For ICT products with wireless transmission, radio modules, mobile connectivity or integrated technical functions, the risk does not sit in the commercial name. It sits in the model, HS code, connectivity standard, applicable QCVN, certificate of conformity and declaration of conformity. If the dossier is handled after ETA, the shipment may face additional test report requests, HS explanations, document amendments, clearance delays and unexpected storage costs.

This article provides an end-to-end review map for importers: product identification, HS – duty – C/O, quality inspection and conformity dossiers, legal basis, timeline, operational workflow and post-clearance obligations.

Operational reference for importers · Updated for legal instruments effective in 2026. This is not an official legal translation.

KEY TERMS AND WHY THE PROCEDURE MATTERS

Quality inspection

State quality inspection is the control mechanism applied to imported products under product quality management rules.

Group 2 goods

Group 2 goods are potentially unsafe products managed through technical regulations and conformity measures.

Certification of conformity

A conformity assessment body certifies that the product complies with the applicable national technical regulation.

Declaration of conformity

The importer/manufacturer declares that the product conforms to the applicable technical regulation before circulation where required.

The procedure affects pre-ETA review, customs clearance, specialized compliance and post-clearance market obligations such as Vietnamese labels, ICT conformity marks and record retention.

DETAILED PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION

ICT goods should not be classified only by trade names such as router, modem, gateway, terminal or network device. Review must be based on catalogue, datasheet, model, primary function, connectivity standard, frequency band, output power, software control, accessories, condition and import purpose.

Product group/scenario	Technical signs to check	Example model/function	Supporting documents	Possible policy trigger	Documents to cross-check	Application note
Mobile communication terminal equipment	SIM/eSIM, 3G/4G/5G, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, charger/adapter included	Smartphones, mobile terminals, 4G/5G routers with SIM	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, test report, original label, model list	CNHQ, CBHQ, KTCL; frequency, SAR/EMC and electrical/battery safety requirements may arise	Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, C/O, test report, model/serial list	Review under HS 8517.13.00, 8517.14.00 or group 8517.62 depending on the primary function.
Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth radio access equipment	Frequency band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, Wi‑Fi 6E/7, EIRP, antenna, mesh/AP/router	Wi‑Fi modem, access point, mesh router, CPE/ONT with Wi‑Fi, IoT equipment with radio module	RF datasheet, RF exposure/SAR where available, module diagram, label images, test certificates	CNHQ/CBHQ under the corresponding QCVN; check any suspension or partial non-mandatory application of a standard where applicable	Catalogue, radio parameter sheet, QCVN test report, authorization letter if using the manufacturer’s dossier	Do not rely only on the name “router/modem”. Check radio transmission, frequency bands, power and integrated modules.
Wireless network equipment / multi-function network equipment	Switch/router/firewall/gateway with Wi‑Fi, LTE/5G, encryption, VPN, firewall or cloud controller	UTM firewall, gateway, industrial router, access switch with wireless module	Security datasheet, encryption function description, firmware, license, connection diagram	In addition to ICT quality inspection/conformity, ATTTM/MMDS review may arise if the functions fall under separate regulated lists	Catalogue, security datasheet, license, algorithm/encryption information where available	Do not conclude it is merely “ordinary network equipment” when dedicated security/encryption functions exist.
Equipment with battery, adapter or charger included	Lithium battery, AC/DC adapter, PoE power, fast charger, external power supply	IoT equipment, Wi‑Fi camera, handheld device, PDA, terminal, mobile router	Battery/adapter datasheet, battery MSDS where available, power label, accessory images	DG transport, electrical safety/EMC, Vietnamese labeling and accessory classification requirements may arise	Detailed accessory packing list, power supply datasheet, MSDS/UN38.3 if batteries are transported	Included accessories may change the transport dossier and the technical dossier to be submitted.
Samples, warranty goods, project goods, EPE/FDI/factory imports	Import purpose, quantity, non-commercial/commercial use, internal use or market circulation	Sample testing, demo, warranty replacement, project equipment	Contract, PO, purpose explanation letter, equipment list, project documents	Timing of CBHQ, labeling obligations, circulation conditions or post-clearance recordkeeping may differ	Invoice, packing list, purpose letter, catalogue, model/serial list	Must be checked at the time of application against the catalogue, datasheet, model, function and actual import purpose.

PROPOSED HS CODE – DUTY – C/O REVIEW

HS classification must be based on the main function, construction, operating principle, data transmission/receiving capability, condition, accessories and technical documents. The following HS groups are common references only and do not replace final classification based on the actual dossier.

Reference HS code	Relevant description/product group	Classification basis	Application condition	Ordinary import duty	MFN import duty	VAT	C/O/FTA to review	Documents to check
8517.13.00	Smartphones	Telephone apparatus for cellular or other wireless networks; capable of mobile data transmission/reception	Applies when the primary function is a smartphone; check model, SIM/eSIM and 4G/5G technology	Under the ordinary duty principle; if MFN 0% then review the ordinary duty decision at the time of customs declaration	Common reference: 0%	Usually: 10% if no special case applies	Review ATIGA, ACFTA/RCEP, AKFTA/VKFTA/RCEP, VJEPA/AJCEP/CPTPP/RCEP, EVFTA, UKVFTA, AANZFTA/CPTPP	Catalogue, datasheet, invoice, C/O, model list, test report/QCVN
8517.14.00	Other telephones for cellular networks or other wireless networks	Based on telephone/terminal functions, network access technology and radio configuration	Applies when the product is not a smartphone but remains a mobile/wireless terminal	Need to check the current tariff schedule based on the final HS code and actual dossier	Common reference: 0%	Usually: 10%	Review according to actual origin and the appropriate C/O form	Catalogue, user manual, RF specifications, test report, C/O
8517.62.51	Wi‑Fi transceiver/modem/router/access point equipment	Equipment for transmitting, receiving or converting data in networks; with Wi‑Fi function on 2.4/5/6 GHz bands	Applies when the goods are Wi‑Fi modems/Wi‑Fi transmitters or network devices with radio functions under the Group 2 list description	Review against the current tariff schedule; do not finalize if the final HS code is not confirmed	Common reference: 0%	Usually: 10%	Pay special attention to C/O Form E/RCEP/D/VK/AK/VJ/EUR.1/UK if preferential treatment is requested	RF datasheet, QCVN test report, catalogue, C/O, label images
8517.62.59	Other data transmission/reception/conversion equipment	Network device, gateway, data terminal; may include mobile module, Wi‑Fi or data transmission function	Apply based on primary function and goods description; distinguish from ADP machines in Chapter 84 or cameras in Chapter 85	Need to check the current tariff schedule according to the final HS code	Common reference: 0%	Usually: 10%	Review FTA by import route and origin criterion	Datasheet, connection diagram, model/serial list, C/O, test report
8471.30.20 / 8471.30.90	Portable/tablet/laptop automatic data processing machines depending on configuration	Based on data processing capability, CPU, memory, display, keyboard and primary function	If Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G modules are present, corresponding ICT regulations must still be reviewed by integrated function	Need to check the current tariff schedule	Common reference: 0%	Usually: 10%	Review C/O by origin, especially China/Korea/Japan/ASEAN/EU	Datasheet, catalogue, C/O, radio specifications, test report if under Group 2
8504.40.90	Power supply/adapter/charger included or imported separately	Based on power conversion function, input/output parameters, wattage and safety standard	Applies when the adapter is imported separately or listed separately; if included with equipment, review set classification	According to the ordinary duty decision; detailed review is required under the final code	Common reference: may vary 0%, check the tariff schedule	Usually: 10%	Review C/O if the item has significant value or is imported separately	Adapter datasheet, power label, separate invoice line, packing list

SPECIAL PREFERENTIAL C/O/FTA REVIEW BY IMPORT ROUTE

Route/origin	FTA/agreement	C/O form or origin proof	Special preferential duty if supported	Application conditions	Documents to check	Application note
ASEAN	ATIGA	Form D	Many core ICT codes may be 0% if the ATIGA tariff schedule is satisfied	Goods meet origin rules and direct consignment requirements	C/O Form D, invoice, packing list, B/L, HS and goods description	Review RVC/CTH/CTSH criteria under PSR where available.
China	ACFTA or RCEP	Form E or RCEP proof of origin	Annual tariff schedules usually need to be checked; many HS 8517 groups may enjoy preferential rates 0% if valid	Correct form, origin criterion, and goods/HS description consistent with the declaration	C/O, through B/L if transiting, third-party invoice where applicable	Form E often has risks relating to description, third-party invoice, signature/stamp and HS.
South Korea	AKFTA / VKFTA / RCEP	Form AK, VK or RCEP proof	Special preferential duty may apply if the final HS code is in the tariff schedule and the C/O is valid	Satisfy origin criterion, direct consignment and no model/HS discrepancy	C/O, invoice, packing list, datasheet, model list	Select the FTA based on the tariff rate and ability to prove origin.
Japan	VJEPA / AJCEP / CPTPP / RCEP	Form VJ, AJ, CPTPP self-certification if eligible, or RCEP	Review under the relevant tariff schedule of each agreement	Sufficient origin documents and compliance with origin rules	C/O/proof of origin, invoice, B/L, catalogue	The same route may have multiple agreements; do not assume the optimal agreement before checking the final HS code.
EU	EVFTA	EUR.1 or self-certification of origin subject to conditions	Preference may apply if the HS is in the schedule and the origin document is valid	Correct origin document, direct consignment and clear goods description	EUR.1/statement on origin, invoice, B/L, catalogue	Check cumulation rules, origin and value if self-certification is used.
UK	UKVFTA	EUR.1 under UKVFTA or appropriate proof of origin	Review under the current UKVFTA tariff schedule	Satisfy origin and documentation requirements under the agreement	C/O/proof of origin, invoice, B/L	Do not use EVFTA documentation for UK-origin goods.
Australia – New Zealand	AANZFTA or CPTPP	Form AANZ or CPTPP proof if eligible	Review under each agreement’s tariff schedule	Satisfy PSR, direct consignment and valid documents	C/O/proof of origin, invoice, packing list	Check whether goods are transshipped through a third country.
India	AIFTA	Form AI	Review under the AIFTA tariff schedule; do not assume preference if the HS code is not in the schedule	Correct form, origin criterion and goods description	Form AI, invoice, B/L, catalogue	Carefully check the 8-digit HS code and goods description.
Hong Kong	AHKFTA	Form AHK	Review under the AHKFTA tariff schedule if the import route is relevant	Correct origin criterion and transport documents	Form AHK, invoice, packing list, B/L	Do not confuse Hong Kong origin with goods merely transshipped through Hong Kong.

C/O checklistCheck C/O form, origin criterion, third-party invoice, direct consignment, goods description, HS code, quantity, gross/net weight, country of origin, stamp/signature, issuance date and validity.

DOSSIER SET AND SUBMISSION METHOD

The dossier should be divided into commercial documents, technical/specialized documents and authority submission documents. Product name, quantity, model, serial number, origin and technical specifications must match across Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, label, specialized dossier and customs declaration.

Dossier group	Required documents	Used for step	Usually prepared by	Common errors	Pre-ETA check
Commercial dossier	Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Sales Contract/PO, B/L or AWB	Customs declaration, customs value, goods name, quantity and delivery terms	Importer, shipper, forwarder	Generic goods name; missing model/serial; inconsistent delivery terms	Lock bilingual goods name, model, quantity, origin and Incoterms before flight/vessel departure.
Technical dossier	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, original label images, model list, serial list	HS classification, QCVN determination, proof of function and RF specifications	Manufacturer, shipper, procurement, compliance	Datasheet does not show Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G or output power/frequency band	Obtain the correct datasheet for the imported model; do not use a general series catalogue if configurations differ.
Conformity / quality inspection dossier	Quality inspection registration where applicable, CNHQ, CBHQ, test report, self-assessment report where appropriate	Submit to the authority/portal; supplement after clearance or before circulation depending on the case	Importer, certification/testing body, logistics compliance	Expired test report/wrong QCVN; model on test report does not match documents	Check model, QCVN, assessment method, validity date and certification scope.
C/O dossier	C/O or FTA proof of origin, third-party invoice where applicable, through B/L	Claim special preferential import duty	Shipper, exporter, importer	Wrong form; wrong origin criterion; description/HS mismatch; late supplementary submission	Check form, HS, goods description, quantity, weight, issue date, stamp/signature and direct consignment.
Goods labeling dossier	Original label, draft Vietnamese sub-label, importer information, origin, model, safety specifications	Market circulation and post-clearance inspection	Importer, legal/compliance, label printer	Label lacks Vietnamese, model/origin, or does not match documents	Check the label against invoice, catalogue, CBHQ/CNHQ and declaration before market circulation.

LEGAL BASIS AND SPECIALIZED POLICY MATRIX

Read the legal basis in order: current Group 2 list, conformity certification/declaration rules, state quality inspection framework, applicable QCVN and tariff schedules at the declaration date.

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Effect/application date	Role in procedure	Key article/annex if any	Review note
New specialized circular	Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN	Ministry of Science and Technology	Effective from 31/12/2025	Main basis for identifying Group 2 ICT goods and CNHQ/CBHQ management measures	Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6; Appendices I and II	Use for dossiers opened from 2026; review QCVN according to the exact model and HS description.
Expired former circular	Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Effective 15/05/2024 to 31/12/2025	Former basis for the Group 2 ICT goods list	Former Appendices I and II	Do not use as the main basis for shipments declared during the application period of Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN; review transition dossiers if any.
Standard/conformity declaration	Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN, amended by 02/2017/TT-BKHCN and 04/2025/TT-BKHCN	Ministry of Science and Technology	Circular 04/2025 is effective from 15/07/2025	Framework for conformity declaration and conformity assessment methods	Article 12 is amended/supplemented on registration of conformity declaration where products are subject to multiple technical regulations	Review the corresponding receiving authority when a product is subject to multiple QCVNs.
ICT conformity certification/declaration	Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT and amending/supplementing documents such as 10/2020/TT-BTTTT	Ministry of Information and Communications	Partial validity still needs to be checked at the time of application	Regulates CNHQ/CBHQ procedures for ICT products and goods	Dossier forms and certification/declaration principles in the ICT sector	Due to changes in the managing authority after 2025, the current receiving instructions must be checked.
Law	Law on Product and Goods Quality 05/2007/QH12; Law on Standards and Technical Regulations 68/2006/QH11	National Assembly	Current legal foundation for quality/conformity	Foundation for Group 2 goods, technical regulations and conformity declaration/certification	Provisions on imported goods quality and responsibilities of organizations/individuals	Review amended/consolidated documents if detailed citation is needed.
Decree	Decree 132/2008/ND-CP, 74/2018/ND-CP, 154/2018/ND-CP, 13/2022/ND-CP	Government	Still serves as the framework for product/goods quality management and specialized inspection	Quality inspection mechanism, simplification of conditions and amendments to related procedures	Provisions on Group 2 goods/import quality inspection	Further review is needed if the dossier involves exemption/reduced inspection or post-audit.
Tariff schedule	Decree 26/2023/ND-CP and relevant amendments; corresponding FTA tariff schedules	Government/Ministry of Finance	Applies according to the time of customs declaration registration	Determines MFN, ordinary and special preferential duties under C/O	Tariff annex according to the final HS code	Do not finalize duties if final HS, origin, C/O or declaration date is not confirmed.

POLICY MATRIX BY PRODUCT SCENARIO

Product scenario	Legal basis to check	Potential policy	Authority/portal if identifiable	Trigger condition
Goods listed in Appendix I of Circular 29/2025	Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN; corresponding QCVN	CNHQ and CBHQ are mandatory; quality inspection registration may be required upon import	Public service portal/national single window and specialized authority under current instructions	HS code and goods description match the list; model falls within the QCVN scope.
Goods listed in Appendix II of Circular 29/2025	Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN; corresponding QCVN	CBHQ is mandatory under the corresponding technical regulation	Competent authority receiving the conformity declaration	HS code and goods description fall within the list; testing/self-assessment basis is available.
Equipment integrating Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G	Circular 29/2025; corresponding radio/EMC/safety QCVNs	Full certification/declaration may be required for integrated functions	Specialized authority / designated testing and certification bodies	Transmission/transceiver function, frequency bands and power fall within the regulation scope.
Equipment with dedicated encryption/security/firewall/VPN	ATTTM/MMDS lists and relevant specialized legal instruments	A license or other specialized procedure beyond ICT quality inspection may arise	Relevant ministry/department depending on the product	Encryption/security function falls under a regulated list; not based on trade name alone.
Refurbished/used goods	Regulations on used goods and specialized policy by model	Import conditions, explanation of goods condition and quality documents may arise	Customs and relevant specialized authorities	Invoice/packing list shows used/refurbished goods; import purpose is unclear.
Imports for EPE/FDI/factory/project	Customs law, EPE/FDI regulations, Group 2 regulations if used/circulated	Recordkeeping obligations, use purpose, internal control and post-audit may differ	Managing customs office and specialized authority according to goods nature	Import purpose is project/factory use, with equipment list and project contract.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN MST official notice Circular 04/2025/TT-BKHCN Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT

Enterprises should cross-check the official legal database or the issuing authority’s website before applying the procedure.

TIMELINE, FEES AND RISK COSTS

Stage	Expected timing	Actions	Fees/costs to control	Operational risk if delayed
Pre-ETA review	Should start as soon as PO/booking is available; preferably at least a few working days before ETA	Finalize HS, QCVN, KTCL/CNHQ/CBHQ policy, C/O, labeling and test report package	Do not state absolute fees without testing/certification quotation and current regulation	If review starts only after arrival, storage, DEM/DET and document amendment costs may arise.
Prepare/submit specialized dossier	Depends on completeness of catalogue, test report and model list	Prepare quality inspection registration if applicable and conformity certification/declaration dossier	Testing fees, certification fees and dossier service fees according to quotations from designated bodies	Missing test report or incorrect model may require re-testing.
Open customs declaration and handle channeling	According to shipment arrival schedule and dossier status	Declare HS, customs value, C/O, specialized policy and attach documents	Import duty, VAT, declaration fee, warehouse/port charges if incurred	Yellow/Red channels may require explanations on catalogue, model and policy.
Post-clearance/circulation completion	Before sale/project deployment according to policy requirements	Complete CBHQ/CNHQ, conformity mark/stamp, Vietnamese sub-label and recordkeeping	Label printing, mark/stamp, recordkeeping and additional testing result costs if any	Putting goods on the market before obligations are completed may trigger inspection/handling.

Do not fix a processing time or fee unless supported by official rules, testing/certification quotations and the actual dossier status. For ICT quality inspection, the larger cost risk often comes from storage, DEM/DET, document amendment, retesting and project delay.

PRACTICAL END-TO-END WORKFLOW

Pre-ETA review

Confirm HS, QCVN, quality inspection/CNHQ/CBHQ, MFN duty, C/O, label and model-specific risks.

Lock commercial and technical documents

Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, model list, serial list, frequency/power parameters and original label.

Determine specialized procedure

Identify whether the goods fall under Appendix I or II and whether certification, declaration or quality inspection registration is required.

Prepare or submit specialized dossier

Prepare test reports, conformity dossier, quality inspection registration if applicable and model evidence.

Customs declaration and channel handling

Green, Yellow or Red channel may require HS, value, C/O, model, catalogue and specialized policy explanation.

Delivery and post-clearance compliance

Deliver to warehouse, complete conformity obligations, apply labels/marks and retain the shipment dossier.

FAQ

Do ICT goods subject to quality inspection always require certification of conformity?

Not always. Check whether the product falls under Appendix I or Appendix II of Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN. Appendix I generally triggers certification and declaration of conformity; Appendix II generally triggers declaration of conformity.

Is HS code alone enough to determine the policy?

No. The product description and technical functions must be checked together with HS code, catalogue, datasheet, model, frequency band, power and import purpose.

What are the common issues for Wi‑Fi routers, modems and access points?

Review the Wi‑Fi transmission/receiving function, 2.4/5/6 GHz band, EIRP and applicable QCVN. Integrated radio functions must also be reviewed.

Do samples or demo units require quality inspection?

It depends on import purpose, quantity, circulation status and current authority guidance. Do not assume an exemption without basis.

Can the shipment clear customs without a test report?

It may trigger additional document requests, testing or commitments. For products requiring conformity certification/declaration, lacking a valid QCVN test report is a major risk.

Can C/O reduce import duty for ICT products?

Yes, but many ICT HS lines already have low or zero MFN rates. C/O still matters for FTA optimization and origin proof.

Can batteries or adaptors change the procedure?

Yes. Lithium batteries affect transport/DG handling; adaptors may require separate HS, labeling and safety review.

What should be retained after clearance?

Retain the customs declaration, invoice, packing list, transport document, C/O, catalogue, test report, conformity dossier, quality inspection registration if any, Vietnamese label and delivery records.

OUTPUTS AND POST-CLEARANCE OBLIGATIONS

Typical outputs

Quality inspection registration if applicable.
Certificate of conformity or conformity assessment result.
Declaration of conformity/acceptance notice if applicable.
Customs declaration cleared or released subject to conditions.

Post-clearance obligations

Apply Vietnamese labels and conformity marks if required.
Retain test reports, certificates/declarations, catalogue and shipment documents.
Supplement testing results or outstanding documents if requested.
Prepare explanations for post-clearance or market inspection.

TGIMEX SOLUTIONS

This article provides a compliance review map for ICT products subject to quality inspection. In actual shipment execution, importers still need to verify catalogue, datasheet, model, documents, origin and import purpose. For ICT products, even a small inconsistency in model, connectivity standard, applicable QCVN, test report, C/O or labeling may trigger document supplementation, storage/detention costs or delays in delivery to factories, projects or distribution channels.

The core approach is not last-minute paperwork handling, but a pre-ETA control layer: identify the technical nature of the goods, lock shipment data, select the appropriate C/O route, prepare quality inspection/conformity dossiers and synchronize freight, customs clearance and domestic delivery.

1. Technical and policy review before ETA

Review HS, goods description, catalogue, datasheet, user manual, model/serial list and import purpose.
Determine whether the goods fall under Appendix I or Appendix II, applicable QCVN, quality inspection, certification/declaration of conformity and conformity mark requirements.
Separately review high-risk triggers: Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/4G/5G, power supply/adapter, lithium battery, encryption/security function and control software.

2. Compliance dossier control

Cross-check Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, C/O, contract, catalogue, test report, original label and technical documents.
Prepare quality inspection registration, certification of conformity and/or declaration of conformity dossiers where applicable.
Check common defects in advance: inconsistent goods name, wrong model, missing testing standard, test report not matching QCVN, or C/O inconsistent with HS/description.

3. Logistics and customs coordination

Track pre-alert, ETA, vessel/flight schedule, Debit Note and transport documents to control the declaration timeline.
Coordinate customs declaration, Green/Yellow/Red channel handling and explanations on HS, customs value, origin, specialized policy and conformity dossier status.
Coordinate trucking, warehouse, port, CFS/ICD and domestic delivery according to the actual project handover plan.

4. Result follow-up and post-clearance records

Follow up quality inspection results, certification of conformity, declaration of conformity and any post-clearance completion requirements.
Control Vietnamese labeling, conformity marks, test reports, catalogue, customs declaration, C/O and shipment records by lot.
Prepare explanation files for post-clearance audit, market inspection or model/serial traceability requests.

Importers should prioritize a control-chain approach: classify the goods correctly – lock the documents correctly – submit the right dossier – monitor the right timeline – retain the right evidence. This is the basis for reducing storage risks, minimizing repeated supplementation and controlling unexpected logistics costs.

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