[Vietnam Biz – Part 15] What are the latest regulations and restricted items for importing used machinery into Vietnam? Five practical measures that work in the field (Part 1)

For companies considering the import of used machinery into Vietnam, understanding the increasingly stringent local regulations and restricted categories has become an essential challenge year by year. In practice, issues such as “the procedure was halted because we did not know which machinery was prohibited” or “customs pointed out incomplete documentation, causing significant delivery delays” are not uncommon.

This article explains the latest regulations on importing used machinery into Vietnam as of 2024 and outlines five practical countermeasures useful in day-to-day operations, incorporating real procedural examples and actual failure cases in Vietnam. It comprehensively covers technical standards and age limits required for import approval, key points in preparing necessary documents, and how to utilize local support—providing practical know-how that can be immediately applied by operational staff.

1. Latest regulations and specific restrictions on importing used machinery into Vietnam

When importing used machinery into Vietnam, it is essential to accurately understand the current trend toward stricter regulations. In recent years, detailed restrictions have been imposed on multiple factors, including technical standards, safety, years of use, and environmental risks. This goes beyond mere “complex procedures”—there is an increasing number of cases where imports themselves are not permitted. Therefore, prior information gathering and preparation are crucial.

To avoid problems during customs clearance, companies must clearly understand the applicable regulations and prepare all necessary documents and certifications. Below is a detailed explanation of the latest restrictions that must be understood at each stage of the import process.

1.1. Machinery failing to meet technical or safety standards cannot be imported

In Vietnam, machinery that does not meet national technical or safety standards is strictly prohibited from import. This means that the assumption “it’s fine as long as it’s only somewhat old” does not apply. For example, if machinery fails to meet the safety or environmental standards required in the exporting country, customs authorities may request submission of certificates during clearance. If the requirements are not satisfied, the import will be immediately rejected.

Not only the manufacturing year or outward appearance but also compliance with Vietnam’s technical standards is emphasized. It is essential to prepare certificates of compliance from the country of origin or inspection certificates issued by third-party organizations in advance. Always confirm in advance whether the machinery meets regulatory requirements.

• ・Imports prohibited if national or safety standards are not met
• ・Incomplete documentation may result in immediate rejection
• ・Third-party inspection certificates are crucial
• ・Not judged solely on manufacturing year or appearance
• ・Prior verification of applicable standards is mandatory

1.2. Machinery over 10 years old is principally prohibited

In Vietnam, used machinery must generally be within 10 years from the date of manufacture. If this limit is exceeded, import will not be permitted regardless of the machinery’s condition. During customs clearance, a certificate of manufacture year is required, and many cases have resulted in import rejection once the 10-year limit was confirmed to be exceeded.

Even if field personnel believe the machinery is “still usable,” official regulations are strictly enforced. Therefore, companies must verify the manufacturing year and prepare all necessary supporting documents without omission.

• ・In principle, within 10 years from manufacture
• ・Over 10 years results in immediate import prohibition
• ・Manufacturing year certificate required at customs
• ・Incomplete documentation leads to trouble
• ・Official regulations take precedence over practical judgment

1.3. Certain industries are subject to a 5-year usage limit

In specific industries, an even stricter requirement of “within 5 years from manufacture” applies. For example, in sectors such as textiles, shipbuilding, and printing, machinery must be within 5 years old to qualify for import. These restrictions reflect differences in required technical and safety standards across industries.

There have been actual cases where companies assumed that machinery within 10 years was acceptable, only to have their import rejected because their industry was subject to the stricter 5-year rule. Companies must confirm whether their business falls within these specific industries and, if necessary, select machinery manufactured within 5 years.

• ・Some industries are subject to a 5-year limit
• ・Textiles, shipbuilding, and printing are representative examples
• ・Regulations differ by industry
• ・Misunderstanding may lead to import rejection
• ・Advance confirmation of applicable industry regulations is essential

1.4. Machinery with environmental or safety risks is subject to restriction

Even if machinery satisfies age and technical requirements, it may still be restricted if it poses environmental pollution or safety risks. For example, machinery exceeding noise or emission standards, or equipment posing serious safety risks due to deterioration, may be subject to customs hold or re-export orders if risks are identified during inspection.

To mitigate such risks, companies must conduct rigorous inspections through third-party institutions prior to import and thoroughly prepare documentation certifying environmental and safety compliance.

1.5. Limited to in-house use; commercial resale is principally prohibited

In Vietnam, the import of used machinery is limited to in-house production and operational use. Imports for resale purposes are, in principle, not permitted. During the application process, the intended purpose of use is examined, and applications are frequently rejected if the machinery is not for internal use.

Since importing used machinery for resale falls under regulatory restrictions, companies must clearly understand that such imports are allowed only for their own production or project implementation.

• ・Import permitted only for in-house use
• ・Resale is generally prohibited
• ・Purpose of use is verified during application
• ・Violations may result in rejection
• ・Import must be for company projects or production use