The four essential certifications for importing machinery and equipment into Vietnam are: ① CR Certification (Conformity Regulation: Vietnam’s mandatory conformity assessment based on QCVN national technical regulations, managed by STAMEQ—the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality); ② Quality Inspection (Group 2 goods: specialized inspection required for industrial machinery, lifting equipment, pressure equipment, boilers, forklifts, elevators, and refrigeration systems); ③ Specialized Equipment Registration (safety and quality inspection certificates for forklifts, elevators, boilers, etc.); and ④ Customs Declaration (import declaration + border inspection)—equipment lacking CR certification or failing to meet QCVN standards cannot be legally imported or sold in Vietnam.
I.
CR Certification (Core Requirement)
What it is: Vietnam’s mandatory conformity assessment mark, certifying that products comply with QCVN national technical regulations; Who manages it: STAMEQ (Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality) and authorized third-party certification bodies; Scope: Group 2 controlled goods (expanded under Decree No. 22/2026/ND-CP to include more industrial equipment on the mandatory list); Validity: System 5 certificates are valid for up to 3 years, while System 7 certificates apply only to a specific shipment; Consequences of lacking CR: Cannot be legally imported or sold (compliance agencies like AseanVolt warn that manufacturers cannot ship non-compliant products)—verify the applicable QCVN standard for the product before proceeding with certification.
II. Quality Inspection (Group 2)
Items subject to inspection: Machinery with technical safety requirements, such as lifting equipment, pressure vessels, boilers, forklifts, elevators, and refrigeration systems; Inspection method: Conducted by border inspection agencies or designated certification bodies in accordance with QCVN/TCVN standards; Required documents: Quality inspection registration form, Certificate/Declaration of Conformity, and product labels; Validity/Procedure: Inspection may apply to every batch or involve random sampling—verify whether the product falls under “Group 2” controlled goods prior to import (the controlled goods list is available on the Vietnam Trade Portal).
III.
Special Equipment
List: Forklifts, elevators, boilers, pressure vessels, lifting machinery, etc.; Requirements: Safety, technical, and quality inspection required before import and use (conducted by Vietnamese national inspection agencies; refer to fee regulations in Circular No. 199/2016/TT-BTC); Registration: Must be registered after passing inspection before being put into operation; Timeline: Schedule inspection appointments prior to cargo arrival—special equipment follows a “inspect-before-use” rule (requiring both a safety inspection certificate and a registration certificate).
IV.
Special Regulations for Used Equipment
Basis: Circular No. 23/2015/TT-BKHCN (currently amended by Circular No. 56/2026/TT-BKHCN): Imported used machinery must meet safety, energy efficiency, and environmental protection standards; Documentation: Customs declaration documents plus an appraisal certificate (detailing name, year of manufacture, brand, model, origin, manufacturer, and the time/location of appraisal); Age limits: Most used equipment is subject to age restrictions (specific limits depend on the product category); Prohibitions: Import is prohibited for used equipment that fails to meet safety, energy efficiency, and environmental standards—key prerequisites for importing used equipment into Vietnam include a valid appraisal certificate and compliance with age limits.
V. Application Process and Recommendations
First, confirm controlled attributes (check HS code against corresponding QCVN regulations); second, select a certification body (STAMEQ-authorized third parties, such as the Vietnam branches of SGS, BV, or Intertek); third, submit documentation (product technical files, test reports, and Declaration of Conformity); fourth, obtain the CR certificate (affix the CR mark and ensure all certificates are in order); and fifth, apply in advance (certification takes weeks to months; do not wait until goods arrive at the port)—for machinery imports to Vietnam, requirements include CR certification, quality inspection (Group 2), special equipment registration, and used equipment assessment;
check QCVN regulations and secure certification early to avoid delays or detention upon arrival.
