Market access requirements for laptop export to Vietnam

EXTENDMAX – Laptop computer (also known as notebook PC) are increasingly popular in office work and daily life with famous brands such as Microsoft Surface, Apple MacBook, Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc. Asus, Fujitsu... and are increasingly imported into Vietnam. Ordinary laptops have HS code 84713020, preferential import tax rate is 0%, VAT is 10%. What are the all market access requirements for exporting laptops to Vietnam? Are laptops subject to an import license? Is the laptop subject to product quality inspection registration for imported goods? Is it under mandatory scope for MIC ICT type approval? Does the laptop have to be tested for energy efficiency, and energy labelling? Are there any new standards Businesses or individuals that only import a few laptops in small quantities, do they have to test lithium batteries for laptops? Let's find out all the import procedures applicable to laptops and notebooks in the article below.

Ngan Do - an expert with 10+ years for laptop approval - the key consultant for Lenovo brand

1. What is laptop computer? Classification of laptop PC?

A laptop or notebook personal computer (laptop PC or notebook PC) is a compact personal computer that is portable and carried around. It is usually light in weight, depending on the manufacturer and model for different purposes. Laptops typically have a thin LCD or LED display mounted inside the lid on the top case, and an alphanumeric keyboard inside the bottom cover of the case.

Notebooks are often classified into groups according to specific weight or function as follows:

Workstation laptop: This is a laptop with powerful configuration, high capacity hard drive, used for specialized functions such as professional graphic design work, or running scientific applications. academic or technical. Normally, workstation laptops use discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) with high specifications to always achieve super powerful performance when designing technical graphics, designing 3D models, video editing and rendering, drawing autoCAD. In some cases, workstation laptops can also be used to play games that require high configuration as well as the image processing power of the discrete GPU. Popular workstation laptops include Dell Precision, Lenovo ThinkPad P series..

Gaming laptop: A computer with a large screen, strong configuration, very good heat dissipation, large keyboard for easy operation and dedicated GPU graphics card for gaming. In addition to the features of data and image processing, gaming laptops will meet the needs of daily gaming in a durable way, ensuring optimized audio and visual experiences to support effective gaming. Popular brands of gaming laptops are MSI, Alienware

Standard laptop: Is the most common type of laptop, usually with a screen from 14in ~ 17in, used in work and daily life. Standard laptops are designed to be convenient for frequent mobile users, but still ensure professional operations on computers. Usually, standard laptops are designed to favor the normal working ability of office workers and combine the ability to light entertainment with activities that do not require high configuration.

Notebook: Notebook is a phrase used to refer to a type of laptop computer designed with an extremely thin and compact size, a screen of about 13in, enough for users to conveniently carry with them like hand writing notebooks every day. Notebook computers often use electronic components designed to be the thinnest, so they have limited working capacity, low heat dissipation, and can only serve normal office tasks. The Dell XPS 13in series is a prime example of a notebook. Today, thanks to rapidly developing technology, the line between notebook and standard laptop is gradually blurring. Even on the market, there are 17-inch laptop models with a weight of approximately 1kg.

2-in-1 laptop: A 2-in-1 laptop is a laptop or tablet that is enhanced and converted into two different forms to serve different specialized purposes. Usually, this is a computer line that uses a touch screen and detachable keyboard or uses a 360-degree hinge to turn the screen upside down. Before disassembling or folding the hinge, the machine acts as a laptop. But when removing the keyboard or flipping the screen 360 degrees, the machine can be used as a tablet. Microsoft Surface or Lenovo Yoga are good examples for this type of 2-in-1 computer.

Ultrabook: A very thin, light laptop with a screen size of 12 - 13 inches. Nowadays, manufacturers no longer use the concept of ultrabook because it is not much different from Notebook.

Netbook: A small, light-weight, inexpensive laptop that often uses its own operating system and can only perform simple tasks for sending email or very simple office tasks. Netbooks were popular in the market during 2013 ~ 2015 and have disappeared from e-commerce centers today.

common laptop PC in Vietnam — Common laptop PCs in Vietnam

2. Dossier of documents required for importing laptops

A set of import dossiers applicable to normal products (group 1 goods, not subject to special import policies or goods subject to specialized inspection) includes:

Commercial Invoice for goods purchased from abroad and with payment. Or Proforma Invoice, None-commercial invoice or shipping invoice for non-payment goods such as gifts, FOC goods, warranty goods not payable..

Bill of lading (sea waybill) or Air Way Bill (house bill)

Commercial Contract or Purchase Order or non-commercial consignment notice

Certificate of Origin (COO) in case the importer wants to enjoy preferential import tax

Packing List (itemizes the contents of each package (box, pallets, etc))

Technical documentation of the product (to determine the function, HS code, applicable import policy)

Other documents like certificate of quality, CE test reports (if any)

However, the above-mentioned documents only apply to ordinary products, no special import policies or goods subject to specialized inspection. Do laptops require special licensing or specialized testing? Our answer is that tablets are subject to state quality inspection, specialized inspection to be imported into Vietnam. Therefore, the set of import documents will be more than that of normal products. At the same time, importer will have to do some additional procedures such as state quality inspection registration for imported products, registering for energy efficiency testing tests for some types of laptops before opening customs declarations for batches. imported goods.

3. Applicable regulations for laptop or notebook computer.

Legal basis under MIC management scope for ICT approval

→ Circular 02/2022/TT-BTTTT stipulating the list of products and goods subject to regulation conformity certification and/or regulation conformity announcement (list of group 2) goods within the scope of responsibility of the Ministry of Information and Communications

→ Circular 15/2018/TT-BTTTT and Decree 74/2018/ND-CP stipulating procedures for state quality inspection for imported goods

→ Circular 10/2020/TT-BTTTT stipulating the method of regulation conformity certification and announcement of conformity of products managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications

→ Circular 08/2021/TT-BTTTT stipulates the list of equipment exempted from frequency license to compare the operating frequency and transmit power of the device, especially the wireless charger function of certain laptop (use the laptop to charge other devices like stylus pen).

→ MIC Documents No. 2361/BTTTT-KHCN guiding for implementation of the Circular 02/2022/TT-BTTTT and type approval certification according to QCVN 127:2021/BTTTT for 5G NR SA and QCVN 129:2021/BTTTT for 5G NR SA

→ National technical regulations issued by the Vietnam MIC and applied to the product.

Legal basis under MOIT management scope for VNEEP energy efficiency

Decision 04/2017/QD-TTg of Vietnam PM - Regulation the list of equipment and means required to comply with Vietnam regulation on energy efficiency.

Circular 36/2016/TT-BCT of Vietnam MOIT - Regulations on procedures and required documents for Declaration of Conformity according to Vietnam National Energy Efficiency Program (VNEEP).

TCVN 11847:2017 - Desktop and Notebook Computer - Measurement of energy consumption

TCVN 11848:2017 - Notebook Computer - Energy Efficiency (taking effect)

TCVN 11848:2021 - Notebook Computer - Energy Efficiency (enter in force from 01 Jan 2025)

Legal basis for other kinds of approval applicable for tablet PC

→ Pursuant to the National Technical Regulation (QCVN) on Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) for electric and electronic products, which are required to be applied from January 1, 2026, laptop and notebook computers with its HS code is fallen under the list subject to regulation conformity certification for RoHS (CR type approval). Please see the instructions for CR RoHS Type Approval for tablets on the allowable content of some hazardous chemicals through ExtendMax's separate article.

How to determine the QCVNs applicable to laptop

The national technical regulation QCVN applicable to laptop will be determined based on the radio transceiver technologies applied on the device. Depending on specifications, technologies and application radio frequency, a laptop model will have to be tested and tested in accordance with National Technical Regulations respectively issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications listed below:

Radio frequency standards:

QCVN 129:2021/BTTTT (RF for 5G NR NSA)

QCVN 127:2021/BTTTT (RF for 5G NR SA)

QCVN 117:2020/BTTTT (RF for 2G/3G/4G/LTE)

QCVN 65:2021/BTTTT (RF for WiFi 5GHz)

QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT (RF for WiFi 2.4GHz)

QCVN 55:2011/BTTTT (RF for NFC / HF band)

QCVN 47:2015/BTTTT (RF for RFID 918.4~923 MHz)

Radio frequency EMC standards:

QCVN 18:2014/BTTTT (RF EMC for 5G NR NSA and SA) (applicable till 30 Jun 2023)

QCVN 18:2022/BTTTT (RF EMC for 5G NR NSA and SA) (applicable from 01 July 2023)

QCVN 86:2019/BTTTT (RF EMC for 2G/3G/4G/LTE)

QCVN 96:2015/BTTTT (RF EMC for NFC, HF and UHF)

QCVN 112:2017/BTTTT (RF EMC for WiFi)

QCVN 118:2018/BTTTT (EMI for MME)

Safety standards for lithium battery

QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT - item 2.6 (IEC 62133-2:2017) (Safety for lithium cell and battery)

Electrical safety standard for ICT terminals

QCVN 132:2022/BTTTT (for ICT terminals, take effect from 01 Jan 2024)

Important notes in testing laptop:

→ Pursuant to Document No. 2361/BTTTT-KHCN dated June 17, 2022 guiding the implementation of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTTTT of the Vietnam MIC, in case importer is importing laptops in small quantities (less than 20 pcs, insufficient number of batteries for testing according to QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT), importer can contact the VNTA for acceptance to use CB test reports according to IEC 62133-2:2017 or later version for self-assessment of conformity, declaration of conformity for imported consignments

→ In case notebook or laptop computer has no wireless connection, its shall be subjected to DoC only (Type Approval is not required)

→ Bluetooth and GPS are not required to be tested for Vietnam MIC certification

→ MIC renews list of products products and goods subjected to mandatory Type Approval certification and Declaration of Conformity annually. Please find most update regulation on our website.

4. All market access requirements and procedures for laptop

Laptops with HS code 84713020 is fallen under scope of the list of group 2 goods of the Ministry of Information and Communications, must apply for Imported Product Quality Inspection Registration (PQIR) procedure, certification of conformity (ICT Type Approval), announcement of conformity (Declaration of Conformity - DoC), and labeled with ICT conformity mark.

a Procedures applicable to imported laptop PC

Market access requirements under MIC regulations

(1) Apply for product quality inspection registration process for laptop PC

(2) Submit the product quality inspection registration form to the customs authority

(3) Complete customs clearance for the laptop PC and taking the goods to the warehouse

(4) Product testing according to applicable technical regulations

(5) Apply for ICT Type approval for laptop PC at VNTA

(6) Submit Self-assessment Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) to VNTA

(7) Putting ICT conformity mark (ICT label) on the laptop PC or its packaging box before being circulated to the market

In case the importer already has the certificate of conformity and the necessary test results, the importer can carry out the SDoC process and submit Type Approval certificate to VNTA and complete the product quality inspection registration process at no time.

Market access requirements under MOIT regulations (VNEEP)

(1) Make an energy efficiency test registration form

(2) Submit the laptop test registration form to the Customs authority

(3) Importer can have the goods customs cleared and take the goods to their warehouse

(4) Take samples for testing, check the minimum energy efficiency for laptop

(5) Submit the performance test report MEPS to the Customs authority to complete the clearance procedures

(6) Carrying out procedures for energy labeling declaration of conformity to the Ministry of Industry and Trade

(7) Putting energy labels on laptop before being circulating in the market or sold to a third party

In case the importer already has the MEPS report or the energy label declaration of conformity, the importer can immediately submit it to the Customs authority for customs clearance.

Please see detailed instructions on the procedure for declaration of conformity for VNEEP energy label for laptop in our separate article

b Procedures applicable to locally manufactured laptop PC:

Market access requirements under MIC regulations

(1) Product testing according to applicable technical regulations

(2) Apply for Certificate of Conformity for laptop PC

(3) Apply for Declaration of Conformity (DoC) certificate issued by the VNTA

(4) Putting ICT conformity mark (ICT label) on the laptop PC or its packaging box before being circulated to the market

Market access requirements under MOIT regulations (VNEEP)

(1) Take samples for testing, check the minimum energy efficiency for laptop

(2) Carrying out procedures for energy labeling declaration of conformity to the Ministry of Industry and Trade

(3) Putting energy labels on laptop before being circulating in the market or sold to a third party

5. Testing and in-country test laboratory designated by Vietnam MIC

For standards on RF radio transceivers and EMC compatibility, applicant can conduct testing and testing of equipment at domestic testing laboratories designated by the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications or one of the foreign laboratories in the US, Korea, Canada, Singapore (only these 4 countries) recognized by the MIC under MRA agreements for applicable standard. Normally, in-country testing process will take 1-2 weeks for laptop.

For lithium batteries used for laptop, you can test them at ExtendMax's VNCA Laboratory (which is a laboratory designated by the Ministry of Information and Communications to test lithium batteries according to QCVN 101:2020/BTTTT)

6. Prepare a dossier of Certificate of Conformity for laptop

The set of application documents for certification of conformity for laptop, notebook PC composed of the below:

ICT Type Approval application form
Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) of applicant.
Technical specifications of the product.
Product photos including product labels.
Testing reports issued by MIC designated local labs or oversea labs recognized by MIC under MRA
ISO 9001 certificate of the factory or the shipping documents (according to applicable certification system)
Some other forms prepared by ExtendMax for the customers to sign (and stamp)

Learn more about ICT certification systems on our general guides for ICT Type Approval

7. Type Approval certification bodies designated by Vietnam MIC

Currently, the only certification body designated by the Vietnam MIC is the Telecom Metrology and Quality Center - a subsidiary of the VNTA. Applicant can submit the application documents to one of the following addresses: :

→ Telecom Metrology and Quality Center in Hanoi (VNTA building)

→ Branch of Telecom Metrology and Quality Center in Da Nang

→ Branch of Telecom Metrology and Quality Center in Ho Chi Minh City

Telecom Metrology and Quality Center will review and evaluate the applicant's certification dossier and issue a Type Approval certificate if the dossier is complete and consistent with the regulations of the MIC, VNTA.

The process of verifying documents and issuing the Type Approval certificate normally takes 2 weeks.

8. Declaration of Conformity process for laptop, notebook PC

Based on the issued Certificate of Regulation Conformity, the importer or manufacturer must continue to carry out the procedures for Announcement of Regulation Conformity at the Department of Telecommunication - Ministry of Information and Communications.

a Procedure for Declaration of Conformity for imported laptop, notebook PC:

The applicant (importer) prepares a dossier of declaration of conformity (self-assessment declaration of conformity) for the consignment, including:

(1) Self-assessment declaration of conformity form according to Decree 74/2018/ND-CP

(2) A copy of the certificate of registration for quality inspection of the consignment

(3) Registered ICT mark (with CODE) of the importer for the first time or when having a change in ICT mark.

(4) Product technical specifications document (data sheet, specifications, user manual)

(5) Type Approval certificate of the product (together with LOA issued by manufacturer if TAC is held by manufacturer)

For imported products, the procedures for declaration of conformity shall be completed as soon as the VNTA receives the above-listed dossiers. "Notice of receipt of the Declaration of Conformity" has been terminated for imported products since 2018 by the VNTA

b Procedures for declaration of conformity for domestically produced laptop, notebook PC:

The enterprise prepares a set of dossiers of declaration of conformity for products according to regulations, including:

(1) Form for Declaration of Conformity according to Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT

(2) Conformity self-assessment form according to Decree 74/2018/ND-CP

(3) Registered ICT mark (with CODE) of the importer for the first time or when having a change in ICT mark.

(4) Product technical specifications document (data sheet, specifications, user manual)

(5) Type Approval certificate of the product issued by MIC designated Certification Body

For domestically produced products, the VNTA receives the dossier, verify the dossier and issues a "Notice of receipt of the Declaration of Conformity" with a validity period of 3 years to the applicant (only local manufacturer can be applicant for this process). Applicant applying for Declaration of Conformity for the first time will need to apply for an ICT CODE code and register a its own ICT mark (ICT label) to the VNTA.

The above steps are all market access requirements for importing, manufacturing and trading laptop, notebook PC in a comprehensive manner in compliance with the provisions of law and sub-law documents on radio equipment, telecommunications, and information technology according to regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

9. How can ExtendMax help you in the market access requirements?

With many years of experience in consulting market access requirements and type approval certification for laptop, notebook PC for the leading manufacturers and leading brands such as Lenovo, Dell, Fujitsu, dynabook, LG... we can support you with all market access requirements and import procedures including:

→ Evaluate the technical specification of the product, determine whether the products meets MIC requirements on operational conditions (frequency, Tx power) and allowed to be imported to Vietnam or not.

→ Evaluate documents, certificates of quality management system ISO 9001, determine the most suitable and lowest cost Type Approval certification system

→ Consulting and supporting the initial import procedures for customs clearance such as registration for performance testing, product quality inspection registration process for imported laptop.

→ Acting as local representative for applicant in carrying out testing, type approval certification, and conformity announcement procedures for laptop, notebook PC

→ Apply for ICT CODE for the importer, register importer's ICT mark or apply for ICT Mark modification upon request.

→ In case businesses need to import in small quantities, or receive goods without payment from parent companies or foreign partners, ExtendMax is capable and qualified to provide good import solutions. Or simply we provide Importer of Record IOR service to solve your worries and problems.

10. Contact information for market access requirements consulting

EXTENDMAX VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED

Hotline: +84 915 836 555 | Hanoi: +84 24 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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