Market Access Requirements and Procedures to Import Air Fryers to Vietnam

EXTENDMAX – If families are looking for a highly modern and convenient kitchen appliance, then an air fryer is definitely the perfect choice. First introduced in 2010 and produced by the world-renowned brand Philips in the European and American markets, the air fryer quickly became a popular "kitchen assistant" among women. However, the procedures for importing air fryers into Vietnam and obtaining conformity certification for this product are quite complex and often raise many concerns. But don’t worry, as the following detailed guide provided by ExtendMax's experts will offer an in-depth look at the steps for import procedures and conformity certification for this product, giving customers the most comprehensive overview.

What Is an Air Fryer and Its Classification

An air fryer is a common household appliance that, with its numerous outstanding advantages, is considered essential in most homes.

An air fryer is also known as an oil-free fryer or air fryer. Essentially, it is a type of oven that uses hot air convection to cook food. This modern appliance operates by heating a coil (heating element) combined with the power of a convection fan, which circulates hot air evenly around the food, cooking it without the need for oil. Whether frying or baking, an air fryer helps reduce oil and fat content by about 70% to 80%, meeting the health requirements of most users. However, the price of this type of fryer is relatively high, but it justifies its cost with quality.

Below are the criteria for classifying air fryers:

Classification Based on Function:

• Standard closed air fryer.
• Mini oven-style air fryer: comes with a transparent glass for easy interior observation. The door design resembles that of an oven.
• Multi-functional air fryer: integrates various functions such as steaming, baking, and oil-free frying.

Classification Based on Control Panel:

• Manual control air fryer: features a knob design for selecting different cooking modes as desired.
• Touch control air fryer: equipped with a touch control panel that allows users to easily select time, power, and cooking presets. This electronic, touch-enabled design makes the fryer more visually appealing and modern.

Currently, in Vietnam, many reputable and well-known air fryer brands from countries such as the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and the United States are available. So, what is the procedure for importing air fryers, and how is the product conformity certification conducted? Continue reading our article for more information.

Specialized Policies for Air Fryers

The specialized policies applicable to air fryers are summarized as follows:

According to Section II of Appendix I of the List of Goods Prohibited from Export and Import issued with Decree 69/2018/ND-CP by the Government, used air fryers fall under the category of goods prohibited from being imported into our country. Businesses are only allowed to import air fryers that are 100% new, except for 10 special cases where importing used electronics is permitted.

>>> See more: 10 special cases for importing used electronic goods.

HS Code and Import Duty for Air Fryers

Air fryers have an HS code under group 8516 – Electrical apparatus for instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating and soil heating apparatus; electrothermic hairdressing appliances (e.g., hair dryers, curling irons, curling tongs) and hand dryers; electric irons; other electrothermic domestic appliances; and electric heating resistors, except those of heading 85.45.

Specific information regarding the import duty and HS code for air fryers:

Legal Basis for Importing Air Fryers

Import Dossier for Air Fryers

The import dossier for air fryers must include mandatory import documents as stipulated in Article 16, Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC, which consist of:

• • Customs declaration form;
  • Bill of lading/Transport document;
  • Commercial contract (Sale contract);
  • Commercial invoice;
  • Packing list;
  • Certificate of origin (C/O) is encouraged: helps businesses qualify for preferential import duty rates.
  • Registration dossier for quality inspection of imported goods (with confirmation from the inspection agency).

>>> Read more: Full set of import export documents

After preparing all the necessary documents, the company will proceed with customs clearance procedures. To avoid violations and penalties due to missing or incorrect documents, check out tips on avoiding mistakes when preparing import and export documents.

Procedure for Importing Air Fryers

5-steps Procedure for Importing Air Fryers

Step 1: Register for Quality Inspection for Air Fryer

*Note: When submitting the quality inspection registration online, choose a sample testing unit authorized by the Ministry of Science and Technology. If you do not have an account, create one in advance as you will need to wait for verification approximately 24 hours after registration.

>>> Read more: In depth knowlege about state inspection for imported goods

Step 2: Submission of Customs Declaration and Clearance of Goods

After completing customs procedures, the company proceeds to submit the registration dossier for product quality inspection, which includes the registration form for quality inspection and the registration for performance testing (if the results are not yet available). If the performance test results are already available, the company only needs to provide these results. Next, the company collects product samples for performance and electrical safety testing at accredited facilities.

Step 3: Registration for Sampling and Product Testing

Electrical safety testing:

Step 4: Conduct the CR Conformity Certification Procedure

Imported air fryers are typically certified for conformity according to Method 7, which is batch-based certification.

>>> Read more: Detailed Guide for Certification of Conformity According to Method 7

>>> Read more: Procedures, sequence, and methods for conformity certification

Documents/Materials Required	Registration Category/Standard Applied	Cost	Processing Time	Submission Location
1. Application for conformity certification according to the certifying organization's form 2. Business registration certificate. 3. Technical documentation (specs, datasheet). 4. Information declaration of the test sample. 5. Test and measurement results. 6. Other forms in special cases.	QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2016 QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN.	Costs depend on the price list of the testing laboratory and the applicable standards.	2~3 weeks depending on whether the documentation is complete.	General Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality or a certification organization registered to conduct certification activities.

Step 5: Declaration of Conformity and Product Labeling

After obtaining the test results and the Certificate of Conformity, the company must declare the product's conformity on the National Single Window Portal or at the local Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality (for domestically produced goods). Businesses can then start affixing the CR conformity label and additional Vietnamese labels before distributing the products in the market.

>>> Read more: Procedures, sequence, and methods for Conformity Declaration

How can ExtendMax help you in importing Air Fryers?

With many years of experience in testing and certifying electrical and electronic equipment for numerous manufacturers, importers, and leading global brands such as Fujitsu, Panasonic, Toshiba, Hitachi,... ExtendMax can support you with all procedures for importing air fryers, including: 

• Assessing documents, identifying the most suitable and cost-effective method for conformity certification for your business.
• Consulting and supporting initial import procedures for customs clearance, such as drafting and submitting the quality inspection registration dossier for imported air fryers.
• Representing businesses in performing testing procedures, certification of conformity, and declaration of conformity for air fryers.
• If a business needs to import a small quantity of electrical cables or receive goods without payment from a parent company or foreign partner, ExtendMax has the capability and conditions to provide IOR services.

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