On July 1, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) of Viet Nam issued Decision No. 1725QD-BCT on the new list of energy-saving products in Vietnam. This decision replaces Appendix 3 of Decision No. 1182/QĐ-BCT dated 20 May 2019 on the publication of the list of goods subject to MOIT for special inspection. The goods specified in the list include some ICT equipment, such as laptops, PCs, printers, computer monitors, each of which has its own energy efficiency standard and HS code:

• TCVN 11848:2017, TCVN 11848:2021 for notebook computers (including notebooks and slim notebooks) (HS code 8471.30.20);
• TCVN 13371:2021 for desktop computers (HS codes 8471.41.10, 8471.41.90);
• TCVN 9509:2012 for printers (HS codes 8443.31.11, 8443.31.19, 8443.31.21, 8443.31.29, 8443.31.31, 8443.31.39, 8443.31.91, 8443.31.99);
• TCVN 9508:2012 applies to computer monitors - liquid crystal devices (LCDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and other flat panel display types (HS code 8528.72.92).

Please note that the list also includes products that must apply for type approval and DoC from the Ministry of Communications of Vietnam (MIC) and DoC (see Circular Letter MIC 02/2024/TT-BTTTT), such as desktop computers (HS code 8471.41.10) and laptops (HS code 8471.30.20), so manufacturers need to be aware of the relevant requirements for both MOIT and MIC.

Click this link to view the original text of Decision 1725QD-BCT.

This decision applies to state organs, enterprises, organizations and individuals engaged in the import, production and trade of specific goods. The decision does not apply to products that are only temporarily sold in Vietnam, such as those intended for re-export.

The decision stipulates that the following categories of products specified in Appendix I will not be allowed to be imported, produced and traded if they do not meet the minimum energy efficiency levels set out in the applicable national standards (TCVNs). These items include, but are not limited to, designated products in the following categories:

• fluorescent lamps, electromagnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps, straight tube fluorescent lamps, electric fans, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners without air ducts, washing machines, rice cookers, water heaters, commercial refrigerators, electric motors, transformers and boilers, etc.);
• Office and commercial products (including monitors, copiers, printers, desktops, laptops, etc.);
• Industrial products (LED street and street lighting, boilers for industrial plants, transformers).

The list and specific restrictions on the coal-fired and gas-fired power generation components of inefficient thermal power plants that are not allowed to be built are set out in Annex II of the decision.

This decision entered into force on 15 July 2023 and replaces Decision 24/2018/QD-TTg. The mandatory date for the new standards for desktops and laptops is April 1, 2025.

Click this link to view the original text of decision 14/2023/QD-TTg.