Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
IMPORT DECLARATION PROCEDURE FOR PRINTING EQUIPMENT: DOSSIER, CONDITIONS AND COMPLIANCE NOTES FOR IMPORTERS
The import declaration for printing equipment is not merely an administrative filing. For importers of printing machinery, it is a pre-import control point that affects customs clearance, technical documentation, lead time and the ability to put the equipment into lawful operation. This article places the regulation in the practical context of import-export operations, clarifying its scope, affected parties, and the checks required before it is relied on for a shipment dossier. Before implementation, businesses should verify the effective date, amendments, and relevant official guidance applicable to the transaction, while retaining the source and document version used for later explanation or audit.
QUICK SUMMARY FOR IMPORTERS
The procedure Import declaration for printing equipment is published on the National Public Service Portal under procedure code 2.001727. The implementing authority is the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution; the dossier is submitted online via the National Single Window Portal; the disclosed processing time is 03 working days; the fee is VND 0.
2.001727
Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution
Online via the National Single Window Portal
DOCUMENT / PROCEDURE INFORMATION
| Information field | Content |
|---|---|
| Procedure name | Import declaration for printing equipment |
| Procedure code | 2.001727 |
| Publication decision | 682/QD-BVHTTDL according to the data published on the National Public Service Portal |
| Administrative level | Ministerial level |
| Sector | Publication, Printing and Distribution |
| Implementing authority | Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution |
| Competent authority | Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution |
| Receiving address | According to the portal: No. 10 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi |
| Method | Online, via the National Single Window Portal |
| Processing time | 03 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier |
| Fee | VND 0 according to the disclosed data |
| Result | Certificate of import declaration for printing equipment or written refusal stating the reasons |
| Application status | Check again on the National Public Service Portal / NSW and current legal documents at the time of actual filing. |
KEY POINTS TO NOTE
According to public data, before importing printing equipment subject to management, the importer must file the import declaration dossier with the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution via the National Single Window Portal. The dossier should only be filed after the product name, model, technology, catalogue and technical documents have been controlled.
| Content group | Operational control point |
|---|---|
| Scope | Applies to printing equipment subject to pre-import declaration; excludes certain inkjet printers, single/multi-colour laser printers within the disclosed speed/size thresholds and dot-matrix printers. |
| Dossier components | Import declaration form for printing equipment under Form No. 04 attached to Decree 72/2022/ND-CP, and documents showing technical specifications and prepress/printing/post-press technology. |
| Timing | Review before shipment departure or before ETA to avoid arrival without confirmation or missing technical documents. |
| Result | Certificate of import declaration or written response explaining why the certificate is not issued. |
| Common errors | Generic product names, missing printing technology, missing manufacturing year/equipment age, catalogue not matching the model, inconsistency between customs dossier and specialised dossier. |
AFFECTED APPLICANTS / PRODUCT GROUPS
| Analysis group | Application |
|---|---|
| Applicants | Importers of printing machinery, trading companies, factories with packaging/label printing lines, printing establishments, logistics and customs brokers. |
| Product groups | Prepress plate/film recording machines; digital, offset, flexo, gravure, letterpress and screen-printing machines; electrically operated post-press machines; colour photocopiers and printers with colour photocopying functions. |
| HS codes to review | Groups 84.40, 84.41, 84.42, 84.43; final classification depends on actual technical documents. |
| Affected stages | Pre-import filing, NSW submission, customs declaration, commodity policy checking, warehousing/demurrage risk and post-clearance audit. |
| Documents to compare | Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, contract/PO, catalogue, datasheet, nameplate photos, model/serial list, printing technology documents, manufacturing year and intended use. |
IMPACT ON IMPORT / LOGISTICS OPERATIONS
| Operational stage | Practical impact |
|---|---|
| Customs declaration | Product name, HS code, model, technology, manufacturing year and use purpose should be consistent across customs and specialised dossiers. |
| Commercial documents | Invoice/Packing List should show model, quantity and machine details; catalogue/datasheet should evidence prepress, printing or post-press technology. |
| Clearance lead time | Missing confirmation or technical documents may delay customs clearance, cause storage costs, amendment of declaration or dossier supplementation. |
| Compliance risk | Printing equipment is controlled not only at import but also in relation to use, printing-operation registration and post-clearance record keeping. |
| Logistics cost | No unsupported state fee is assumed; importers should still reserve for storage, document correction, technical translation and waiting time if the dossier is incomplete. |
BUSINESS CHECKLIST
| Item | Required preparation | Operational note |
|---|---|---|
| Import declaration form | Form No. 04 attached to Decree 72/2022/ND-CP | Keep it consistent with invoice, catalogue, model and printing technology. |
| Catalogue / Datasheet | Technical documents showing specifications and prepress/printing/post-press technology | Translation may be required for explanation. |
| Model / Serial data | Model, serial and quantity list for each machine | Used to compare with the Packing List and actual cargo. |
| Manufacturing year / equipment age | Document evidencing manufacturing year or equipment age | Check age limits by technology group. |
| Import documents | Invoice, Packing List, B/L/AWB, contract/PO | Avoid overly generic names when the catalogue is more specific. |
| Expected HS code | Review based on actual function and structure | Do not rely solely on supplier-declared HS code. |
| NSW filing plan | Submit before ETA and monitor dossier status | Avoid cargo arrival before the confirmation is available. |
| Post-clearance records | Keep confirmation, import dossier and technical documents by shipment | Useful for post-clearance audit. |
RELATED LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW
| Document group | Document | Role in the dossier | Review note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decree | Decree 60/2014/ND-CP | Base regulation on printing activities. | Read with subsequent amendments. |
| Decree | Decree 25/2018/ND-CP | Amends Decree 60/2014/ND-CP. | Do not apply in isolation. |
| Decree | Decree 72/2022/ND-CP | Amends the import declaration procedure; includes Form No. 04. | Key basis for the declaration dossier. |
| Circular | Circular 11/2024/TT-BTTTT | Amends guidance related to printing activities and import/export lists in printing and distribution. | Review when identifying applicable lists/forms. |
| New Decree | Decree 116/2026/ND-CP | Amends certain administrative procedures under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. | Review separately for filings after its effective date. |
| Portal / NSW | Procedure code 2.001727 | Operational source for filing and dossier components. | Check immediately before filing. |
VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL SOURCES
Priority should be given to official portals before implementation, especially where ETA is close or multiple models/technologies are involved.
FULL TEXT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
The following is a reference English rendering of the publicly disclosed procedure. It is not an official legal translation.
OPEN FULL TEXT OF THE IMPORT DECLARATION PROCEDURE FOR PRINTING EQUIPMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
IMPORT DECLARATION FOR PRINTING EQUIPMENT
Procedure code: 2.001727
Publication decision: 682/QD-BVHTTDL
Administrative level: Ministerial level.
Procedure type: Administrative procedure not assigned by law to local authorities for regulation or detailed regulation.
Sector: Publication, Printing and Distribution.
Implementing authority: Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution.
Competent authority: Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution.
Receiving address: No. 10 Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi.
Applicants: Vietnamese citizens, enterprises and organisations.
I. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE
Before importing printing equipment, except excluded cases as publicly disclosed, the organisation or individual submits the import declaration dossier to the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution via the National Single Window Portal.
Within 03 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the Authority issues the certificate of import declaration for printing equipment. If the certificate is not issued, a written response stating the reasons must be provided.
II. METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION
Filing method: Online.
Processing time: 03 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier.
Fee: VND 0.
Description: Online filing via the National Single Window Portal.
III. DOSSIER COMPONENTS
1. Import declaration form for printing equipment under Form No. 04 attached to Decree 72/2022/ND-CP. Quantity: 01 original; 0 copies.
2. Documents showing technical specifications and prepress, printing and post-press technology for each type of equipment. Quantity: 01 original; 0 copies.
IV. REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS
Imported printing equipment must satisfy the disclosed criteria, including control by technology group and equipment age:
1. For prepress machines used to record film, plates or printing forms under HS 84.42: equipment age must not exceed 10 years.
2. For printing machines using digital, offset, flexo, gravure, letterpress or screen-printing technology; electrically operated post-press machines under HS 84.40, 84.41 and 84.43: equipment age must not exceed 20 years.
3. For colour photocopiers and printers with single-function or multi-function colour photocopying capability under HS 84.43: equipment age must not exceed 03 years.
V. RESULT
Certificate of import declaration for printing equipment or a written response stating the reasons for refusal.
VI. LEGAL BASIS
1. Decree 60/2014/ND-CP dated 19 June 2014.
2. Decree 25/2018/ND-CP dated 28 February 2018.
3. Decree 72/2022/ND-CP dated 04 October 2022.
4. Circular 11/2024/TT-BTTTT dated 23 September 2024.
Priority official sources: National Public Service Portal, National Single Window Portal and the Government legal-document portal. This rendering is for operational reference only and does not replace the live official data at the time of filing.
TECHNICAL TERM NOTES
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| NSW | National Single Window Portal for electronic specialised filings. |
| Catalogue/Datasheet | Technical documents showing model, capacity, technology and operating specifications. |
| Prepress technology | Process of preparing film, plates or printing forms before printing. |
| Post-press finishing | Finishing steps after printing such as cutting, folding, binding, laminating, die-cutting or pressing. |
| Equipment age | Period from manufacturing year to import time; may need evidence from manufacturer documents/nameplate. |
| HS code | Commodity classification code used for customs declaration and policy determination. |
FAQ
Do all printers require import declaration?
No. Certain inkjet printers, laser printers within the disclosed thresholds and dot-matrix printers are excluded. The actual model and technical documents must still be reviewed.
What does the dossier include?
At minimum, Form No. 04 and documents showing technical specifications and prepress, printing and post-press technology.
Where is the dossier submitted?
According to the disclosed procedure, it is submitted online via the National Single Window Portal.
How long is the processing time?
The disclosed processing time is 03 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier.
Is there a state fee?
The published data states VND 0. Importers should still reserve for translation, document correction or storage costs if the dossier is delayed.
Does this replace customs declaration?
No. It is a specialised administrative procedure and does not replace customs declaration.
Should Decree 116/2026/ND-CP be reviewed?
Yes. The procedure falls within the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism scope; new administrative-procedure amendments should be checked before filing.
What if the catalogue does not show manufacturing year?
Additional manufacturer documents, nameplate photos or technical evidence should be prepared to prove equipment age if requested.
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.
Cargo Damage at a Port or Warehouse: An Immediate Response Checklist
What Is General Average? How Cargo Interests Should Respond to a GA Notice
When should businesses photograph or video container stuffing and opening?
When Can Cargo Insurers Reject or Reduce a Claim?
Risks of Failing to Inspect a Container Before Cargo Stuffing
Risks of Failing to Inspect a Container Before Cargo Stuffing
What Documents Are Required for a Cargo Insurance Claim?
What Information Should a Cargo Damage Survey Record Contain?
Total Loss vs Partial Loss in Cargo Insurance: What Is the Difference?
Cargo Dented, Wet or Missing Packages: What Should a Business Do?
Who Must Arrange Insurance under CIF and CIP?
Export Process: From Purchase Order to Final Document Set
How Is Cargo Insurance Value Determined?
How Do ICC-A, ICC-B and ICC-C Cargo Insurance Conditions Differ?
When Should a Business Buy Separate Cargo Insurance?