Printer Import Procedures

Importing printers into Vietnam requires adherence to multiple legal regulations, including identifying the correct HS code, calculating taxes, and obtaining permits from relevant authorities. Below is IPOLOGISTICS’s detailed guide on printer import procedures to assist businesses professionally.

1. Determine HS Code and Import Tax Rates

• HS Code: Common printers fall under HS code 8443.32.90 for laser printers or digital printers, and code 8443.31.00 for offset printers. The HS code may vary depending on the printer’s features.
• Import Duty: Printers generally have an import duty rate ranging from 0% to 5%, depending on the type.
• Value-Added Tax (VAT): VAT for printers is 10%.
• Preferential Import Tax: If the printers are from countries with free trade agreements with Vietnam (such as C/O form D, E, AK), businesses may enjoy a special preferential tax rate, reducing costs.

2. Check Legal Regulations and Import Requirements

Printer imports are strictly regulated by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), specifically:

• Decree 69/2018/ND-CP: Regulates the import and export of printers and printing equipment.
• Circular 11/2020/TT-BTTTT: Requires an import permit for special printers, such as color printers, digital printers, or advertising-featured printers.
• Decree 187/2013/ND-CP: Governs printing equipment and the conditions for importing them into Vietnam.

Printers with specific features, such as color printing or commercial advertising capability, must have an import permit from the MIC. IPOLOGISTICS will assist in obtaining the import permit or clarify the product status to determine if a permit is required.

3. Prepare Complete Import Documentation

To ensure a smooth import process, documentation should be prepared accurately and thoroughly. The import documentation for printers includes:

• Sales Contract: Clearly outlines product details, quantities, and delivery terms.
• Commercial Invoice: Clearly states the value of goods and payment terms.
• Packing List: Provides information on packaging, quantity, and dimensions of goods.
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Transportation document from the supplier.
• Import Permit: Issued by the MIC if the printer falls under regulated categories.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O): To benefit from preferential import duty, if applicable.
• Quality Certificate or Technical Documentation: Ensures the printer meets Vietnam’s import standards (if required).

IPLOGISTICS will review and guide businesses in completing the documentation correctly to minimize errors in the procedure.

4. Customs Declaration on VNACCS/VCIS System

Customs declaration is a crucial step in the import process. Through the VNACCS/VCIS system, IPOLOGISTICS will carry out the declaration as follows:

• Filing the Customs Declaration Form: Enter all information on the HS code, customs value, quantity, import duty rate, and VAT into the VNACCS/VCIS system.
• Handling Customs Channels:
  • Green Channel: The declaration is cleared without further inspection.
  • Yellow Channel: Customs requests to check the documentation.
  • Red Channel: Customs inspects both documentation and the actual goods.

IPLOGISTICS will help handle the documentation to reduce the likelihood of yellow or red channel inspections, ensuring fast clearance times.

5. Specialized Inspection and Certification (If Required)

Certain printers may need quality inspection or technical verification before customs clearance:

• IPOLOGISTICS will assist in arranging inspection at reputable centers if required.
• The inspection results will be issued a certificate of compliance, ensuring the product meets Vietnamese import regulations.

6. Tax Payment and Customs Fees

• Pay Import Duty and VAT: IPOLOGISTICS will help calculate the tax amounts and complete the payment of import duty and VAT as required.
• Payment Confirmation: Once tax is successfully paid, the declaration status is confirmed, and goods are ready for clearance.

IPLOGISTICS ensures that all tax calculations and payments are completed correctly, minimizing errors that could delay the clearance process.

7. Customs Clearance and Goods Delivery

After completing the above steps, IPOLOGISTICS will proceed with customs clearance and arrange the delivery as follows:

• Collecting Goods at Port or Airport: IPOLOGISTICS inspects goods condition and completes procedures for collection at the port or airport.
• Delivery to Customer’s Warehouse: The company arranges transportation to the customer’s warehouse as scheduled, ensuring quality and on-time delivery.

Legal Notes and Risk Management

• Updating Legal Regulations: IPOLOGISTICS continuously updates legal changes related to printer and printing equipment imports to ensure businesses comply with regulations.
• Import Permit: Special printers require an import permit. IPOLOGISTICS will assist clients in obtaining the necessary permits to prevent goods from being held at the port.

Estimated Time for Import Procedures

The time required to complete printer import procedures depends on permit review and specialized inspection, generally ranging from 5 – 10 business days. IPOLOGISTICS commits to supporting clients in minimizing time and optimizing the process.

Conclusion: With its extensive experience in import procedures, IPOLOGISTICS is committed to helping businesses complete the printer import process professionally and efficiently. Our experts will assist from document preparation, permit application, customs declaration to delivery, ensuring that goods are imported in compliance with the law and cost-saving for businesses.