Market access requirement for Ethernet Switch

EXTENDMAX – Network switch (ethernet switch) looks like a device with no market access requirements and easy to make customs clearance. Is it true? In fact, there have been many organizations that have imported eithernet switches, who have not been fully consulted, getting their goods stuck at the customs. They may get penalty from customs authority for opening customs declarations but not able to provide import permit for switch within 30 days and project delays. Within the scope of this article, ExtendMax will provide detailed instructions on import procedures for switches so that importers can have a complete overview and prepare carefully before importing.

1. What are network switches?

Switches have 2 types, one is a switching device used in the electrical system (also known as an electrical switch), the other is an information technology device (as known as "Ethernet Switch" or a "Network Switch") used in the local network system (LAN). The procedure for importing electrical switches is quite simple, so within this article we only refer to ethernet switches.

An Ethernet Switch is a networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to destination hardware.

2. How are switches classified? What type of license is required?

There are many ways to classify different types of switches. In this article, we will guide you through "the classification of ExtendMax" to make it easier to determine whether a product is subject to a special license. Switches can be classified into the following groups:

a. Group switches used in home networks, small and medium enterprise networks

Switches in this group usually have only a simple "switching" function, have a low value of maximum few hundred US Dollars, have no or minimum security features. Therefore, import permit is not required for this kind of switch. A simple, low-cost, no or less security function switch is similar like below photo:

b. Group of switches used in core network, large enterprise's LAN

Normally, large enterprises have high security requirements, so the switches used in these core network often have built-in security functions with encryption keys (civil cryptography) and have a bigger value ranges from $1000 ~ $20,000. This type of switch is usually a product of well-known security network equipment manufacturers such as Cisco, Juniper, Allied Telesis, Brocade.... Depends on security functions, a big part of these switches are fallen under mandatory scope for Civil Cryptography Product (CCP) import permit for customs clearance.

Typical appearance of switches in this group is as follow:

c. Group of industrial switches used in factories

Industrial switches without management function are usually designed without fans with cooling fans, low power consumption, bearing housings, ensuring stable operation in a variety of industrial environments. . Usually these products do not have security features, but some of them still have built-in data encryption functions. Industrial switch looks like below sample:

2. What license is required to import switching equipment?

Switching equipment has HS code in heading 851762 listed in Appendix 2 of Decree 53/2018/ND-CP, fallen under the group of products that must apply for CCP license and permit to import civil cryptographic products.

3. Dossier and procedures for applying for CCP dealer license and CCP import permit

As mentioned above, in the case that enterprises import high security switch from Cisco, Juniper, HPE, Alcatel Lucent, Brocade, Allied Telesis... brands with civil cryptographic function, the enterprise needs to apply for a CCP dealer license (CCP trading license) for trading cryptographic products according to regulations and able to apply for CCP import permit. For certain switches having VPN features using TLS or IPSec technology, enterprises also have to apply for certification of conformity of civil cryptographic products. Please find instructions on procedures and conditions via our below articles:

Guidance for applying for a civil cryptographic dealer license

In-depth Q&A about civil cryptographic licenses

Guidance on certification of conformity for civil cryptographic products

4. Does importer need to apply for other license for the network switch?

Before July 1, 2018, network switch was fallen under the list of group 2 goods managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications used to have to obtain MIC certificate. Fortunately, from 01 July 2018, network switch is no longer under scope for state quality inspection procedures and no longer required for MIC declaration of conformity process.

Other notes:

→ Second-hand network switch is forbiden to enter Vietnam

→ If you are going to import Cisco branded switches, you may need our guide for importing products having trade mark protected by IP Law

5. How can ExtendMax help you in the procedure of importing swich switches?

→ Evaluate the product's technical documentation, advise on the right type of license to have

→ Consulting and guiding exporter and importer on the list of licensing applications with the best solutions

→ Advising and guiding exporter and importer on the steps to be qualified for getting CCP license

→ Support businesses to compile "standard" documents in the fastest time

→ On behalf of the applicant to submit and monitor the application for a license, shortening the time needed

→ Pay the fee on behalf of the applicant and receive the license and hand it over to the applicant

All the above mentioned procedures can be completed within the time limit specified by legal documents (30 working days for business license and 10 working days for import license).

→ In case the switching device is assessed as not a civil cryptographic product, the importing company should obtain CCP Exemption Letter issued by the National Authority of Cryptography and Information Security (NACIS) issued to ensure smooth customs clearance

→ In case customers have urgent import needs, you can use ExtendMax's IOR and EOR service for Vietnam

If you are going to import ethernet switch to Vietnam, you are welcome to contact us for consultation and services:

6. Contact information for consulting and obtain license, permit for switch

EXTENDMAX VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED

Hotline: 0915 836 555 | Hanoi: 024 6666 3066

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

HO: ExtendMax Villa, C01-L18 An Vuong, Duong Noi urban area, Duong Noi ward, Ha Dong district, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Test laboratory: BT02-21, An Hung urban area, To Huu street, La Khe ward, Ha Dong district, Hanoi City, Vietnam

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