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What is CR Certification for Vietnam?
CR certification (Conformity Regulation) is a legally required conformity assessment that is mandatory for certain products before they can be placed on the market, imported or distributed in Vietnam. It is used to prove that a product complies with the relevant Vietnamese technical regulations – especially the so-called QCVN (Quy Chuẩn Kỹ Thuật Quốc Gia).
Various Vietnamese authorities are responsible for implementing this certification, including the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Authority for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ) and, depending on the product category, industry-specific ministries such as the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) or the Ministry of Transport (MOT). Only products that have been successfully CR certified and labeled accordingly may be officially and legally sold on the Vietnamese market.
Why is CR certification required for the Vietnamese market?
CR certification is required by law in Vietnam and is enshrined in several laws and regulations, including Law No. 05/2007/QH12 on the Quality of Products and Goods, Decree No. 74/2018/ND-CP on Conformity Assessment, and various circulars such as 28/2012/TT-BKHCN of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The background to these regulations lies primarily in safeguarding central goals: The certification is intended to increase product safety, strengthen consumer protection and at the same time ensure that companies can participate in the Vietnamese market in a legally compliant manner. It helps to make the customs process smooth and without unnecessary delays, enables reliable quality control and traceability, and protects companies from risking sanctions such as fines or even confiscation of their products due to violations.
Which products require a CR marking?
The products affected by CR certification are regulated in the industry-specific technical regulations – the so-called QCVN. In particular, products that either pose an increased safety risk or are particularly widespread are usually subject to certification.
Examples of products subject to certification:
- Elektrische Haushaltsgeräte
z. B. Wasserkocher, Kühlschränke, Reiskocher → QCVN 4:2009/BKHCN - IT- und Telekommunikationsgeräte
z. B. Smartphones, Router → MIC / QCVN 117:2020/BTTTT - Kfz-Bauteile
z. B. Reifen, Lampen, Bremssysteme → QCVN 12:2011/BGTVT - Spielwaren und Kinderausstattung
z. B. Puppen, Bauklötze → QCVN 3:2009/BKHCN - Beleuchtung und Batterien
z. B. LED-Leuchten, Lithium-Batterien
It is important to note that the specific conformity requirements can vary considerably depending on the product type, risk classification and intended use.
Here you will find an overview of CR Certification-mandatory products for Vietnam.
Process of CR certification in Vietnam
CR certification is carried out in accordance with the internationally recognised conformity assessment procedures in accordance with ISO/IEC 17067, whereby different procedures such as Type 1, Type 5 or Type 7 are used depending on the product type and quantity. The exact process begins with the classification of the product and a research on the relevant standards – checking whether the product falls under a Vietnamese QCVN and which ministry is responsible for it. The appropriate certification procedure is then selected. Für Einzelimporte kommt meist Typ 1, also eine Einzelprüfung, zum Einsatz, während für Serienproduktionen in der Type 5 rule, which includes a factory audit, laboratory tests and ongoing market surveillance.
The next steps include the submission of all relevant documents to the relevant Vietnamese authority. The product is then tested in a state-approved laboratory – only laboratories that are accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 and are located in Vietnam are approved. For the Type 5 process, a factory inspection is also mandatory. The entire production facility is checked, including quality assurance processes and product labeling. In many cases, ISO 9001 certification is a prerequisite for passing this step.
After successful examination of all documents and test results, the certification body decides on the issuance of the CR certificate. Only then may the product be provided with the official CR marking, which contains the CR logo as well as the certificate number and an abbreviation of the responsible certification body.
Documents required for CR certification
For the application within the framework of CR certification, a number of documents must usually be submitted in order to provide full proof of conformity. First of all, this includes the fully completed application form as well as technical documents such as data sheets and product specifications. An instruction manual in Vietnamese – either in the original or as a translation – is also required. The documentation is supplemented by meaningful product photos that show the product itself as well as the packaging and label. It is also imperative to have up-to-date test reports from Vietnamese, state-approved laboratories, which must not be older than twelve months. If available, a valid ISO 9001 certificate from the manufacturer is also required, especially if the Type 5 method is used. In addition, additional product safety evidence such as CE or CB reports can optionally be attached. A sample of the planned CR marking must also be submitted, as well as a formal authorization in case a local representative in Vietnam submits the application on behalf of the manufacturer.
Validity and Monitoring
The validity period of a certification is between one and three years, depending on the type of product and the certification procedure chosen. Certain procedures, such as Type 5, require periodic inspections as part of market surveillance. For an extension, new tests or an audit must be carried out – if necessary. The updated documents are then submitted; the application for extension should be submitted in good time before expiry.
Local representative – Mandatory for Foreign Manufacturers
Manufacturers without their own legal presence in Vietnam must appoint a local representative, such as an importer, a distributor, a Vietnamese consulting firm or a commercial agency. This authorized representative takes over the complete application, communication with the responsible authorities and responsibility for market access, recalls and complaints.
Application preparation.
Einreichung & Antragsprüfung beim Testlabor.
Produkttests in TELEC-akkreditierten Testlaborst
Einreichung & Antragsprüfung bei der Behörde
Zertifikatsausstellung und Markierungn
CR Marking
Once the Vietnamese conformity assessment has been successfully completed, the product may be marked with the CR logo.
The mark signifies compliance with the national technical regulations (QCVN). No additional approval is required for the use of the logo. The CR mark must be affixed permanently, clearly visible, and in accordance with the official specifications regarding size, shape, and color. Resizing is permitted as long as the aspect ratio is maintained. Furthermore, the Vietnamese authorities require documentation of its use, including an annual report submitted to the designated certification body.
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CR Certification Overview
| Validity of the Certificate | 3 years (Type 1 & Type 5) Batch-related (Type 7) |
| Certification Duration | 3-8 M Months |
| Marking | Be marked with the CR license plate |
| Tests required? | Type 1: Yes, basic tests (e.g. resistance, short circuit test) Type 5: Yes, comprehensive testing (including type testing) Type 7: Yes, type testing for sample product per batch |
| Factory Audit required? | Type 1: No Type 5: Yes, Initial Inspection and a Follow-Up Inspection every 9 Months Type 7: No |
| Representative in the Country | Yes, Representative in the Country required |
| Follow-Up Process | Follow-Up Inspections will be carried out at the Factory. |
CR Certification FAQ
No. Only products subject to QCVN regulations require CR certification. A standards check in advance is essential.
These can be submitted as supporting documents but do not replace Vietnamese testing. In most cases, local testing is mandatory.
The total duration varies depending on the product type, number of samples, and the chosen procedure. Simpler procedures may take about 3 to 4 months, while more complex ones involving additional requirements such as a factory audit can take 6 to 10 months.
Total costs consist of various components, including testing fees, certification fees, translation costs, and possibly audit costs resulting from travel and time expenses.
The product cannot be imported. Goods already imported may be confiscated or recalled. Fines of up to 100 million VND are also possible.
