Document Requirements for Vietnam Type Approval

Understanding the document requirements for Vietnam type approval is essential for marketing telecom and wireless devices in the country. These documents are required for the MoST certification process.

This certification serves as proof that devices distributed and marketed in Vietnam meet established safety and quality standards. The Vietnam Telecommunication Authority (VNTA), an agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), regulates the document requirements for Vietnam type approval.

This article will help you understand the document requirements for Vietnam type approval. This way, you can prepare them from the start and avoid errors or missing documents.

Certification Scheme

Before understanding the document requirements for Vietnam type approval, it is important to understand the certification schemes required to market products in Vietnam. There are two schemes: Vietnam type approval and Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

Both schemes require different documents to be submitted to the VNTA. Understanding these two schemes will help you understand why they require different documents.

Type Approval

Vietnam type approval process is slightly different from that of neighboring countries. Type approval also has two distinct schemes: Scheme 1 and Scheme 7.

Scheme 1 offers two options:

• Option 1: Manufacturer with an authorized local representative in Vietnam. Test reports and certificates are issued under the manufacturer’s name and may be used by multiple importers with an authorization letter from the manufacturer.
• Option 2: The manufacturer and factory must be part of the same company group.

Scheme 7, on the other hand, applies only to each batch of imported goods. Test reports and certificates can only be in the name of a local importer appointed by the manufacturer.

SDoC

The SDoC itself is a required instrument after certification is obtained. It applies to both imported products and domestically manufactured goods. For imports, an SDoC is required to ensure that all products entering Vietnam can be processed.

The SDoC differs from a type approval certificate, which has a long validity period. It can only be used for a single import batch. Therefore, if there are subsequent import batches, you will need to reapply for the SDoC.

What are the Document Requirements for Vietnam Type Approval?

Now that you know the differences between Type Approval and SDoC documents, it’s time to explore the document requirements for Vietnam type approval. The required documents vary depending on the applicable scheme.

Document requirements for Vietnam type approval

In general, there are several document requirements for Vietnam type approval certification that must be prepared and submitted. The following documents are required:

1. Application Form (draft will be prepared by us and signed by the Type Approval (TA) cert holder)
2. Product’s Specification
3. Photos of the product label
4. Information on the Sample 
5. Valid ISO 9001:2015 certificate of the manufacturing factory
6. Test SOP and Software
7. Factory declaration (draft will be prepared by us and signed by the manufacturer)
8. Declaration of sample shipment (to be prepared by us and signed by the manufacturer)
9. Business license of the TA certificate holder (to be provided by the TA certificate holder)

Document requirements for SDoC

Here are the documents that you must prepare for SDoC:

1. MoST certificate
2. EMC test report
3. Safety test report
4. SDoC Form
5. Letter of Acceptance (LoA) to Local Importer (If the certificate holder is a foreign manufacturer)

Local Testing Process

Local testing for Vietnam type approval is mandatory. In other words, all telecom and wireless devices entering Vietnam must undergo on-site testing at a local lab.

All type approval documents should be prepared before the local testing process begins. Once the local testing results are issued, you can submit them directly to the VNTA.

There are three VNTA Verification and Certification Centers located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang City. You can apply based on the certificate holder’s registered location.

Local testing also requires samples. At least two samples are required for the Radio Frequency (RF) Test and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing. For specific device requirements, more samples may be required.

These are the document requirements for type approval in Vietnam that you must prepare. Incomplete documents or unfamiliarity with the testing pathway scheme will result in delays or rejection of your MoST certification application.

For this reason, it is important to understand and prepare all required documents according to the selected certification pathway from the early stages of product planning. Doing so will help ensure smooth and efficient access to the Vietnamese market.