Market access requirements and Type Approval certificate for wireless Access Point

EXTENDMAX – An Access Point or Wi-Fi modem is a common device used in Wireless LAN (also known as WLAN or RLAN) internet systems to create local WiFi networks for households and businesses. Currently, popular Access Point brands on the market include ASUS, Cisco, Aruba, Xtreme, Unifi, Xiaomi, Tenda, TP-Link, etc. Access Points are devices that function as radio wave transmitters and receivers, and are categorized as mandatory devices for Conformity Certification and Conformity Announcement at the VNTA according to the regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications in Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT (or any circular that will replace this circular in the future).

The import procedures for Access Points include the steps of registering for quality inspection at the Telecommunications Department, testing typical samples, applying for a conformity certification, preparing a self-assessment declaration of conformity for the product, and attaching the ICT conformity stamp before circulating the product in the market. In some cases, wireless access point devices with integrated channel flow encryption or IP flow security features require the importing company to apply for a civil cryptographic product business license and a civil cryptographic product import license. An example of a typical Access Point that requires a civil cryptographic product license is the Meraki MR series by Cisco. Let’s explore the guide on the Wi-Fi transmitter import procedures by ExtendMax through this article.

How to classify WiFi Access Points

There are many ways to classify Access Points such as:

Access Point clasification by features

Standalone Access Point: A Standalone Access Point provides the same functionality in a wireless network that a switch or hub provides in a wired network. It provides connection between different wireless devices (phones, laptops, desktop computers with WiFi transceivers)... It receives information data from the connected device and forwards it to the targeted device.

Multifunction Access Point: A multifunction WiFi access point is a combination of two or more devices. In this combination, one or more additional devices are merged with the access point to provide additional functions along with the existing functionality of the access point. The typical multifunction access point integrates the functions of the modem, the wireless router that the ISP uses to provide the Internet connection.

Controlled Access Point: The Controled Access Point acts as a client of the Wireless LAN Controller. Technically, a controlled access point is called a Lightweight Access Point (LWAP). LWAP does not make any transition decisions. When it receives a frame from the connected device, instead of forwarding it to the destination device, it forwards the frame to the WLC. WLC, based on the security configuration, makes the decision whether received frames should be forwarded or dropped. If a frame needs to be forwarded, it sends the frame to that LWAP where the target device is connected. That LWAP then sends this frame to the targeted device.

Access Point clasification by antenna type

Access Point with Detachable Antenna: This kind of Access Point use detachable antenna with quantity of 2 antennae, 3 antennae, 4 antennae, even up to 6 antennae. Access Point using removable antennas usually have large WiFi transmission capacity, capable of penetrating walls or transmitting farther than those using integrated antennae.

Access Point with integrated antenna: The type of wireless access point that uses an integrated antenna usually has a round shape or rectangle shape, you cannot see its antenna because it is integrated directly into the circuit board of the product. This type of Access Point usually has a highly aesthetic appearance and is suitable for ceiling mounting or areas with aesthetic requirements.

HS Code and Import Tax for Wi-Fi Transmitters

Import Documents for Wi-Fi Transmitters:

• Commercial Invoice, or Proforma Invoice, Non-commercial invoice.

• Bill of Lading or Air Way Bill.

• Commercial Contract or Purchase Order, or non-commercial shipment notice.

• Certificate of Origin (C/O) (if available).

• Packing List.

• Technical documents of the product (to determine functionality, HS code, and applicable import policies).

• Quality inspection registration for imported Wi-Fi transmitters.

• MMDS import license for Wi-Fi transmitters containing civil cryptography.

Legal Documents on Import Procedures for Access Points:

Note: In some rare cases, you may need a civil cryptographic product import license. Please contact ExtendMax for more detailed consultation.

5-Step Import and Certification Process

Wi-Fi transmitters and desktop Wi-Fi modems with HS code 85176251 fall under the Group 2 product list of the Ministry of Information and Communications, and generally must go through the procedures for registration for import quality inspection, conformity certification if they have radio transmission and reception functions, conformity declaration, and ICT conformity labeling before being sold on the market.

In some very rare cases where the Wi-Fi transmitting device has a transmission power of less than 60mW (EIRP), the product will not be subject to quality inspection or conformity certification. However, the importing company needs to have evidence that the transmission power is less than 60mW EIRP.

Access Points and Wi-Fi modems are types of equipment that must be tested under critical conditions (also known as harsh conditions).

The general procedures guided by ExtendMax below apply to products imported for commercial purposes, sold to a third party (B2B sales model) or sold to consumers (B2C sales model).

Step 1: Product Quality Inspection Registration (PQIR)

State quality inspection registration at VNTA

Find here: Details guide for Product Quality Inspection Registration process

Step 2: Customs clearance

Document to be prepared	Turn-around time	Location	Remarks
1. A set of import documents including Commercial Invoice, AWB or B/L, P/O or contract, Packing List, CO (if any) 2. Product Quality Inspectrion Registration (PQIR) form acknoledged by VNTA Transmit the above listed documents together with customs declaration form	2-5 working days depending on the flow of the customs declaration (green, yellow, red) and whether physical inspection is required	Customs Sub-department at the Port of Entry or the Customs Sub-department Managing the Area Where the Business is Registered	If there are no issues related to price or intellectual property protection, the goods will be cleared immediately.

 

In some cases, you may need additional documentation. Please refer to: Complete Import-Export Documentation Suitable for All Cases.

Step 3: Have sample tested

Test the sample according to EMC, Radio standards

Required materials	Applicable standards	Chi phí	TAT	Location
1. Catalogue / datasheet 2. 01 ~ 02 test sample and accessories 3. Test registration form	Accoding to product specs	Costs Depend on the Laboratory's Price List and Applicable Standards. There is no uniform price for all Wi-Fi transmitting devices. Typically, the testing cost for Wi-Fi transmitting devices ranges from $750 to $1250.	2~4 weeks	Laboratories Designated by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

 

Refer to the detailed quality inspection process of the MIC, expected timeline, and related legal documents in the Summary Process

 

Useful Tips for Determining Standards

The determination of national technical regulations (QCVN) applicable to a product is based on the radio transmission and reception technologies integrated into the product. Each standard is specifically noted for each radio transmission technology or type of testing (radio emission, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility). Please refer to the technical specifications of the imported product to select the correct mandatory standards to apply.

Wireless technology	RF standards	RF EMC standard
WiFi 2.4GHz & 5GHz	QCVN 54:2020/BTTTT (2.4GHz)	QCVN 112:2017/BTTTT
	QCVN 65:2021/BTTTT (5GHz)

 

Step 4: Apply for ICT Type Approval

Required documents	National Technical Regulations	Certification Fee	TAT	Certification Body
1. Request for conformity certification according to the certification organization's template. 2. Business registration certificate (notarized copy for the first time 3. Technical documents (catalogue, datasheet). 4. Test sample information form. 5. Test report for QCVN standards (CE report are not accepted). 6. ISO 9001 certification of the manufacturer 7. Other forms as needed in special cases.	Only need to apply conformity certification for technical standards on radio frequency emissions (RF standards). (RF EMC, EMC and Safety standards are for conformity declaration.)	$220 ~ 260 depends on number of certified QCVN standards	2~3 weeks	Telecom Metrology and Quality Center in Hanoi (VNTA Building - Dương Đình Nghệ street), or its branches in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang

 

Please review detailed instructions on the procedures, sequences, and methods for telecommunications and information technology equipment conformity certification through this article on our website. Alternatively, you can also get an overview of conformity certification and certification methods here.

 

Step 5: Declaration of conformity, self-assessment of compliance

Based on the issued Conformity Certificate, importer must proceed with the procedures for Declaration of Conformity at the VNTA of MIC.

Required documents	National Technical Regulations	Certification Fee	TAT	Certification Body
(1) Self-assessment of compliance (for imported products) or Declaration of Conformity template (for domestically manufactured products). (2) Copy of the PQIR form for imported batch. (3) ICT Mark template for first-time importers or changes in ICT Mark template. (4) Product technical specifications documents (datasheet, specifications). (5) Conformity certificate of the product (6) EMC, Safety test reports.	For imported products: Self-assessment is required for EMC and Safety standards. For local manufactured products: Declaration of Conformity is required for all standards, including radio frequency emissions (RF), EMC, and Safety standards.	For imported goods: No fee applies. For domestically manufactured goods: Fee of 150,000 VND (government fee receipt).	For imported goods: 1 working day. For domestically manufactured goods: 5 working days.	Telecom Metrology and Quality Center in Hanoi (VNTA Building - Dương Đình Nghệ street), or its branches in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang

 

Thông tin hữu ích: Hướng dẫn chuyên sâu về công bố hợp quy thiết bị công nghệ thông tin

 

How ExtendMax will help you to import Access Point?

With many years of experience in consulting market access requirements and type approval certification for wireless access point for the leading manufacturers and leading brands such as ASUS, Cisco, Linksys... 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 imported wireless access point.

→ Acting as local representative for applicant in carrying out testing, certification, and conformity announcement procedures for wireless access point.

→ Apply for ICT CODE for the importer, register importer's ICT mark or apply for ICT Mark modification upon request.

→ Assess the technical characteristics of the product, determine whether the exporting products are required to apply for a civil cryptographic items trading license or not.

→ In case the Access Point is assessed as not a civil cryptographic product, the importing company should obtain CCP Exemption Letter issued by the National Authority of Cryptography and Information Security (NACIS) issued to ensure smooth customs clearance

→ 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.

Contact information for market access requirements consultation

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

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