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Guide to Import Procedures for Data Storage Devices – Practical Insights

Explore the latest import procedure for data storage devices. Get guidance on HS codes, taxes, and civil cryptography licensing notes to clear customs quickly.

ExtendMax – 29/09/2025 – Data Storage Devices” on today’s market include a wide range of IT products designed to store and retrieve data. These products are increasingly imported into Vietnam to support daily business operations, data centers, and the country’s digital transformation efforts. In this article, ExtendMax provides a detailed guide to the latest import procedures for data storage devices, including key notes on specialized licensing requirements, HS code classification, customs declaration, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Explore the latest import procedure for data storage devices. Get guidance on HS codes, taxes, and civil cryptography licensing notes to clear customs quickly.

Explore the latest import procedure for data storage devices.

What are Data Storage Devices?

“Data Storage Devices” in today’s market are broadly defined as a variety of IT products designed to store and retrieve data. They can be divided into four main groups:

  • External or internal hard drives: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

  • Network Attached Storage (NAS): storage enclosures connected via LAN/Wi-Fi.

  • Enterprise-grade storage systems for data centers: Storage Arrays, SAN, JBOD, Storage Controllers.

  • Memory cards, USB drives, and portable storage devices: SD cards, flash drives, external SSDs.

Each group has its own HS code, regulatory policies, tax rates, and legal compliance requirements. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on the import procedures for Network Attached Storage (NAS) and enterprise data center storage systems. For the other two categories, please refer to the following ExtendMax articles:

>>> Import procedures for HDDs and SSDs

>>> Import procedures for smart cards (USB, SD cards)

Classification of Enterprise Data Storage Devices

Classification of Enterprise Data Storage Devices

 

HS Code and Import Tax for Data Storage Devices

Accurately determining the HS code and import duty rate for data storage devices is critical, as it directly affects whether the customs clearance process proceeds smoothly. An incorrect HS code classification can even result in administrative penalties. According to Circular No. 31/2022/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance on HS codes and the current tariff schedule, the HS code and corresponding import duty and VAT for data storage devices are as follows:

84717090 – (Data Storage) Other”

HS code

Description

VAT (%)

Preferential import duty

Normal import duty

847170

 

- Storage devices:

 

10%

(Reduced to 8% until December 31, 2026)

0%

5%

84717090

- - Others

10%

(Reduced to 8% until December 31, 2026)

0%

5%

 

Note:

  • According to Decree No. 174/2025/NĐ-CP, the VAT rate for data storage devices has been reduced to 8% until December 31, 2026.
  • Enterprises should carefully review the actual technical specifications and consult the latest Vietnam Import–Export Tariff Schedule to avoid misclassification.

 

Specialized Import Policies

The specialized regulations applicable to importing data storage devices are as follows:

  • According to Decree No. 211/2025/NĐ-CP, even if a storage device includes civil cryptography functions, enterprises are still allowed to import it without applying for an import–export license for civil cryptography products, as the HS codes for storage devices are no longer listed in Appendix 2 of Decree 211/2025/NĐ-CP. However, if the enterprise imports storage devices for profit-making purposes (resale or leasing), it must obtain a business license for civil cryptography products in accordance with the law.
  • Used storage devices: classified as prohibited imports under the list of used ICT goods banned from entering Vietnam.
  • There are, however, 10 exceptional cases in which importing used storage devices is permitted, under Decision 18/2016/QĐ-TTg, Decision 31/2019/QĐ-TTg, Decree 69/2018/NĐ-CP, and Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT. These cases require enterprises to obtain explicit import licenses.

See also related content:

>>> Guide to Applying for a Civil Cryptography License

>>> Guide to the 10 Exceptions for Importing Used ICT Equipment

 

Import Procedure for Data Storage Devices

The import process for data storage devices consists of 4 main steps. The steps and important notes are as follows:

Step 1: Check for civil cryptography requirements

The importer must first verify whether the storage device qualifies as a civil cryptography product to determine the best import approach.

  • If the storage device is classified as a civil cryptography product and is being imported for commercial purposes, the importer should immediately apply for a business license for civil cryptography products. Although storage devices are no longer subject to import–export licensing under MMDS, obtaining a business license beforehand ensures the products can be sold immediately upon arrival.
  • If the devices are imported for internal use only, no civil cryptography license is required, and the import process can proceed directly.

This step is often overlooked by many companies, leading to compliance violations and, in some cases, administrative penalties under Decree No. 211/2025/NĐ-CP.

Step 2: Prepare the import–export documentation

At this stage, the following items should be checked:

  • Import–export documents (Invoice, PO, PL, AWB): These must contain consistent information regarding product description, value, packaging details, quantity, and names of importer/exporter.

  • HS code and tax policy: Review in advance to estimate costs and applicable duties.

  • Product labeling: Verify in detail, preferably with product images, to ensure compliance with labeling regulations.

Many companies fail to thoroughly check this stage, often resulting in delays or administrative fines when customs inspections reveal discrepancies between documentation and the actual goods.

Step 3: File the customs declaration and clear goods

  • Submit the customs declaration via the VNACCS/VCIS system.

  • Depending on the customs clearance channel assigned:

    • Green channel: cleared immediately without inspection.

    • Yellow channel: documents reviewed.

    • Red channel: physical inspection of goods.

  • Calculate and pay taxes: import duty, VAT, and special consumption tax if applicable.

  • Customs clearance and delivery: complete procedures to release goods to the warehouse.

Step 4: Affix the Vietnamese supplementary label

Before selling products on the domestic market, enterprises must affix supplementary labels in Vietnamese in accordance with regulations. If the goods are imported for internal use, supplementary labeling is not required. An example of such labeling is provided later in this article.”

4-step Import procedure for data storage devices
4-step Import procedure for data storage devices

 

Import–Export Documentation for Data Storage Devices

A standard set of import–export documents for data storage devices typically includes:

  • Sale Contract

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Airway Bill or Bill of Lading

  • Certificate of Origin (C/O) – optional

  • Import License (if applicable)

  • Product catalogue or datasheet

>>> Read more: Guide to Preparing a Complete Import–Export Document Set

Import–export records for data storage devices must be kept for 5 years in accordance with the requirements of the Tax and Customs authorities.

 

Labeling Requirements for Imported Data Storage Devices

According to Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP on product labeling:

All imported data storage devices must bear a label in Vietnamese (which may be accompanied by another language) before being placed on the Vietnamese market.

Mandatory content on the original label:

  • Name of the product (e.g., Network Attached Storage – NAS);

  • Country of origin. If the origin cannot be determined, the label must indicate the place of the final processing step to complete the product, as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 15 of Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP;

  • The name or abbreviation of the manufacturer or the organization/individual responsible for the product abroad (brand name or manufacturer’s abbreviation).

If the original label does not fully show the name and address of the manufacturer or the responsible organization abroad, this information must be provided in the accompanying documents (commonly the user manual).

Mandatory content on the supplementary label: See the guidance in the supplementary label sample below.

Label format:

  • The label may be printed or affixed directly onto the product or its commercial packaging.

  • If the goods do not carry a Vietnamese label upon importation, the importer may add a supplementary label in Vietnamese before the products are circulated in the market.

Penalties: Missing or incorrect labeling may result in administrative fines and, in severe cases, suspension of product circulation.

>>> See also: Comprehensive Guide to Labeling ICT Products

Nhãn phụ bằng tiếng Việt cho bộ lưu trữ
Vietnamese sublabel for data storage devices

 

Strategic Notes & Updates

  • Constantly changing regulations: Businesses must stay updated on legal documents issued by the General Department of Customs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Government Cipher Committee – Ministry of National Defense.

     

  • Risk mitigation: It is advisable to work with professional consulting firms such as ExtendMax to identify the correct specialized policies and prepare compliant documentation.

     

  • Internal standardization: Develop standardized import procedures to avoid reliance on individuals, ensuring the company can respond quickly in all situations.

Importing data storage devices is not merely a customs procedure; it is also a test of a company’s risk management capability and legal adaptability. When done correctly, enterprises can save time and costs while building long-term capacity to expand into other technology products. This is the sustainable approach to turning legal challenges into competitive advantages.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on Importing Data Storage Devices

Question 1: Do we need to apply for an import–export license for civil cryptography products when importing storage devices?
ExtendMax Answer: According to the latest Decree No. 211/2025/NĐ-CP, import–export licenses are no longer required for storage devices, as their HS codes have been removed from the MMDS licensing list.

Question 2: If we import storage devices for resale, do we need to obtain a business license for civil cryptography products?
ExtendMax Answer: Not all storage devices are classified as civil cryptography products. If your device includes specialized encryption functions (other than Self-Encrypting Drives), you must obtain a business license for civil cryptography products. If the device has no encryption function, or only a Self-Encrypting Drive function, no license is required.

Question 3: Our imported NAS has built-in Wi-Fi. Do we need to register for quality inspection and obtain ICT conformity certification?
ExtendMax Answer: The HS code for storage devices is not listed under Group 2 ICT products regulated by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Therefore, under Clause 2, Article 1 of Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT, no quality inspection registration or ICT conformity certification is required.

Question 4: If we import storage devices for internal use only, must we affix Vietnamese supplementary labels?
ExtendMax Answer: Supplementary labels in Vietnamese are only required when the product is placed on the market (sold or leased). If the devices are imported strictly for internal use, supplementary labeling is not mandatory.”

 

Guide to Importing Similar Products

Mặt hàng Link bài viết hướng dẫn thủ tục nhập khẩu
Smart cards https://extendmax.vn/vietnam-market-access-smart-cards-rfid-tags 
HHD, SDD drives https://extendmax.vn/procedures-for-importing-hard-drives-to-vietnam 
Laptop PC https://extendmax.vn/market-access-requirements-and-type-approval-for-laptop-notebook-pc 
Desktop PC https://extendmax.vn/market-access-requirements-and-ict-type-approval-for-desktop-computer 
Tablet PC https://extendmax.vn/market-access-requirements-for-tablet-pc-and-type-approval 
Server https://extendmax.vn/market-access-requirements-for-exporting-server-to-vietnam 

 

Consulting Services for Data Storage Import and Export

ExtendMax has over 10 years of experience in handling import and export procedures for data storage devices and ICT equipment.

ExtendMax has over 10 years of experience in handling import and export procedures for data storage devices and ICT equipment.

ExtendMax is a leading consulting firm in Vietnam specializing in the import and export of ICT equipment, product conformity certification, and civil cryptography licensing.

With over 10 years of experience, our team of highly skilled experts has successfully managed numerous complex projects, delivering outstanding results that have been recognized internationally.

Key Achievements: ExtendMax is proud to have received prestigious awards both domestically and globally, including the SME100 Asia Award, Stevie Awards, International Business Awards (IBA), and notably, the Grand Stevie Award – the first ever granted to a Vietnamese enterprise.

Comprehensive Service Ecosystem:

  • Consulting on product conformity certification and compliance with national technical regulations for ICT products.

  • Advisory services for obtaining civil cryptography licenses – a specialized legal field requiring deep expertise and practical experience.

  • Importer and exporter of record (IOR/EOR) services and supply chain management for international corporations.

  • Consulting on import–export procedures for ICT equipment used in data center projects, manufacturing plants, and large-scale infrastructure.

Efficient and cost-effective: Our optimized processes ensure clients save maximum time and costs at every stage of the procedure.

Today, ExtendMax is a trusted partner for clients in more than 30 countries, including major technology markets such as the United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea, China, Italy, and Singapore. Our global clientele includes leading brands such as IBM, Dell, LEGO, Fujitsu, and Lenovo.

This article is prepared by CEO Tran Thanh Phuong – a leading expert in import–export legal compliance. Should you have further questions or require professional support, please contact ExtendMax for timely consultation and assistance.

Contact for Consultation:

EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD

Business Registration Address:
P903, 9th Floor, Tower A, Sky City Tower Complex, 88 Lang Ha Street, Lang Ha Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Head Office:
ExtendMax Villa, C01-L18 An Vuong, Duong Noi Urban Area, Duong Noi Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hotline: +84 915 836 555 | Hanoi Office: +84 24 6666 3066

Email: consultant@extendmax.vn | phuong.tran@extendmax.vn

 

If you find our guide useful and practically applicable, we kindly encourage you to support us by leaving a rating at the bottom of this article, posting your comments, and sharing it with colleagues or peers in the import–export and logistics sector. Your feedback will be a great motivation for us to continue creating more detailed and valuable procedural guides to better support importing businesses.

Trần Thanh Phương
Trần Thanh Phương

I am Tran Thanh Phuong (Alex), a legal expert specializing in the Law on Product Quality, the Law on Cybersecurity, the Law on Customs, and the Law on Foreign Trade Management. I am a trusted consultant for leading global technology corporations such as Cisco, HPE, Arista, Palo Alto, and Lenovo, providing consultancy services on procedures for importing and exporting IT products into Vietnam.

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