On 05/9/2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular 56/2026/TT-BKHCN providing for the import of used machinery, equipment and technology lines.
The Circular takes effect immediately from 05/9/2026, replacing the previous management mechanism under Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg, as amended and supplemented by Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg.
1. The equipment age limit is basically retained
Used machinery and equipment imported to serve production in Vietnam must, in principle, be no more than 10 years old. Certain machinery in the fields of mechanical engineering, wood production and processing, and paper and pulp production is subject to a maximum age of 15 to 20 years under Appendix I.
Accordingly, Circular 56/2026/TT-BKHCN does not make major changes to the equipment age limit. However, the HS codes and goods descriptions in Appendix I have been set out specifically in accordance with the current list of goods. Enterprises need to cross-check the HS code, goods description, year of manufacture and intended use at the same time, instead of relying solely on the commercial name of the machine.
2. Expansion of the entities eligible for the simplified procedure
The new point of Circular 56/2026/TT-BKHCN is the addition of strategic technology enterprises to the group entitled to opt for the simplified method of procedures for importing used technology lines, alongside high-tech enterprises and projects eligible for special investment incentives and support.
Under the simplified method, enterprises may bring the goods to storage, and install and operate the line to serve the inspection. The inspection certificate must be submitted within no more than 12 months from the date the first shipment is brought to storage. Where the line is highly complex, the time limit for submitting the certificate may be extended once, for a maximum of 06 months.
While awaiting inspection, the line may only be operated to serve the inspection activity and may not be put into production. If the inspection results fail to satisfy the import conditions, the enterprise may be subject to sanctions for violations and compelled to re-export.
3. Clarification of the inspection and the validity of the certificate
The Circular provides more specifically on the content and location of the inspection and the validity period of the certificate:
- The inspection certificate for a technology line is valid for no more than 18 months from the date of issue to the date the goods arrive at a Vietnamese border checkpoint;
- The inspection certificate for machinery and equipment is valid for no more than 06 months;
- For technology lines imported under the simplified method, the certificate is valid for no more than 03 months from the date of issue;
- The inspection must be carried out by an inspection organization designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
This provision requires enterprises to closely control the time of inspection, the transportation time and the date on which the goods arrive at the border checkpoint in order to avoid the certificate expiring.
4. Permitting the exploitation of data in lieu of certain enterprise documents
The dossier-receiving authority is responsible for proactively exploiting information in the database to replace the Enterprise Registration Certificate and certain related documents.
Enterprises are only required to additionally submit copies of documents where the receiving authority is unable to exploit the information or where the information is incomplete or inaccurate. This is a new point aimed at reducing paperwork and promoting the use of electronic data in handling import procedures.
5. Direct provisions on bringing machinery to storage
Where there is no manufacturer’s certification or inspection certificate at the time of carrying out customs procedures, enterprises may bring the machinery and equipment to storage after submitting the written registration for inspection services certified by a designated inspection organization.
Within 30 days from the date the goods are brought to storage, the enterprise must submit the inspection certificate to the customs authority. The goods are only granted customs clearance when the dossier is complete and the certificate concludes that the machinery and equipment satisfy the import conditions.
(Pursuant to Circular 56/2026/TT-BKHCN dated 05 September 2026)
What should enterprises note?
Circular 56/2026/TT-BKHCN does not fundamentally change the conditions on equipment age but further refines the mechanisms for inspection, bringing goods to storage, the use of electronic data and the import of technology lines under the simplified method.
Before signing a contract or bringing goods into Vietnam, enterprises should check:
- Whether the machinery falls under Chapter 84 or Chapter 85 and within the scope of the Circular;
- The HS code and the corresponding equipment age limit;
- The year and country of manufacture and the manufacturing standards;
- Whether the inspection organization has been designated;
- The content and validity period of the inspection certificate;
- The dossier to be submitted upon registration of the declaration or when bringing the goods to storage.
An incomplete review may lead to delayed customs clearance, incurred warehousing and storage yard costs, or the risk of having to re-export the goods.
UNI’s customs declaration and logistics services
UNI Customs Consulting assists enterprises in reviewing product policies, determining HS codes, checking the conditions and inspection documents, carrying out customs declarations, working with the customs authority and coordinating plans for delivering machinery to the customer’s location.
For shipments of used machinery, equipment or technology lines, checking the dossier before the goods arrive helps enterprises limit the risk of delayed customs clearance and incurred logistics costs.
Reference: UNI’s all-inclusive customs declaration service
📞 Contact UNI Customs Consulting for free consultation:📧 Email: uni@eximuni.com📱 Hotline: (+84) 24-7308-7988 (Hanoi) | (+84) 28-7301-8910 (HCM)