sectoral policy and investment/project dossier	Review purpose, installation site and post-clearance obligations	Managing customs office and specialized authority	Internal use versus market circulation

PROCESSING TIME, FEES AND COST RISK

Actual time and cost depend on dossier completeness, applicable QCVN, availability of test reports, goods condition and responses from the competent body. Do not commit project delivery before policy clearance is confirmed.

Step	Processing timing	Output to complete	Cost/risk if delayed
Pre-ETA review	As soon as PI/PO and catalogue are available	Preliminary HS, policy, QCVN, C/O, label and permit trigger	Do not let goods depart without knowing radio/encryption features
Document lock	Before ETA according to route plan	Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, model/serial, catalogue	Mismatch may cause customs query or physical inspection
Testing/certification/declaration	Depends on dossier and lab/body capacity	Sample, test report, certificate, declaration	No absolute timeline before identifying QCVN and authority
Customs declaration	When transport and required specialized documents are ready	Declaration, value, HS, C/O, registration/certificate if any	Yellow/Red channel may require technical explanation
Delivery and post-clearance	After clearance/release conditions are met	D/O, trucking plan, label, recordkeeping	Storage/DEM/DET if specialized dossier is late

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step	Stage	Actions	Risk control point
1	Pre-ETA review	Finalize reference HS, ICT Group 2 status, QCVN, CNHQ/CBHQ, C/O and label requirements	Clarify radio/encryption features before shipment
2	Lock documents and technical dossier	Align invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet and model/serial list	Product name, model, quantity, origin and specs must match
3	Determine specialized procedure	Prepare test report, conformity certification/declaration or quality inspection dossier if triggered	Use current portal/authority, not obsolete procedure
4	Customs declaration	Declare HS, value, description, origin, C/O and specialized policy	Green/Yellow/Red channel handling
5	Handle customs/specialized queries	Provide catalogue, datasheet, QCVN mapping, certificate/declaration, C/O and label photos	Explain by technical function, not by trade name only
6	Delivery and post-clearance completion	Move goods to warehouse/project, apply Vietnamese sub-labels and complete conformity dossier if required, keep records	Prepare for post-clearance and market surveillance

FAQ

1. Does ICT Group 2 require an import license?

Not automatically. The common focus is conformity certification/declaration and quality control. If encryption, security or civil cryptography functions exist, other procedures may apply.

2. Is Wi-Fi/Bluetooth alone enough to conclude ICT Group 2 status?

No. Review HS, product description, QCVN, frequency, power, model and current list.

3. Can goods be cleared without test reports?

It depends on applicable policy and dossier handling. For CNHQ/CBHQ cases, missing model/QCVN test reports may delay the dossier.

4. Does C/O reduce duty for ICT goods?

Possibly, if form, origin criteria, HS and goods description are correct. Some ICT lines already have low or 0% MFN, but C/O remains important for landed cost control.

5. Are samples or project goods exempt?

Do not assume exemption. Review purpose, quantity, circulation plan and exemption/suspension rules if any.

6. How to handle refurbished/used goods?

Review used-goods policy, production year, condition, purpose and ability to meet applicable QCVN.

7. Firewall/VPN gateway: ICT Group 2 or MMDS/ATTT?

Separate by function. VPN/firewall/encryption/security licenses may trigger ATTT/MMDS in addition to ICT review.

8. What records should be kept after clearance?

Commercial documents, C/O, catalogue, datasheet, test report, conformity certificate/declaration, label, model/serial list and explanation dossier.

FINAL OUTPUTS AND POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS

Final outputs

Customs clearance/release, certificate of conformity, declaration of conformity, quality inspection or specialized result where applicable.

Post-clearance obligations

Vietnamese sub-label, conformity dossier/declaration where applicable, record retention and readiness for post-clearance audit.

Records to keep

Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, datasheet, test report, certificate/declaration, model/serial list and label dossier.

GIẢI PHÁP TỪ TGIMEX

For ICT Group 2 shipments, safe handling should not start only after cargo arrival. A compliance lock should be set from quotation or purchase order stage: HS – policy – QCVN – test report – conformity certification/declaration – C/O – labeling – customs plan. The focus is to reduce storage, DEM/DET, inspection channel and post-clearance dossier risks.

1. Pre-ETA policy screening

Review catalogue, datasheet, original label, model/serial list, connectivity standards and import purpose to identify ICT Group 2, quality inspection, certification/declaration or related policy triggers.

2. HS – duty – C/O lock

Compare main function, structure, data transmission module, software/firmware and origin route; verify C/O form, WO/RVC/CTH/CTSH criteria, goods description, HS and direct consignment.

3. Model-based QCVN matrix

Separate each model by Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G, frequency band, transmission power, adapter, battery, security module, firmware and accessories to avoid applying one conclusion to the entire shipment.

4. Conformity dossier control

Review test reports, laboratory, conformity certificate, conformity declaration, QCVN scope, validity dates and consistency between technical dossier and commercial documents.

5. Customs – port – warehouse coordination

Track pre-alert, ETA, D/O, declaration plan, Yellow/Red channel queries, trucking, warehouse/port coordination and cost control when sectoral dossiers need supplementation.

6. Post-clearance compliance closeout

Review Vietnamese sub-labels, shipment dossier, technical explanation pack, C/O documents, conformity records and materials for post-clearance or market inspection.

Execution scope: HS review, sectoral policy review, C/O/FTA check, labeling review, catalogue/datasheet/test report screening, conformity dossier preparation, status tracking, customs–port–warehouse coordination and post-clearance record retention. For security, firewall, VPN, IPS/IDS, encryption, used or refurbished equipment, separate screening may be required for ATTT/MMDS or used-goods policies.

Discuss shipment dossier View policy procedures

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