Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Hair Dryers into Vietnam

HS Code and Import Tax for Hair Dryers

Hair dryers fall under HS Code Group 8516 - Electrical instant water heaters, storage water heaters, immersion heaters; electrical space-heating and soil-heating apparatus; electrothermic hair-dressing apparatus (e.g., hair dryers, curling irons, curling tongs) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electrothermic domestic appliances; electric heating resistors, other than those of heading 85.45.

Specific information regarding the import tax and HS code of hair dryers is as follows:

Required Documents for Importing Hair Dryers

The document set for importing hair dryers includes:

• Customs declaration form;
• Bill of lading/Transport documents;
• Sale contract;
• Commercial invoice;
• Packing list;
• Certificate of origin (C/O) - if available;
• Catalogue - if available;
• Registration dossier for state quality inspection (with confirmation from the inspection agency).

Although not mandatory, the Certificate of Origin is very important as it helps businesses apply special preferential tax rates based on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

If you are not clear about the content of each necessary document, refer to the complete export-import documentation guide by experts at ExtendMax.

Process and Procedures for Importing Hair Dryers

Step 1: Register for Quality Inspection

Detailed Guide for Registering Quality Inspection for Imported Hair Dryers:

Step 3: Testing

Electrical Safety Testing for Hair Dryers

Required Documents	Standards/Regulations	Cost	Processing Time	Receiving Place
1. Catalogue / datasheet 2. 01 sample product + accessories 3. Fill out the test registration form	QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2016 QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN TCVN 5699-2-23:2007	Costs depend on the price list of the testing laboratory and the applicable standards. No uniform price for all hair dryers.	7 ~ 10 working days	Testing laboratories designated or registered with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

EMC Compatibility Testing

Required Documents	Standards/Regulations	Cost	Processing Time	Receiving Place
1. Catalogue / datasheet 2. 01 sample product + accessories 3. Fill out the test registration form	QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN TCVN 7492-1:2010	Costs depend on the price list of the testing laboratory and the applicable standards. No uniform price for all hair dryers.	7 ~ 10 working days	Testing laboratories designated or registered with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

 

Step 4: CR EMC and Safety Type Approval

 

Guidance on Conformity Certification for Hair Dryers

Required Documents	Standards/Regulations	Cost	Processing Time	Receiving Place
1. Request form for conformity certification according to the certification organization's form 2. Business registration certificate 3. Technical documents (catalogue, datasheet) 4. Test sample information declaration form 5. Measurement and testing results of the device 6. ISO 9001 certificate of the manufacturing plant or import dossier 7. Some other forms in special cases	Registration for conformity certification with technical standards on electrical safety and EMC	Costs depend on the price list of the testing laboratory and the applicable standards.	2~3 weeks depending on the completeness of the dossier	General Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality or registered certification organizations.

 

Step 5: Declare Conformity

• Based on the test results and the issued Conformity Certificate, businesses proceed to submit the results to the National Single Window Portal, which is also the action of declaring conformity for the imported batch.

• For hair dryers manufactured domestically, the manufacturer needs to perform the Conformity Declaration directly at the local Department of Standards, Metrology, and Quality.

• After completing the above steps, businesses proceed to affix the CR conformity mark and other labels (if any) before distributing the products in the market.

 

>>> SEE MORE: Detailed guidance on procedures, order, and methods for conformity certification.

 

Risks When Importing Hair Dryers and How to Mitigate Them

Some Risks When Importing Hair Dryers

1. Legal Risks:

• Quality Regulations: Hair dryers fall under the category of goods that require quality inspection and conformity announcement. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the confiscation of goods, administrative fines, and damage to the company's reputation.
• Labeling Regulations: Products must be labeled in accordance with regulations regarding origin, ingredients, usage instructions, etc.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Importing products that infringe on copyright can lead to serious legal issues.

2. Customs Risks:

• Incorrect Product Classification: Incorrectly determining the HS code can lead to incorrect customs declarations, resulting in unnecessary taxes and fees, and even penalties.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing or invalid customs documents can delay the clearance process or result in the goods being held.
• Random Quality Inspections: Customs have the authority to inspect the quality of goods at any time. If the product does not meet standards, it will be returned or destroyed.

>>> Very useful for you: Tips to avoid mistakes when preparing export-import documents.

3. Transportation Risks:

• Goods Damage: During transportation, hair dryers can be damaged by impact, moisture, or other factors.
• Goods Loss: The risk of goods loss during transportation can occur due to various reasons such as delivery errors, natural disasters, accidents, etc.

How to Mitigate Risks

To minimize the risks when importing hair dryers, businesses should:

• Research the Market Thoroughly: Understand the demand, consumer preferences, competitors, and relevant legal regulations.
• Choose Reputable Suppliers: Select suppliers with a good reputation who can guarantee the quality of products and services.
• Prepare Complete Documentation: Ensure all customs documents, quality certifications, and certificates of origin are complete and accurate.
• Purchase Cargo Insurance: Buy cargo insurance to protect assets in case of any risks during transportation.
• Work with Professional Service Companies: Professional service companies can assist with customs procedures, transportation, and resolving arising issues.

How Can ExtendMax Help You?

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

→ Representing businesses in performing testing procedures, certification of conformity, and declaration of conformity for hair dryers.

→ If a business needs to import a small quantity of hair dryers or receive goods without payment from a parent company or foreign partner, ExtendMax has the capability and conditions to provide IOR services.

↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓