Import License Support for Internal-Use IT Equipment in Vietnam | Reliable

The import of internal-use production equipment is becoming increasingly common in Vietnam, especially as many FDI enterprises and multinational corporations expand their manufacturing operations. However, to ensure a smooth importation process, businesses must clearly understand relevant legal regulations, customs procedures, and the specific licenses required for importing such equipment.

1. Internal-Use Production Equipment Import License

This license is issued by the competent government authority, allowing enterprises to import used IT equipment for internal production use within the company.

Typically, internal-use production equipment includes:

• Desktop computers, laptops, and all-in-one PCs
• Servers
• Telecommunications equipment such as routers, switches, access points
• Consumer electronics like cameras, phones, tablets

According to Article 3 of Decision No. 18/2016/QĐ-TTg, only equipment meeting the following conditions is permitted for import:

Article 3. Principles for Importing Items in the Prohibited Import List

Used goods must comply with regulations regarding safety, quality, and national technical standards.

Import is prohibited for outdated, poor-quality, or environmentally harmful used goods that have been officially phased out in other countries.

In addition to the requirements of Article 5 of this Decision, used goods must comply with current regulations on goods importation.

Read more: 10 Cases Where Used IT Equipment Can Be Imported into Vietnam

2. Why Is the Internal-Use Production Equipment Import License Necessary?

Used IT equipment falls under the list of prohibited imports in Vietnam. However, Decision No. 18/2016/QĐ-TTg allows for such equipment to be imported under the condition that it is transferred internally within the same organization.

Therefore, to import used IT equipment for internal use in Vietnam, businesses are required to obtain the Internal-Use Production Equipment Import License.

Key reasons for this licensing requirement include:

• Enables regulatory agencies to effectively control the flow of used imported equipment
• Ensures the equipment is used internally and not sold in the domestic market
• Prevents information security risks and the use of substandard or outdated devices
• Ensures full compliance with legal regulations

Without this license, companies may face:

• Refusal of customs clearance
• Administrative penalties or confiscation of goods
• Damage to business reputation and operations

Read more: How to Register for Imported Goods Quality Inspection | A-Z Guide

3. Conditions for Enterprises Importing Internal-Use Production Equipment

To be eligible for importing used IT equipment for internal use, enterprises must meet the following conditions:

The importer must be a legally established organization or business under Vietnamese law

The importer must meet specific documentation and procedural requirements as per Decision No. 18/2016/QĐ-TTg, Decision No. 31/2019/QĐ-TTg, Decree No. 69/2018/NĐ-CP, and Decree No. 77/2023/NĐ-CP

For IT equipment involving civil cryptography or network security, additional special licenses are required

4. Procedure for Applying for the Internal-Use Production Equipment Import License

4.1 Application Dossier

The application must include:

• Application letter per the format of Decision No. 18/2016/QĐ-TTg
• Legal entity documents (business registration certificate, investment certificate, etc.)
• Technical specifications of the products (1 copy)
• Proof that the IT products are assets of a foreign enterprise associated with the importer and will be used for internal production (1 original)
• Proof of product origin (invoice, purchase contract, or equivalent; 1 copy)
• Asset transfer decision by the organization (1 original)

4.2 Licensing Steps

Step 1: Prepare and submit the dossier to the competent authority

Submit one set directly, by post, or via the online public service portal to the Ministry of Science and Technology

Step 2: Application review and request for supplementary documents (if any)

Within 5 working days from receipt of a valid dossier, the Minister of Science and Technology will issue the import approval or provide written justification if denied

Step 3: License issuance if all requirements are met

After obtaining the import license, the enterprise proceeds with the following import steps:

• Apply for the used IT equipment import license
• Export used IT equipment to Vietnam
• Declare the shipment like new goods
• Submit customs declaration along with approved licenses
• Pay taxes and complete necessary procedures for customs clearance
• Submit periodic import reports as required

ExtendMax Supports the Import License Application for Internal-Use Production Equipment

Read more: Mobile Phone Import Procedure | Step-by-Step Guide

5. Important Notes When Applying for the Internal-Use Equipment Import License

Correct product classification: Some seemingly simple products fall under special regulatory control and require separate permits

Check encryption and cybersecurity regulations: Many used IT devices contain built-in encryption, requiring additional licenses for civil cryptography or cybersecurity

6. Import License Consulting Services in Vietnam

ExtendMax is a trusted and experienced import licensing consultancy in Vietnam, specializing in:

• Import licenses for IT equipment
• Contract manufacturing and internal-use equipment permits
• Used IT equipment licensing
• Conformity certification
• Civil encryption and network security licenses

Experienced team: With over 10 years in the IT equipment import field, ExtendMax has completed numerous complex projects with excellent outcomes.

Award-winning reputation: Our achievements include prestigious international awards such as SME100 Asia Award (2023 & 2024), and Stevie Awards (2025).

Comprehensive service ecosystem:

• Consulting on conformity certification and national technical standards
• Consulting on civil encryption and cybersecurity licensing – areas requiring deep expertise
• Import/export agency and supply chain management services for global corporations
• Consulting on IT equipment import/export procedures for major projects, data centers, and industrial production
• Fast & efficient: Our streamlined processes save clients time and costs

ExtendMax currently serves clients and partners from over 30 countries, including major tech nations such as the USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea, China, Italy, and Singapore. Global brands like IBM, Dell, LEGO, Fujitsu, and Lenovo trust ExtendMax as their consulting partner.

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