Procedures for Importing SSD and HDD Hard Drives to Vietnam

ExtendMax – 10/09/2025 – Hard drives (HDDs and SSDs) are essential components in the information technology industry. The demand for importing these products has risen significantly alongside the growth of e-commerce, data centers, and device manufacturing. However, the import procedures for hard drives are not straightforward. Even a small mistake in determining the HS code or preparing the required documents and licenses can cause businesses to lose valuable time, incur additional costs, or even face administrative penalties. This article outlines the complete import process for hard drives while providing ExtendMax’s in-depth legal perspective and insights on the types of licenses that may be required for importing HDDs and SSDs.

What is a Hard Drive? Types of Hard Drives

A hard drive (Hard Drive) is the main data storage component in computers and other technology devices. It stores the operating system, software, documents, images, videos, and all user data. The hard drive plays a decisive role in system performance and operation, as both capacity and data access speed directly affect the user experience.

Classification by Structure

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): A traditional drive that uses magnetic disks to store data. Its advantage is large capacity at a low cost, but it has slower read/write speeds and is easily affected by physical shocks. A drop or strong impact can immediately damage an HDD.

• SSD (Solid State Drive): A newer generation using flash memory chips. It offers faster processing, smaller size, better shock resistance, and lower power consumption, though the cost is higher for the same storage capacity.

Classification by Usage

• Portable/External HDD, SSD: Usually with protective casing and USB connectivity, easy to carry for backup or data sharing. They often replace USB drives when higher storage is needed.

• Computer Hard Drives: Installed directly in laptops or desktop PCs, serving as the main memory for the operating system and software.

• Enterprise HDD/SSD: Designed for high durability, capable of 24/7 operation, and optimized for large-scale data storage systems and IT infrastructure in businesses.

HS Codes and Import Taxes for Hard Drives

Correctly determining the HS code and applicable tax rates is a critical step in the import process, as it directly affects both the payable duties and the ease of customs clearance. According to Circular No. 31/2022/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance on HS codes and the current tariff schedule, the HS codes and corresponding import duty/VAT rates for hard drives are as follows:

• 8471.70.20 – Hard disk drives (HDD, magnetic disk drives).

• 8523.51.11 – Solid-state drives (SSD) used for computers.

• 8523.51.19 – Solid-state drives (SSD) used for other ICT devices.

Note:

• According to Decree No. 174/2025/NĐ-CP, the VAT rate for hard drives is reduced to 8% until December 31, 2026.
• Businesses should carefully review the actual technical specifications and refer to the latest Vietnam Import–Export Tariff Schedule to avoid misclassification.

Specialized Import Policies

The specialized policies applicable to the importation of hard drives are as follows:

• Brand-new hard drives without encryption function or with only Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) functionality:
  According to Decree No. 211/2025/NĐ-CP, even if the hard drive has SED encryption, businesses are still allowed to import and trade them normally, provided that customs procedures are properly followed.

• Brand-new hard drives with encryption functions other than SED:
  These fall under the category requiring a Civil Cryptography Business License (for trading purposes). Depending on the HS code, an additional import license for civil cryptographic products may also be required.

• Used hard drives:
  Classified as used ICT products, which are prohibited from being imported into Vietnam.

• Exceptions:
  There are 10 special cases where importing used hard drives is permitted, in accordance with Decision 18/2016/QĐ-TTg, Decision 31/2019/QĐ-TTg, Decree 69/2018/NĐ-CP, and Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT. In these cases, obtaining a clear import license is mandatory.

See also:

>>> Guide to Applying for a Civil Cryptography License

>>> Guide on 10 Cases Where Importing Used ICT Equipment is Permitted

Hard Drive Import Procedure

The process of importing computer hard drives or server hard drives consists of three main steps. The steps and key considerations are as follows:

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

At this stage, you need to check specialized management policies, HS codes, tax policies, and the actual product labeling before importing.
This is where many companies fail to conduct a thorough review, leading to mistakes or costly delays later on.

Step 2: Customs Declaration and Clearance

• File customs declarations through the VNACCS/VCIS system.

• Depending on the clearance channel assigned, follow the respective procedures:

  • Green channel: Cleared immediately, exempt from inspection.

  • Yellow channel: Document inspection required.

  • Red channel: Physical inspection of goods.

• Calculate and pay duties: import duty, VAT, and special consumption tax (if applicable).

• Finalize clearance and collect goods to bring them back to the warehouse.

Step 3: Affix Vietnamese Sub-Labels

Before selling products on the domestic market, businesses must affix Vietnamese-language sub-labels in accordance with regulations. If the products are imported for internal use only, sub-labels are not required. (An example of a sub-label is provided in the next section of this article.)

Import Documentation to Prepare

A complete and standard import dossier for hard drives typically includes:

• Sales Contract

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L)

• Certificate of Origin (C/O) – optional

• Import License (if applicable)

• Product catalogue or datasheet

>>> See also: Guide to Preparing a Complete Import–Export Document Package

Labeling Requirements for Imported Hard Drives

According to Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 111/2021/NĐ-CP on goods labeling: All imported hard drives must have a label in Vietnamese (additional languages may also be included) before being placed on the Vietnamese market.

Mandatory content on the original product label:

• Name of the goods (e.g., Hard Drive, SSD, etc.);

• Country of origin. If the origin cannot be determined, the place where the final substantial manufacturing process was carried out must be indicated (Clause 3, Article 15 of Decree 111/2021/NĐ-CP);

• Name or abbreviation of the manufacturer or the foreign organization/individual responsible for the goods.

• If the original label does not display the full name and address of the manufacturer or responsible party, these details must be fully provided in the accompanying documentation.

Mandatory content on the sub-label:

• See the guidance in the sub-label sample provided below.

Label format:

• Labels can be printed or affixed directly onto the product or its commercial packaging.

• If goods are imported without a Vietnamese label, the importer is permitted to add a Vietnamese sub-label before circulating the product in the market.

Penalties:

• Failure to provide labels, or providing incorrect labeling, may result in administrative fines and even suspension of product circulation.

>>> Read more: Comprehensive Guide to Labeling ICT Products

Strategic Notes & Updates

• Regulations constantly change: It is necessary to monitor relevant documents from the General Department of Customs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Government Cipher Committee – Ministry of National Defense.

• Risk mitigation: Work with a professional consulting firm like ExtendMax to correctly identify specialized policies and prepare compliant documentation.

• Cost savings: Take advantage of tariff preferences from Certificates of Origin (C/O) under agreements such as ASEAN, CPTPP, and EVFTA.

• Internal standardization: Establish standard operating procedures (SOP) for imports to avoid dependency on individuals and ensure the company can handle all situations promptly.

Importing hard drives is not merely a customs procedure but also a test of a company’s risk management capacity and legal adaptability. Done correctly, it saves time and costs while building long-term capabilities to expand into other technology products. This is the sustainable approach to turning legal challenges into competitive advantages.

Guide to Importing Similar Products

Hard Drive Import–Export Services

ExtendMax is Vietnam’s leading consulting firm for import licenses in the ICT sector, specializing in IT equipment import–export, product conformity certification, and civil cryptography licenses.

Experienced team: ExtendMax has 10 years of expertise in IT equipment importation. Our highly qualified staff has successfully managed many complex projects with outstanding results.

Recognized with prestigious awards: We have earned both domestic and international honors, including SME100 Asia Award, Stevie Awards, International Business Awards (IBA), and notably, Vietnam’s first-ever Grand Stevie Award.

We provide a comprehensive ecosystem of consulting services covering ICT and electronics, such as:

• Consulting on product conformity certification and compliance with national technical regulations for ICT products.

• Consulting on civil cryptography licenses – a legally complex area requiring deep knowledge and practical experience.

• Importer of Record (IOR), Exporter of Record (EOR), and supply chain management services for international corporations.

• Consulting on import–export procedures for ICT equipment serving large-scale projects, data centers, and industrial production.

Efficient and cost-saving: With streamlined processes, ExtendMax ensures that import procedures are carried out quickly, saving clients both time and costs.

Currently, ExtendMax serves clients and partners from 30 countries, including major technology hubs such as the USA, Japan, Germany, South Korea, China, Italy, and Singapore. Among them are global brands such as IBM, Dell, LEGO, Fujitsu, and Lenovo.

This import guide for hard drives has been prepared by ExtendMax’s CEO, Tran Thanh Phuong – a leading expert in import–export law in Vietnam. If you have any questions or require professional consulting services from ExtendMax, please contact us for support.

If you find our guide useful and practically applicable, please support us by rating this article, leaving a comment, and sharing it with your colleagues or friends working in the import–export and logistics sector. Your feedback will be a great motivation for us to continue creating more detailed and valuable procedural guides for importing businesses.