Market access instruction and produces to import air conditioners to Vietnam

Air Conditioners are an increasingly popular cooling device, widely imported into Vietnam to meet the high market demand, with around 2 million units consumed annually. However, many enterprises still face difficulties in the import procedures for air conditioners, as this product category is subject to conditional import regulations. Below, ExtendMax provides comprehensive information on the steps to prepare and carry out the import procedures for air conditioners, helping you clear your goods efficiently, quickly, and in full compliance with legal regulations. In particular, the article includes in-depth guidance from ExtendMax experts on product quality inspections registration, energy performance, declarations, energy labeling, and conformity certification for air conditioners.

Summary of Import Procedures and Certification requirement for Air Conditioners

Summary of Import Procedures for Air Conditioners

• Identify the import status of the goods: Enterprises need to determine whether the air conditioners they import are prohibited or conditionally allowed. Specifically, used air conditioners are on the list of prohibited imports according to Decree 69/2018/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Circular 08/2023/TT-BCT).

• Classify the goods: Determine the HS code of the air conditioners to identify specialized requirements and applicable tariffs for the product.

• Budget estimation: Prepare costs for inspection, testing, and conformity assessment procedures.

• Prepare documents and certificates: Include standard import-export documents and specialized inspection certificates.

• Pay taxes and complete customs clearance:

• Other specialized procedures after customs clearance (if any): Submit performance test results, declare energy labeling, obtain conformity certification, and declare conformity...

Summary of product quality inspection requirements for air conditioner imports

Definition and Classification of Air Conditioners

What is an air conditioner?

An air conditioner, also known as an air conditioning unit (often abbreviated as "AC"), is a device designed to control the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a specific space, including both cooling and heating functions.

In Vietnam, air conditioners are most commonly used in the summer to combat the heat. Therefore, in Vietnam, another common term for an air conditioner is cooling machine.

Classification of Air Conditioners

Air conditioners can be classified based on various criteria such as structure, operating principle, application, and technology. Below are some common types of air conditioners

- Based on structure:

• Single-unit air conditioner: The outdoor and indoor units are integrated into one block. Examples include window air conditioners and portable air conditioners.

• Two-unit air conditioner: The outdoor and indoor units are designed separately and connected by copper gas pipes and control electrical wires. Examples include wall-mounted air conditioners.

• Air conditioner with three or more units: Multiple outdoor and indoor units are combined to form an air conditioning system. Examples include multi-split air conditioners, VRV, and VRF air conditioners.

- Based on thermal processing function:

• Single Function Air Conditioner (Cooling Only): Only has a cooling function, cannot increase temperature for heating.
• Dual Function Air Conditioner: Has a reversing valve that allows it to switch functions between cooling and heating, meeting the needs for temperature adjustment in different seasons.

- Based on application:

• Residential Air Conditioners: Used in small spaces like bedrooms or other areas within a home, with small to medium capacity.
• Industrial Air Conditioners: Used in large spaces like offices, restaurants, and hotels, with high capacity and powerful cooling/heating capabilities.

HS Code and Tax Rates for Air Conditioners

HS Code, Product Description, VAT, and Preferential Import Tax Rates for Common Types of Air Conditioners

Based on Article 16 of Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC, the required import documents include:

• Customs declaration form;
• Bill of lading;
• Sales contract;
• Commercial invoice;
• Packing list;

In addition to these, businesses should also prepare other important documents such as Certificate of Origin and product catalogs. For example, using a Certificate of Origin (CO) to claim preferential tariff rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTA).

For air conditioners subject to specialized inspection requirements upon importation, businesses must also prepare:

• Application dossier for quality inspection of imported goods (confirmed by the inspection agency).
• Minimum energy efficiency performance test results or a confirmation letter showing registration for energy efficiency labeling.

• Refer to our earlier summary table for specific regulatory inspection procedures for each type of air conditioner.

Once all necessary documents are prepared, businesses proceed with customs clearance procedures. For a comprehensive guide on compiling complete import and export documentation, refer to ExtendMax's detailed instructions.

Procedure for Importing Air Conditioners

Step 1: Register for State Quality Inspection

Register for quality inspection of imported goods

Step 2: Open Declaration and Customs Clearance

Submit the physical or online quality inspection registration form and the energy efficiency testing registration form along with the customs declaration. If the business already has energy efficiency test results, they can use these directly without re-registering. After the goods are brought to the company's warehouse, proceed to take samples for energy efficiency testing (self-sampling by the business) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing according to Method 1 - typical sample.

Step 3: Testing

Minimum Energy Efficiency Testing

Step 4: Perform CR conformity certification and Energy Labeling Declaration

Submit the conformity certification results to the single window portal to complete the conformity declaration procedure for imported batches. For domestically manufactured air conditioners, the manufacturer needs to additionally carry out the conformity declaration procedure at the local Standards, Metrology and Quality Department.

Certification of Conformity for Air Conditioners

Step 5: Apply the CR conformity stamp, energy label, and any other auxiliary stamps (if applicable) before distributing on the market.

>>> SEE MORE: Import Process for Electric Fans

How can ExtendMax help you in the market access requirements?

As a leading company specializing in consulting for certification and licensing, energy performance testing, and energy labeling declaration across information technology products, office equipment, and household goods, ExtendMax possesses unique strengths in delivering testing services and facilitating energy labeling declarations. This support effectively enables businesses to save substantial time and costs during air conditioner import procedures.

• ExtendMax evaluates and categorizes products, ensuring businesses accurately identify and obtain all necessary licenses for air conditioner imports. This proactive approach helps businesses plan for timely compliance, manage budgets effectively, and prevent unforeseen issues.

• ExtendMax assesses product specifications and technical characteristics to determine whether products require energy efficiency testing or energy labeling, thereby optimizing costs for clients. In cases where imported air conditioners are not mandatory for energy efficiency testing, ExtendMax advises on suitable handling options or assists in obtaining certification from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

• ExtendMax is well-versed in testing sample requirements and specifications, optimizing client-provided resources to reduce costs and shorten the time required for energy labeling testing and conformity certification processes.

• ExtendMax acts as a representative for businesses in drafting, submitting registration documents, result files, and procedures for testing, certification, conformity certification, energy efficiency testing, and energy labeling for air conditioners.

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