The quality inspection and conformity certification procedures for information technology radio transceiver equipment are considered the most complex when compared to other Group 2 products such as household electrical appliances, construction materials, etc. The complexity of the conformity certification procedures for radio transceiver equipment stems from various aspects, including determining the applicable technical standards, required documentation for conformity certification, verification of the origin of sample products, and validation of foreign documents in specific cases, among others. On November 5, 2024, the Telecom Metrology and Quality Center issued Decision No. 228/QĐ-TTĐLCL regarding the issuance of the conformity certification process. In this article, we will provide some information on the dossier handling process for ICT conformity certification according to Decision No. 228/QĐ-TTĐLCL, along with a summary of some notable points.
Receiving and processing ICT type approval dossiers
After receiving the dossier for conformity certification, the Telecom Metrology and Quality Center must issue a written notification to the customer within 07 working days in cases where:
- The dossier is inconsistent (e.g., inconsistency regarding the manufacturer’s name, technical specifications, factory name, etc.).
- The dossier is incomplete, invalid, or applies the wrong method for conformity certification.
For type approval dossiers that are accurate and complete, the processing time is 07 working days. In cases where additional processing time is required (e.g., waiting for the customer to supplement documents or the need for production assessment), the total time must not exceed 27 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.
Requirements for test reports
Test reports must be issued by a testing laboratory in compliance with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT.
For test reports issued by MRA-recognized testing laboratories: the test reports must be conducted according to the QCVN or the standards specified in the recognition decision by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Test reports conducted according to equivalent international standards will not be accepted unless specifically guided by the MIC in writing. Before content evaluation, the test reports must be verified for its origin with the MRA laboratory (the Certification Department acts as the focal point for this verification).
>>> Read more: In depth knowlege about state inspection for imported goods
Requirements for sample products for testing
In cases where the sample product is imported by an organization or individual: the dossier must include evidence of the import. The sample product must have labels in compliance with the provisions of Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP dated April 14, 2017, as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP dated December 9, 2021.
In cases where the sample product is provided by a foreign manufacturer: the dossier must include evidence that the manufacturer has provided the sample product to the organization or individual (the evidence must clearly state the information of the sample product, the details of the organization or individual, and must be verified for validity).
>>> Read more: How to make label and marking for electronic products
Processing TA dossiers under Method 1
The procedure for processing TA dossiers under Method 1
Application of factory audit under Method 1
The application of factory assessment for conformity certification under Method 1 is one of the key highlights of the conformity certification process outlined in Decision No. 228/QĐ-TTĐLCL. This requirement is distinct from most conformity certification procedures under Method 1 at conformity certification organizations of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Construction, etc. The purpose of the factory assessment is to ensure that the production of the product is carried out on a production line that holds a quality management system certificate or at the declared contract manufacturing facility.
According to Decision No. 228/QĐ-TTĐLCL, factory audit under Method 1 is applied in cases 1 and 6 as listed below:
| Case | Only issue TAC for Manufacturer | TAC can be issued for Manufacturer or Importer |
Only issue TAC for Importer
| Remarks |
| Case 1 | X | The assessment must be conducted at the manufacturer's production facility. | ||
| Case 2 | X | The dossier must include evidence of the manufacturer subcontracting production. The production assessment must be conducted at the subcontracted factory. | ||
| Case 3 | X | |||
| Case 4 | X | The dossier must include evidence of the manufacturer subcontracting production (this evidence must be verified for its origin through the manufacturer's representative office in Vietnam) | ||
| Case 5 | X | The dossier must include evidence of the manufacturer subcontracting production and evidence of the organizational relationship between the manufacturer and the subcontracted factory (the evidence must be exchanged and verified for its origin with the manufacturer). | ||
| Case 6 | X | The dossier must include evidence of the manufacturer subcontracting production (the evidence must be exchanged and verified for its origin with the manufacturer. The production assessment must be conducted at the subcontracted factory. |
>>> Read more: Procedures, sequence, and methods for Conformity Certification
>>> Read more: Procedures, sequence, and methods for Conformity Declaration
ICT Conformity certification costs
The type approval costs are applied according to the regulations of the Center regarding the service expenses for conformity certification of products and goods in the information and communication technology sector. The collection of conformity certification fees is conducted according to the TQC's QT-HD09 Guidelines. Specifically:
The Center for Telecommunications Quality Measurement issues a service quotation within 03 days from the date of receiving the dossier.
The quotation from the Center for Telecommunications Quality Measurement will list all necessary costs for processing the type approval dossier.
In cases where the type approval dossier involves additional assessment and/or sampling (type approval dossiers under Methods 5, 7, or Method 1 dossiers in Cases 1, 2, and 6 as mentioned in Appendix 1 of the QT-HD02 Guidelines): the calculation and determination of travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs for the assessment team must comply with the Center's regulations on service fees for conformity certification of products in the information and communication technology sector at the time of issuing the quotation.
>>> See more: Fee for ICT Type Approval
Post-certification surveillance
Post-TA surveillance is only conducted for products that have been issued a type approval certificate under Method 1 and Method 5. Specifically:
Post-TA surveillance for products issued a type approval certificate under Method 1 is conducted by reviewing the maintenance of the validity of the quality management system (QMS) certificate of the production line.
Post-TA surveillance for products issued a type approval certificate under Method 5 is conducted periodically, no later than 12 months from the date of issuance of the type approval certificate or from the previous surveillance.
How ExtendMax can help you
As you can see, the procedures for conformity certification of IT radio transceiver equipment are highly complex and come with additional requirements compared to the conformity certification methods applied by other ministries. Any minor mistake in determining standards or following the procedures can result in significant costs related to testing and conformity certification. If you need assistance, consider using the professional consulting services of ExtendMax.
With the extensive experience of our lawyers/engineers and the latest information on current regulations, ExtendMax will provide consultation and services to assist you with the following:
→ Advising on necessary legal procedures, including but not limited to conformity certification and conformity declaration, to ensure products are compliant and legally marketed.
→ Correctly identifying the standards and technical regulations applicable to the equipment to avoid errors, saving time and costs.
→ Providing sample testing services at ExtendMax's testing lab (VNCA Lab) or at testing labs designated by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
→ Reducing testing time by assisting businesses in setting up sample tests at testing labs. Proactively coordinating with the testing labs to address any issues that may arise during the testing process.
→ Supporting businesses in preparing legal dossiers and documents for conformity certification applications as required by the certification bodies.
→ Assisting businesses in obtaining conformity certificates within the processing timelines of certification bodies.
→ Supporting businesses in preparing the dossiers and representing them in submitting and completing conformity declaration procedures and import quality inspection.
>>> Read more: ExtendMax ICT Type Approval services
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