Power Bank Import Procedure in Vietnam 2026: HS Code, Duty & MIC Quality Control
Table of contents: I. Regulatory Policies & Legal Framework for Power Bank Imports II. Power Bank Import Policy III. Labeling Imported Goods IV. HS Code and Import Duty V. Quality Inspection Process for Imported Power Banks VI. Import Document Set VII. Power Bank Import Customs Procedure VIII. Key Notes When Importing Power Banks IX. Conclusion
I. Regulatory Policies & Legal Framework for Power Bank Imports
- Legal Status: New power banks (100% brand-new) are permitted for import into Vietnam. - Import Prohibition: Used/second-hand power banks and lithium-ion batteries are strictly PROHIBITED from importation.
- Specialized Management: Power banks used for smartphones, laptops, and tablets are classified under Group 2 High-Risk Goods managed by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).
- Mandatory Requirement: State Quality Inspection Registration & Certification of Conformity (CoC) under QCVN 101:2020/MIC (National technical regulation on lithium batteries for portable applications). - Key Regulations:
+ Circular 02/2022/TT-BTTTT (and updated MIC Circulars).
+ Decree 43/2017/ND-CP (Amended by Decree 111/2021/ND-CP) on Goods Labeling.
+ Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC (Amended by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC) on Customs Procedures.
II. Power Bank Import Policy
When importing any product, the first step is to understand the import policy that applies to it. For power banks, the relevant import policies are set out in the following legal documents:
VAT Law No. 13/2008/QH12 dated 03/06/2008;
Decision No. 04/2017/QĐ-TTg dated 09/03/2017;
Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018;
Decree No. 69/2018/NĐ-CP dated 15/05/2018;
Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP dated 14/4/2017;
Decree No. 128/2020/NĐ-CP dated 19/10/2020;
Circular No. 2/2022/TT-BTTTT dated 16/05/2022.
Under these regulations, power banks are not on the list of goods prohibited from import. However, when importing power banks, note the following points:
Used power banks are on the list of goods prohibited from import;
Imported power banks must be labeled in accordance with Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP;
Determine the correct HS code to apply the right tax rate and avoid penalties.
These are the main policies governing power bank imports. If you need more information or have questions about these policies, contact us by hotline or email for detailed advice.
III. Labeling Imported Goods
Labeling imported goods is not a new requirement, but since Decree 128/2020/NĐ-CP took effect, supervision and inspection of labels on imported goods, especially power banks, have become stricter. Labels not only help authorities manage and monitor goods but also support product traceability and determine the responsibility of the parties involved. Labeling is therefore an important and mandatory step in the power bank import procedure from abroad.
1. Label content for power bank imports
The information on a power bank label must be complete and clear. This not only helps customs clearance go smoothly but also ensures the product reaches consumers with all the necessary information. Under Decree No. 43/2017/NĐ-CP, a power bank label must include the following information:
Product name
Name of the manufacturer and the importer
Date of manufacture and warranty period
Country of origin
Technical specifications and components (if any)
Notes on storage conditions, instructions for use and safety warnings (if needed)
The label may be in English, the language of the exporting country or the language of the importing country. Once the power banks are cleared and put on sale in Vietnam, a Vietnamese sub-label is required. If the shipment undergoes physical inspection, accurate labeling is a decisive factor in the timeline and outcome of customs clearance.
2. Where to place the label on a power bank
The label must be placed where it is easy to see and convenient to inspect, usually on the outer packaging or on the body of the power bank. This lets customs carry out inspection and clearance without obstacles. For retail consumer products, the label should also include manufacturer information, instructions for use, detailed specifications, date of manufacture and safety warnings to fully comply with labeling regulations.
3. Risks of incorrect labeling
Failing to comply with labeling regulations can lead to the following risks:
Administrative penalties under Article 22 of Decree 128/2020/NĐ-CP;
Refusal of the certificate of origin and loss of special preferential import tax rates;
Higher risk of damage or loss of goods due to missing key label information during transport and handling.
We therefore recommend that you comply fully and accurately with goods labeling regulations. If you need more information or support, contact us by hotline or email for specific advice.
IV. HS Code and Import Duty
Determining the HS code is the most important step in importing any product. The code determines import duty, value added tax (VAT) and the related import policies. To determine the HS code accurately, you need to understand the characteristics of the goods, including material, composition and product features.
1. HS code and import duty
The HS (Harmonized System) code is a numbering system used for all goods worldwide. Although the trailing digits differ between countries, the first 6 digits of the HS code for a given product are the same globally. Below is the HS code table for importing power banks:
HS code | Description of goods | Normal import duty (%) | Preferential (MFN) import duty (%) | VAT (%) |
85076031 | - - - For laptops, including notebooks and subnotebooks | 5 | 0 | 8 |
85076032 | - - - For aircraft | 5 | 0 | 8 |
85076033 | - - - For vehicles of Chapter 87 | 5 | 0 | 8 |
85076039 | - - - Other | 5 | 0 | 8 |
85076090 | - - Other | 5 | 0 | 8 |
2. Import duty on power banks
Taxes on power banks are calculated the same way as for other goods, with two main taxes: import duty and value added tax (VAT).
Import duty is calculated based on the power bank's HS code using the formula:
Import duty = CIF value × duty rate (%)
Import VAT is calculated using the formula:
VAT = (CIF value + Import duty) × VAT rate (%)
CIF value is the ex-works value of the goods plus freight and insurance to the first port of the importing country. Import duty is included in the cost of goods sold, so determining the correct HS code is essential to apply the right rate and help businesses optimize costs.
3. Risks of applying the wrong HS code
Determining the correct HS code is a key factor in the power bank import procedure. If you apply the wrong HS code, you may face the following risks:
Customs clearance delays: An incorrect HS code declaration can delay clearance because customs has to re-check the product information.
Administrative penalties under Decree 128/2020/NĐ-CP: Errors in HS code declaration can lead to significant administrative fines.
Delivery delays: If customs finds an incorrect HS code, it may require amendments, delaying delivery and affecting business operations.
Import tax risk: If an HS code error leads to the wrong duty rate being applied, you may face a fine ranging from VND 2,000,000 up to 3 times the tax payable.
To make sure the HS code for your power banks is declared correctly, contact us by hotline or email for support and detailed advice.
V. Quality Inspection Process for Imported Power Banks
Quality inspection is an important step to ensure power banks meet standards before being sold on the Vietnamese market. Below is a step-by-step guide to the process:
Step 1: Register the quality inspection dossier
The first step is to register the quality inspection dossier on the National Single Window. This must be done after the customs declaration. The registration gives the authorities basic information about the shipment, including the product type, origin and import conditions.
The dossier includes:
Customs declaration;
Commercial Invoice;
Packing List;
Sales Contract;
Bill of Lading.
Once the dossier is complete, the business submits the registration on the National Single Window and waits for quality inspection approval.
Step 2: Sampling and sample testing
After the dossier is registered, the next step is sampling and testing. Samples can be taken at the port or at the importer's warehouse, depending on the inspection body's requirements or the actual condition of the shipment. Samples are sent to a licensed testing center for testing.
At the testing center, samples are tested against technical standards, in particular QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN on the safety of electrical and electronic equipment. Testing determines whether the product meets safety and quality standards for sale on the Vietnamese market.
Step 3: Receive the results and update them on the Single Window
Once the testing center completes testing and issues the results, the business receives a certificate of conformity for the shipment if the samples pass. This certificate must be uploaded to the National Single Window so the authority can confirm it and allow the shipment to be cleared.
Updating the quality inspection results on the system is mandatory and proves that the imported product meets the technical and safety standards. Once this step is done, the product is officially allowed to be sold and distributed on the market.
These are the detailed steps of the quality inspection process for imported power banks. If you need further support or have any questions about the registration process, contact H-Cargo International Logistics by hotline or email for fast, specific advice.
VI. Import Document Set
The documents required to import power banks, as with other goods, are set out in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015, as amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018. The documents to prepare are:
Customs declaration
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Sales Contract
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (C/O), if any
Quality inspection dossier
Product catalogs
Of these, the customs declaration, Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice are the most important. Other documents are provided when customs requests them. In particular, the quality inspection dossier applies to power banks for laptops, mobile phones and tablets.
The Certificate of Origin (C/O) is not mandatory, but it matters because it lets the importer benefit from preferential duty rates. Importers should therefore negotiate with the supplier to provide this document.
If you need more details about the import document set for power banks, contact us by hotline or email for dedicated advice.
VII. Power Bank Import Customs Procedure
The power bank import procedure, as with other goods, is clearly set out in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015, together with the amendments in Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018. Below is a summary of the main steps to help you understand the process.
These are the main steps in importing all types of power banks:
Step 1: Customs declaration
Once you have prepared all the necessary documents, such as the contract, commercial invoice, packing list, ocean bill of lading, certificate of origin and arrival notice, and have determined the HS code for the power banks, you can enter this information into the customs system through declaration software.
Step 2: Register for quality inspection
Power banks for laptops, mobile phones and tablets must undergo quality inspection under Circular 2/2022/TT-BTTTT dated 16/05/2022. If you need more information or support, contact H-Cargo International Logistics by hotline or email for detailed advice.
Step 3: Open the customs declaration
After the declaration is submitted, the system returns the channel classification result. Print the declaration and submit it with the document set at the customs branch to complete this step. The detailed procedure depends on the channel result (green, yellow, red).
Step 4: Customs clearance
Once the documents have been checked and found valid, the customs officer approves clearance of the declaration. You can then pay the import duty to clear the goods and bring them into Vietnam.
Step 5: Receive and store the goods
After clearance, you liquidate the declaration and complete the steps needed to bring the goods to your warehouse for storage and use.
This is a summary of the steps for importing power banks. If you still have questions about the process, contact H-Cargo International Logistics by hotline or email for detailed advice and support.
VIII. Key Notes When Importing Power Banks
From handling power bank imports for our customers, we have put together several important notes you should keep in mind:
Import duty is an obligation the importer must fulfil to the state;
Find a reputable supplier and choose a suitable payment method;
Import duty on power banks of all types is fairly high, so when negotiating with the seller, ask for a certificate of origin to benefit from preferential rates.
Imported goods must be labeled in accordance with Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP.
Determine the correct HS code to apply the right tax and avoid penalties.
Goods may only be sold on the market once the customs declaration has been cleared.
We hope these notes help you with your power bank imports. If you found this information useful, feel free to share it. For any comments or feedback, contact us by hotline or email. We look forward to hearing from you!
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- Complete Guide: Frozen Tuna Import Procedures Into Vietnam
- Full-Service Customs Clearance in Vietnam: why import-export businesses need a professional customs brokerIX. Conclusion
Importing power banks requires careful preparation and strict compliance with legal regulations to ensure smooth customs clearance and optimized costs. With these step-by-step instructions, you can clearly picture and carry out the power bank import procedure effectively and minimize unwanted risks.
First, businesses need to make sure documents such as the sales contract, commercial invoice, ocean bill of lading, certificate of origin and packing list are ready. Once all these documents are in place, the importer can file the customs declaration through the online system to save time and simplify the process.
In this article, H-Cargo International Logistics has explained in detail the steps needed to import power banks, including the HS code, import policy, import duty rates and VAT. Mastering these procedures helps businesses shorten processing time, optimize costs and stay compliant. If you need support with power bank import procedures or face any difficulty with customs procedures, contact us today. Our team of specialists is ready to give free, fast advice and support you in every transaction.
H-CARGO INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS
"Think Big - Do Simple"
[Address]: 113-115 Ung Van Khiem Street, Thanh My Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
[Phone]: +84 888 909 186 ( Mr. Jack )
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