Vietnam is a key manufacturing and tech hub in Southeast Asia. However, strict customs clearance, MOIT licensing, and MIC approvals can delay shipments. We act as your legal IOR, managing customs declarations, VAT settlement, and regulatory compliance so you don't need to establish a local presence.
Vietnam processes all commercial imports through the eCUS electronic system under Vietnam Customs Law 2014. Telecom equipment requires MIC type approval and QCVN conformity certification before customs release. The standard VAT rate is 10%, not 5%.
All import declarations in Vietnam are filed electronically through the eCUS (Electronic Customs System) operated by Vietnam Customs (Tổng cục Hải quan) under the General Department of Customs. eCUS integrates with the VNACCS/VCIS automated clearance system, which applies risk scoring to declarations to determine whether goods proceed to Green Channel (automatic release), Yellow Channel (document review), or Red Channel (physical inspection). TFTIOR files all eCUS declarations as the Importer of Record, managing the full document set and responding to customs authority queries through to release.
MIC (Ministry of Information and Communications, Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông) regulates telecommunications and radio-frequency equipment under the Telecommunications Law 2009 and associated decrees. Telecom equipment must hold a valid Type Approval Certificate (Giấy chứng nhận hợp quy) issued by an MIC-designated testing laboratory before customs release. Products must conform to applicable QCVN (Quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia, Vietnamese National Technical Regulations). Key QCVN standards for IT and telecom imports include QCVN 18 (radio transmitters) and QCVN 117 (wireless LAN equipment).
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, RFID, and satellite devices require MIC type approval before customs release. FCC or CE marks do not substitute for Vietnamese QCVN conformity. TFTIOR coordinates MIC type approval and QCVN assessment as part of the pre-shipment compliance review for every IT and telecom hardware import.
DAV (Drug Administration of Vietnam, Cục Quản lý Dược), operating under the Ministry of Health, regulates medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Medical devices are classified into four risk classes: Class A (lowest) to Class D (highest). All classes require registration or notification with DAV before commercial import. A locally authorised importer is required to hold the registration. TFTIOR coordinates DAV registration requirements during the pre-import check and manages the customs documentation for DAV-regulated products.
The standard VAT rate in Vietnam is 10%, applied on the customs value plus applicable import duties. A reduced rate of 5% applies to specific categories including medical equipment, agricultural machinery, educational materials, and scientific instruments. Import duties are determined by Vietnam's MFN tariff schedule and typically range from 0% to 35% depending on HS code. Most IT hardware attracts 0–5% under technology tariff commitments.
Vietnam's extensive FTA network provides significant duty reductions for eligible goods. Key agreements include EVFTA (EU-Vietnam FTA, effective August 2020; most EU goods reach 0% duty by 2030), UKVFTA (UK-Vietnam FTA, effective May 2021), RCEP, CPTPP, VKFTA (Vietnam-Korea FTA), and ATIGA (ASEAN-China under ACFTA). TFTIOR prepares Certificate of Origin documentation in the correct format for each applicable agreement.
IT hardware (servers, switches): 0–5% import duty
Standard VAT: 10% on CIF + duty
Medical equipment VAT: 5% (reduced rate)
Customs system: eCUS / VNACCS
MIC type approval: required for radio/telecom equipment
HS-dependent. Always confirm classification before shipping.
Air (South): Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City)
Air (North): Noi Bai International Airport (HAN, Hanoi)
Air (Central): Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Sea (South): Cat Lai Port (HCMC), Cai Mep International Terminal
Sea (North): Hai Phong Port (Lach Huyen Terminal)
Sea (Central): Da Nang Port
Green Channel (auto-release): same day
Yellow Channel (document review): 1–2 working days
Red Channel (physical inspection): 3–7 working days
MIC type approval (pre-shipment): 2–6 weeks
DAV medical registration: 3–12 months
Commercial invoice (CIF value, HS code, country of origin)
Packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
eCUS customs declaration (filed by TFTIOR)
MIC Type Approval Certificate and QCVN conformity (telecom/radio)
DAV registration confirmation (medical devices)
MOIT licence (restricted/dual-use goods)
Certificate of Origin (EVFTA/RCEP/CPTPP/UKVFTA where applicable)
Strict trade regulations require a local legal entity to handle licensing, taxes, and ministry approvals.
Vietnam enforces strict trade regulations, especially for high-value and restricted imports. Customs authorities require a locally registered entity to secure import licenses from bodies like the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or Ministry of Information & Communications (MIC).
Without a local IOR, foreign companies face shipment holds, fines, and an inability to pay VAT or duties locally. We eliminate these risks by handling every aspect of the import process on your behalf, ensuring smooth clearance through major ports like Ho Chi Minh and Hai Phong.
We secure necessary licenses from MOIT, MIC, and MOH for restricted categories like telecom and medical goods.
We manage the calculation and payment of import duties and the standard 10% VAT directly to customs.
IT and telecom equipment often requires type approval and conformity certification from the Ministry of Information & Communications.
Medical imports must comply with strict regulations from the Ministry of Health and Drug Administration of Vietnam.
We handle scrutiny for high-tech and dual-use items, ensuring proper classification and MOIT compliance.
We are one of the few providers licensed to import refurbished IT equipment into Vietnam compliant with local laws.
We provide end-to-end management of the Vietnamese customs process, ensuring fast-track clearance and full compliance.
Our Vietnam-IOR service enables international companies to import equipment legally without opening a local business presence. We act as the responsible party throughout the import process so your project can proceed without delays or administrative complications.
We identify specific import licenses required by Vietnamese ministries before goods leave the origin country.
We interact with Vietnam Customs to resolve any physical inspections or valuation checks quickly.
We provide official customs declaration records and proof of tax payments for your internal audits.
We support the compliant importation of high-value technology, medical devices, and industrial machinery.
Data center servers, networking hardware, encryption-enabled devices, and cloud computing solutions. We ensure MIC compliance for IT imports.
MRI/CT scanners, diagnostic devices, and lab testing kits. We ensure strict adherence to MOH and DAV regulations for sensitive medical shipments.
Robotics, automation tools, renewable energy solutions (solar/wind), and production line machinery for Vietnam's industrial sector.
Aerospace components, defense-related semiconductors, and restricted electronics requiring MOIT approval. Check our dual-use compliance page.
We are licensed to import used and refurbished IT equipment, ensuring compliance with Vietnam's specific restrictions on second-hand goods.
Accurate preparation and regulatory checks are key to navigating Vietnam's customs successfully.
Global IT providers, medical manufacturers, and industrial companies expanding into Vietnam without a local entity.
Post-clearance, you receive the customs declaration copy, proof of duties/VAT paid, and Proof of Delivery.
Clarifications on licensing, taxes, and restricted goods.
TFTIOR provides Importer of Record services in multiple countries. Explore active coverage below or view the full overview page.
