On September 5, 2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) issued Circular No. 56/2026/TT-BKHCN, regulating the import of used machinery, equipment, and technological production lines into Vietnam.

The Circular took effect immediately on September 5, 2026, and remains in force.

It provides detailed regulations on:

• Applicable entities

• Conditions for used machinery, equipment, and technological production lines

• Import documentation

• Import procedures

• Responsibilities of businesses and competent authorities

The objective of the Circular is to control the quality of imported equipment, prevent outdated technologies from entering Vietnam, and ensure compliance with safety, energy efficiency, and environmental protection requirements.

Scope of Application

The Circular applies to the import of:

• Used machinery

• Used equipment

• Used technological production lines

Under the Circular, used machinery or equipment refers to equipment that has been fully assembled after manufacturing and has previously been put into operation.

The equipment's age is calculated from its year of manufacture to its year of import, with the import year determined by the year the goods arrive at a Vietnamese port of entry.

Cases Outside the Scope of Application

The Circular does not apply to the following cases:

• Transit, transshipment, or bonded warehouse goods

• Merchanting trade

• Temporary import for re-export

• Other temporary import–re-export activities prescribed by law

• Machinery imported for repair or maintenance contracts with foreign traders

• Certain machinery transfers after processing contracts or financial leasing arrangements

• Machinery used for scientific research, technological development, national defense, or security purposes as prescribed by law

• Machinery and equipment governed by separate specialized regulations

Businesses should determine whether their imports fall within the Circular's scope before proceeding with import procedures to avoid applying incorrect regulations.

Three Key Principles for Importing Used Machinery

1. Comply with General Import Regulations

Importing used machinery must comply with all applicable Vietnamese laws governing imported goods.

2. Equipment Must Meet Quality Requirements

Imported machinery must satisfy requirements relating to:

• Safety

• Energy efficiency

• Environmental protection

Equipment failing to meet these requirements will not qualify for import.

3. Meet Circular Requirements Before Customs Clearance

Businesses should prepare sufficient supporting documents proving compliance before carrying out customs procedures to minimize additional inspections or documentation requests.

Import Conditions for Used Machinery

Condition 1: Equipment Age

As a general rule:

• Equipment must not exceed 10 years of age.

However, certain specialized industries are subject to different age limits specified in Appendix I of the Circular.

Condition 2: Technical Standards

Equipment must comply with:

• Applicable Vietnamese National Technical Regulations (QCVN), where available.

• If no QCVN exists, it must comply with Vietnamese Standards (TCVN) or other technical standards prescribed by the Circular.

Conditions for Used Technological Production Lines

1. Technical Standards

A used technological production line must comply with:

• Vietnamese Standards (TCVN); or

• National standards of one of the G7 countries or South Korea.

This ensures that the production line continues to meet quality and safety requirements before being put into operation.

2. Technology Requirements

The technology used in the production line must:

• Not fall under the list of technologies prohibited or restricted from transfer under Vietnamese law.

• Be currently in use at at least three manufacturing facilities located in OECD member countries.

This requirement demonstrates that the technology remains commercially viable and is not considered obsolete.

Documents Businesses Should Prepare

Businesses should prepare the following documents in advance:

• Documents proving the year of manufacture

• Manufacturer's catalogues and technical documentation

• Documents proving compliance with applicable technical standards

• Documents proving technology compliance (for technological production lines)

• Standard customs documentation required under Vietnamese law

Preparing complete documentation from the beginning can significantly reduce the risk of additional document requests when cargo arrives.

Import Procedure Under Circular 56/2026/TT-BKHCN

Step 1: Verify Eligibility Before Import

Confirm:

• Machinery type

• Equipment age

• Applicable technical standards

• Technology conditions (where applicable)

Step 2: Prepare Import Documentation

Compile all required technical documents and supporting evidence demonstrating compliance.

Step 3: Complete Customs Procedures

During customs procedures, businesses are permitted to move goods to a designated storage location in accordance with Vietnamese customs regulations while the import process is being completed.

Step 4: Obtain Customs Clearance

Vietnam Customs will grant customs clearance only after all documents fully satisfy the Circular's requirements.

This provision allowing goods to be moved for storage during customs processing is one of the practical points clarified by the Circular.

Common Risks Faced by Importers

Businesses frequently encounter issues such as:

• Inability to verify the year of manufacture

• Technical standards that do not meet regulatory requirements

• Missing documentation proving technology compliance

• Inconsistent information between the Invoice, Packing List, and Catalogue

• Additional inspection requirements that delay customs clearance

These issues can increase container detention, warehouse storage costs, and delay production schedules.

How Songwin Supports Machinery Importers

For shipments involving used machinery, equipment, and technological production lines, reviewing regulatory requirements before signing contracts can save considerable time and costs.

Songwin provides support with:

• Import policy consultation for different machinery categories

• Pre-contract compliance review

• Technical document verification

• Customs clearance procedures

• International and domestic transportation

• Shipment tracking through final delivery

Key Takeaways

SONGWIN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS VIETNAM CO., LTD.

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📞 24/7 Hotline: 083.681.3969 – 0373.262.105

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