Market Access Requirements and 05-steps Procedures to Import Electric Kettle

Electric kettles are becoming increasingly popular in the Vietnamese market, with a wide variety of models from many renowned brands. Did you know that importing electric kettles is not a straightforward process but requires compliance with numerous industry-specific regulations and procedures? This article by ExtendMax provides an overview, offering detailed insights into the procedures for importing electric kettles and the requirements for quality inspection and conformity certification. We hope this information will assist businesses in clearing these products through customs smoothly, quickly, and in full compliance with legal requirements.

What is an electric kettle? Uses of an electric kettle

An electric kettle is a device that uses electricity to boil water, commonly found in households today. It is called an "electric kettle" because it typically operates at a high power of around 500W to 1000W, capable of boiling liquid within just 5 to 10 minutes.

Electric kettles are also known as "rapid-boil kettles" or "electric pots." These products feature modern designs and are equipped with an automatic shut-off function once the water has boiled. This not only saves electricity but also ensures safety and enhances the product’s durability. If a product includes additional features such as thermal insulation, heat retention, temperature control, and automatic reheating, it is referred to as a thermal pot or electric thermos.

As a household electrical appliance, electric kettles can pose risks such as fire, electrical short circuits, or electric shocks, potentially threatening user safety. Therefore, importing electric kettles into Vietnam must comply with strict quality inspection requirements and complex import procedures.

In this article, we provide a detailed description of electric kettles. However, the knowledge and experience shared here can also be applied to the import procedures for thermal pots or electric thermoses, as the policies and regulations for both product types are identical.

Specialized Import Policies for Electric Kettle

Electrical and electronic devices listed in the Appendix of the National Technical Regulation must ensure safety in accordance with national standards (TCVN). Specifically, electric kettles (water boilers) must comply with the provisions of TCVN 5699-2-15:2007 (IEC 60335-2-15:2005) on household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-15: Particular requirements for appliances for heating liquids.

According to Section II, Appendix I of the List of Goods Banned from Export and Import issued under Decree 69/2018/ND-CP by the Government, used electric kettles are classified as goods prohibited from being imported into Vietnam. Businesses are only allowed to import 100% new electric kettles, except in 10 specific cases where used goods may be imported.

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

HS Code and import duty for electric kettles

The HS Code is not merely a product classification number; it plays a crucial role in determining applicable tax policies, customs procedures, and specialized inspections for the product. Understanding the HS Code helps businesses fully comprehend legal requirements, tax rates, and specific import regulations in Vietnam, thereby optimizing business operations and minimizing legal risks.

Electric kettles (electric water boilers) are classified under Group 8516 - Electrical appliances for instant or storage water heating and immersion water heaters; space and soil heating appliances; electrothermal hairdressing appliances (e.g., hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners), hand dryers, electric irons, other household electrothermal appliances, and electrical heating resistors, excluding those under Group 85.45.

Details regarding import duty and the HS Code for electric kettles are as follows:

Note: Goods are eligible for preferential import duty rates only if they meet the conditions under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) scheme or applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

Businesses can proactively look up the HS Code and tariff schedules for the items they plan to import on the Vietnam Trade Information Database at https://vntr.moit.gov.vn/vi or the General Department of Vietnam Customs website at https://www.customs.gov.vn/.

Legal documents on procedures for importing electric kettles

In cases where electric kettles have a voltage exceeding 250V, they are not required to undergo conformity certification under QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN. If you encounter difficulties in determining whether the electric kettle you intend to import needs quality inspection or conformity certification, ExtendMax is ready to assist by inspecting the product and providing appropriate guidance and solutions.

Document requirements for importing electric kettles

According to Circular 38/2015/TT-BCT (amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BCT), the following documents must be fully prepared when processing import procedures for electric kettles:

• Customs declaration form;
• Bill of lading/transportation document;
• Sales contract;
• Commercial invoice;
• Packing list;
• Certificate of origin (C/O) – (not mandatory but important for applying special preferential tariffs under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs));
• Catalogue – if available;
• State quality inspection registration dossier (certified by the competent authority).

Once all the necessary documents are prepared, businesses can proceed with customs clearance for their goods.

>>> Read more: How to prepare a full set of import export documents

>>> Read more: Tips to avoid mistakes when preparing import documents

5-step process for importing electric kettles

Step 1: Register for quality inspection

Registering for state quality inspection applies only to imported electric kettles.

*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 quality inspection for imported goods

Step 2: Submit customs declaration and clear the shipment

To ensure quality and safety for consumers, imported electric kettles must undergo a strict inspection process. Businesses can submit the quality inspection registration documents online, along with the performance testing registration and the customs declaration. If performance test results are already available, they can be used directly without re-registration.

Once the goods arrive at the warehouse, businesses must collect samples for performance and electrical safety testing of the electric kettles.

Step 3: Registration for Sampling and Product Testing

Electrical safety testing:

Step 4: Conduct the CR Conformity Certification Procedure 

Imported electric kettle 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: All you need to know about conformity certification and 8 methods

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: All you need to know about Conformity Declaration

ExtendMax: Your #1 Trusted Service Provider

Founded in 2015, ExtendMax is proud to be Vietnam's leading company in comprehensive consulting services for conformity certification, energy labeling declaration, civil cryptography licensing, cybersecurity licensing, and entrusted import/export services for IT and electronic equipment, including electric kettles. With extensive experience and an impressive track record domestically and internationally, we are the trusted partner of many major global brands.

ExtendMax is committed to providing comprehensive consulting services for the import procedures of electric kettles, including:

• Reviewing documents and technical dossiers.
• Identifying the appropriate conformity certification method.
• Advising and supporting import and customs clearance procedures.
• Representing businesses in testing, certification, and conformity announcement processes.

Contact us for expert advice and support! Don’t forget to follow ExtendMax on Facebook or LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest information.

Leave your comments and share this article to spread value and benefit the community!

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓