Market access requirements and type approval for tablet

EXTENDMAX – Tablet computers (also known as tablets or tablet PC) started to appear in the early years of the 20th century and imported, widely popularized on the Vietnamese market from the early 2010s to the present. Tablets mainly serve entertainment purposes such as playing games, reading books or news with famous brands such as Microsoft Surface, Apple iPad, Lenovo, Samsung... So what are the market access requirements for importing tablets? What is the HS code of the tablet? Are tablets subject to an import license? Is the tablet PC subject to product quality inspection registration for imported goods? Is it under mandatory scope for MIC ICT type approval? Does the tablet have to be tested for energy efficiency, and energy labelling? Are there any new standards Businesses or individuals that only import a few tablets in small quantities, do they have to test lithium batteries for tablets? Let's find out all the import procedures applicable to tablets in the article below.

1. What is a tablet PC? Classification of tablets.

Tablet PC is a mobile computer with a touch screen, Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivity, possibly with WWAN connection using phone SIM or data SIM to connect to the mobile communication network, using rechargeable lithium battery for repeated use. Tablets can do some of the tasks similar to a tablet, but lack some of the input/output (I/O) ports that typical tablets have. Today's tablets are largely similar to modern smartphones, the only difference being that tablets have a larger screen size than smartphones. In some special cases, when designed for work use, a tablet is like a tablet with a full range of ports and uses the Windows operating system like a tablet.

There are many ways to classify tablets such as by operating system (Android, IOS, Window), or by purpose of use (work, entertainment, sales...). In this article, we will categorize in the easiest way possible the import policies and import procedures applicable to tablets.

Tablets for entertainment purposes

This is the most popular type of tablet on the market, using the Android or iOS operating system, mainly designed for entertainment purposes such as surfing the web, accessing social networks, playing games. This type of tablet has a reasonable price and the configuration is not special, the screen is moderate in the range of 7in ~ 10in.

Tablets for work purposes

This is a tablet designed for entertainment use combined with the ability to work close to a standard laptop, although it lacks some ports compared to laptops. This type of tablet will often have additional accessories for the ability to work such as a removable keyboard, capable of using a mouse, or a stylus pen to be able to perform office tasks such as sending emails, typing text, or graphics design.

Tablets for specialized purposes

This type of tablet is designed for specialized use in the military, research, or industrial use environments. This type of tablet has very good impact resistance, is capable of using in harsh environments with humidity, high temperature, is resistant to dirt and water. These special types of tablets come in many variations for each specific use including:

Military-grade tablets, used in the military or security agencies

Industrial tablets, specialized in production workshops, production lines

Tablets with explosion-proof capabilities, used in oil and gas rigs, mines

Dedicated tablet for menu making or retail billing

2. Dossier of documents required for importing tablets

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 tablets 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 tablets before opening customs declarations for imported goods.

3. Applicable regulations for tablet or Tablet computer.

Legal basis stipulating market access requirements and procedures for importing tablets are issued by various state management agencies, tablet computers with HS code 84713090 fall within the scope of below regulations.

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 tablet (use the tablet 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

Article 1 of TCVN 11848:2017 stipulates the scope of application

"1 Scope of application

This standard specifies energy efficiency levels and methods of measuring energy consumption for notebook computers.

Notebook computers covered by this standard are "computers defined in 4.1.2 of IEC 62623:2012"

Clause 4.1.2 of TCVN 11847:2017 defines tablet computer

"A notebook computer is a specially designed computer that is portable and can be operated for extended periods of time, with or without a direct connection to the mains power supply. Use the built-in display and have the ability to operate from a built-in battery.Also, most laptops use an EPS or AC adapter and have an integrated keyboard and pointing device. Notebook computers are generally designed to provide functionality similar to those of a desktop computer, including the operation of software with similar functionality as that used on a desktop computer. Plug-in is considered an accessory and should therefore not be considered part of the EUT. Tablets, which can use the touch screen in conjunction with, or in place of, other input devices, are considered is the notebook computer covered by this standard. Small-sized notebook computers are generally defined by their smaller screen size (with limitations) and the smaller memory base size is also defined as a laptop in this standard."

Reading this far, many of you will probably have the opinion that tablets are required to have a minimum energy efficiency test and an energy label like the analysis that we often see on the internet or from the point of view of experts. other private organizations. Is this point of view correct? Are all tablets subject to energy efficiency testing and energy labeling?

What type of tablet must have an energy label?

The TCVN is not a management regulation, so it is not enforceable, unless the TCVN is included in another legal document to provide for enforcement such as a Government Decree. , Decision of the Prime Minister, Circular of the Minister. Therefore, from ExtendMax's point of view:

Regular tablets, using the Android or iOS operating system, designed for entertainment purposes, are not subject to energy efficiency testing and energy labeling. In fact, ExtendMax has advised customers and applied for a Exemption Letter from the Ministry of Industry and Trade to confirm that android tablets are not subject to the energy efficiency test, which you can see at the end of the article.

Tablets designed to replace tablets, using Windows operating system with full tablet functionality, or specialized industrial tablets using Windows operating system will be included in the category mandatory energy performance testing and energy labeling.

Regulations that apply to tablets subject to energy efficiency testing and energy labeling include:

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, tablet 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 tablet

The national technical regulation QCVN applicable to tablet will be determined based on the radio transceiver technologies applied on the device. Depending on specifications, technologies and application radio frequency, a tablet 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 tablet:

→ 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 tablets 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 tablet 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. Procedures to import and sell tablets to Vietnam end-users

Procedures to import and sell tablets to Vietnam is summarized as below:

market-access-procedure-for-tablet

4. 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 tablet.

For lithium batteries used for tablet, 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)

5. Prepare a dossier of Certificate of Conformity for tablet PC

The set of application documents for certification of conformity for tablet 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

6. 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.

7. Declaration of Conformity process for tablet 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 tablet 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 tablet 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 tablet 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.

8. 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 tablet, 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 tablet.

→ Acting as local representative for applicant in carrying out testing, type approval certification, and conformity announcement procedures for tablet 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.

9. 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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