Abolishment of the ICT Conformity Mark Regulation and the Unified Use of the CR Conformity Mark

On December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications issued Circular No. 23/2024/TT-BTTTT, which repeals all provisions related to the ICT conformity mark—including Articles 18, 19, 20, and Annexes V and VI of Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT. This is not a minor change, but a systemic shift in the regulatory framework for conformity announcement activities in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. From the effective date of the circular (December 31, 2024), all organizations and individuals are required to use the CR conformity mark instead of the former ICT mark in conformity declaration procedures.

A unified nationwide CR conformity mark system

Since 2011, the ICT conformity mark was applied exclusively to ICT and telecommunications products, with registered NAME and CODE identifiers issued by regulatory authorities to each certification or declaration organization.
However, starting December 31, 2024, the ICT mark system is officially abolished under Circular 23/2024, making way for the CR conformity mark (CR = Conformity Regulation)—a unified symbol applied nationwide in accordance with Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN.

The shift to the CR mark aims to simplify and unify regulatory processes, reducing administrative burdens for businesses. It also eliminates the bureaucratic "ask-give" mechanism that existed under the previous ICT CODE issuance process.
ExtendMax accurately anticipated this change, based on its deep understanding of Vietnam’s regulatory system on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment.

>>> See more: ExtendMax's foresight on post-merger conformity regulation changes between MIC and MOST

Abolishment of CODE Numbers and Simplification of Administrative Procedures

One of the most significant repeals is the removal of the ICT conformity mark CODE number. Previously, businesses were required to apply for CODE issuance from the MIC or authorized bodies—creating unnecessary dependence, longer lead times, and higher administrative costs.
Even regulators often found it confusing when conformity certification was issued to a foreign manufacturer, while the product was imported by a Vietnamese company—raising questions about who was responsible for labeling.

Under Circular 23/2024, the CODE issuance mechanism is eliminated. The CR conformity mark is now applied by businesses based on the template in Circular 28/2012/TT-BKHCN, without any accompanying code—regardless of whether the product is subject to certification or self-declaration.

This change greatly improves efficiency for businesses:

• Reduces overall conformity declaration timelines and speeds up market entry.
• Foreign manufacturers can now proactively print the conformity mark without relying on the importer’s labeling—since all CR marks are now standardized and no longer require NAME or CODE.

>>> See more: Overview of the CR conformity mark and conformity certification process

Practical Implications: Less Paperwork, but Not Less Responsibility

Although the ICT mark is no longer required, businesses must still complete full conformity assessment procedures—either certification or declaration depending on the product.
The main differences are:

• No more CODE application required for labeling.
• A unified CR conformity mark applies to all regulated products.

This offers significant convenience and flexibility, especially for companies with international supply chains that need to pre-print labels during production.
However, legal obligations remain unchanged—the simplification of form does not mean reduced responsibility.

Note: Although the ICT conformity mark registration has officially been abolished and is now voluntary, businesses may still face some transitional issues due to long-standing practices that take time to change.

>>> See more: Compliance Strategy for Conformity Certification 2025–2026

Voluntary Registration of the Conformity Mark and CODE Issuance

While Circular 23/2024/TT-BTTTT repeals the mandatory ICT CODE issuance mechanism, TQC (Telecommunications Quality Measurement Center) still provides ICT conformity mark registration with NAME and CODE upon voluntary request by businesses.

Specifically, TQC has announced that:

• To facilitate recognition by authorities and stakeholders, TQC may include NAME, CODE, and product identifiers when issuing voluntary conformity marks for ICT and telecom products.
• If businesses wish to obtain a voluntary conformity mark, they should submit a request to TQC, including any proposals for the NAME or illustrative design elements for the mark.

>>> See more: Full notice from TQC on voluntary ICT conformity mark registration

Voluntary registration of the ICT conformity mark may help maintain familiarity during the transition to CR and improve internal management, labeling, and recordkeeping—similar to when the ICT mark was still in use.