Vietnam Updates Conformity Assessment Recognition Rules
20. August 2026Vietnam has introduced new rules for the recognition of conformity assessment results, replacing a regulatory framework that had been in place for almost two decades. Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BKHCN, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology (BKHCN), establishes requirements for mutual and unilateral recognition of conformity assessment results involving Vietnamese and foreign organizations.
Issued on April 9, 2026, the Circular entered into force on May 14, 2026, replacing Circular No. 27/2007/TT-BKHCN. The revised framework reflects changes to Vietnam’s standards and product quality legislation as well as the country’s growing participation in international accreditation and trade systems.
Products subject to regulated conformity assessment usually require recognized conformity assessment results in order to be approved for import and sale in Vietnam.
Vietnam Introduces Two Levels of Mutual Recognition
Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BKHCN distinguishes between government-level mutual recognition agreements and arrangements concluded directly between conformity assessment organizations.
Government-level mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) are international agreements between Vietnam and foreign countries or territories. The Vietnamese authority proposing an MRA must assess its legal basis and trade rationale, prepare the agreement, coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and identify qualified domestic conformity assessment bodies. Implementation also involves an action plan, a dedicated working group, and annual reporting.
Separately, Vietnamese conformity assessment bodies may establish mutual recognition arrangements with international, regional, or foreign organizations within their accredited or designated scope. These arrangements do not replace official government designation, and participating Vietnamese organizations remain legally responsible for conclusions based on recognized foreign results. Relevant arrangements must also be reported to the competent Vietnamese authorities.
Existing agreements established under the previous framework may remain effective until their specified expiration date or December 31, 2027, whichever occurs first.
Unilateral Recognition Creates Another Route for Acceptance
The Circular also provides a formal mechanism for unilateral recognition of conformity assessment results. Under this approach, a competent Vietnamese ministry may accept results from an international or foreign conformity assessment organization even when no reciprocal recognition agreement exists.
Authorities may consider factors including valid accreditation from an appropriate internationally recognized accreditation body, the standards and technical regulations applied during assessment, and the foreign organization’s technical competence, experience, and reliability.
When unilateral recognition is approved, the responsible ministry must issue a decision identifying the recognized organization and defining the applicable scope, standards or regulations, validity period where relevant, and responsibilities of the parties involved.
For manufacturers, importers, and exporters, the revised framework provides greater clarity on when foreign testing, inspection, or certification results may be recognized for Vietnamese regulatory purposes. Authorities retain oversight and may suspend or withdraw recognition when an organization no longer satisfies applicable technical or legal requirements.
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