Vietnam has implemented new regulations to strictly govern the importing of refurbished goods, aiming to ensure product quality, consumer safety, and compliance with international trade agreements. Under Decree No. 66/2024/ND-CP, effective from June 17, 2024, tighter controls are applied to the import of refurbished electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery. These regulations align with Vietnam’s commitments under major trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the new import regulations on refurbished goods in Vietnam, highlighting key provisions, the impact on importers, and essential compliance requirements for businesses importing refurbished products into the Vietnamese market.
1. What Are Refurbished Goods?
Refurbished goods are previously used products that have undergone restoration, repair, or reconditioning processes to meet stringent quality and performance standards. These products are thoroughly tested to ensure safety, reliability, and functionality comparable to new items. Common categories of refurbished goods include:
Electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other consumer electronics.
Medical equipment, including diagnostic tools, imaging devices, and healthcare instruments.
Industrial machinery like engines, generators, automated systems, and heavy-duty manufacturing equipment.
Importing refurbished goods into Vietnam offers significant cost advantages and contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting reuse and reducing waste. However, due to the potential risks involved, all refurbished products must strictly comply with Vietnam’s safety and quality standards before they are allowed into the Vietnamese market.
Vietnam’s Decree No. 66/2024/ND-CP, effective from June 17, 2024, sets out comprehensive regulations governing the importation of refurbished goods to protect consumers and align with international trade commitments. The decree includes detailed requirements in the following areas:
2.1. Pre-Import Certification Requirements
Before shipment, all refurbished goods imported into Vietnam must:
Successfully pass safety and quality inspections performed by authorized and certified testing agencies.
Obtain a valid Certificate of Conformity (COC) that certifies compliance with Vietnamese technical and safety standards.
Submit detailed technical documentation proving the refurbishment process, including repair history, parts replaced, and quality control measures.
Additionally, specific product categories require further approvals:
Medical equipment must receive formal approval from the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with healthcare safety regulations.
Electronic devices are subject to inspections and certification by the Ministry of Information and Communications to verify functionality and security.
Industrial machinery imports must be accompanied by environmental impact assessments authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, ensuring minimal ecological footprint.
2.2. Restricted and Prohibited Refurbished Goods
The decree explicitly bans the import of certain refurbished goods due to environmental or safety concerns, including:
Home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, which pose significant environmental hazards.
Used batteries and other hazardous materials that could threaten safety or cause pollution.
Software-driven equipment lacking updated security features or firmware, which may expose users to cybersecurity risks.
However, exceptions exist for some refurbished goods imported under strict conditions, such as projects approved by the government or imports by foreign direct investment (FDI) companies operating in Vietnam.
2.3. Customs Clearance and Compliance Procedures
Importers of refurbished goods must adhere to rigorous customs procedures:
Declare the refurbished status of goods clearly during customs clearance to ensure transparency.
Provide complete import documentation, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates of conformity, and any required government permits.
Pay all applicable import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other fees based on product classification.
Vietnam facilitates this process via the National Single Window (NSW) System, allowing electronic submission of documents and expediting clearance times for compliant shipments.
3. Impact on Businesses and Importers
3.1. Challenges for Importers
The enhanced regulations create several challenges for businesses importing refurbished goods into Vietnam:
Increased costs and time associated with mandatory certification, testing, and inspections.
Potential delays in customs clearance and import approval, especially for specialized or regulated equipment.
Necessary adjustments in supply chain management to comply with Vietnam’s evolving import laws and documentation requirements.
3.2. Opportunities for Businesses
Despite these challenges, the new regulatory environment opens up important business opportunities:
Importers and distributors who fully comply with quality and safety standards can gain a competitive advantage in Vietnam’s expanding refurbished goods market.
Rising demand for certified refurbished electronics, medical devices, and machinery offers potential for business growth and market penetration.
Companies embracing sustainability and circular economy principles can leverage government support and consumer preference toward environmentally friendly refurbished products.
4. How to Ensure Compliance?
To successfully import refurbished goods into Vietnam under Decree No. 66/2024/ND-CP and avoid costly shipment rejections or regulatory penalties, businesses must take proactive steps to ensure full compliance:
Partner with Certified and Trusted Suppliers: Collaborate only with refurbishment providers who follow legally recognized, transparent, and verifiable refurbishment processes. Certified suppliers help guarantee that imported goods meet Vietnamese quality and safety standards.
Conduct Rigorous Pre-Shipment Testing: Arrange comprehensive product testing through accredited agencies before shipment. This testing must confirm conformity with Vietnam’s technical regulations, safety protocols, and environmental requirements to secure necessary Certificates of Conformity (COC).
Engage Import-Export and Regulatory Experts: Navigating the complexities of Vietnam’s import regulations, especially for refurbished electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery, can be challenging. Consulting experienced customs brokers, legal advisors, or trade consultants helps ensure accurate documentation, smooth customs clearance, and risk mitigation.
Stay Informed on Regulatory Updates: Vietnam’s trade laws and standards continue evolving. Monitor announcements from relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Information and Communications to stay ahead of regulatory changes affecting refurbished goods imports.
Conclusion
The enactment of Decree No. 66/2024/ND-CP marks a significant step forward in strengthening Vietnam’s consumer protection framework, promoting environmental sustainability, and aligning trade practices with international agreements such as EVFTA and UKVFTA. Importers of refurbished goods must comply with strict certification, safety, and customs procedures to legally enter the Vietnamese market.
Businesses operating in the electronics, medical equipment, and industrial machinery sectors that fully understand and adapt to these new import regulations will be well-positioned to thrive in Vietnam’s growing and increasingly regulated refurbished goods market.
For tailored guidance and expert support on importing refurbished products into Vietnam, contact Green NRJ for a free consultation. Our experienced team specializes in helping businesses navigate regulatory requirements efficiently and successfully.
