Vietnam Updates CR Requirements for Used Semiconductor Equipment Imports
19. March 2026Vietnam’s updated framework for semiconductor import compliance introduces stricter conditions under the CR certification regime, targeting the control of used equipment entering the market. With the issuance of Circular No. 30/2025/TT-BKHCN, authorities aim to strengthen oversight of technology quality while supporting the country’s expanding semiconductor industry. The new rules emphasize safety, environmental protection, and energy efficiency, aligning import controls with national development strategies and international standards.
The regulation applies broadly to organizations importing used semiconductor machinery for manufacturing, packaging, testing, or research and development purposes. It also extends to equipment used in training and digital technology innovation. By defining clear eligibility criteria, the circular seeks to prevent the influx of obsolete or environmentally harmful technologies while enabling access to suitable second-hand equipment for industrial and research use. Semiconductors usually require CR certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Vietnam.
Technical Criteria and Compliance Standards
Under the new provisions, imported used semiconductor equipment must not be classified as outdated, low-quality, or environmentally polluting by the exporting country. Additionally, such equipment must not fall within Vietnam’s list of prohibited or restricted technologies for transfer. These requirements reinforce existing legal safeguards and ensure consistency with the Law on the Digital Technology Industry.
A key element of the regulation is the requirement to comply with technical benchmarks. Equipment must meet Vietnamese national technical regulations or standards, or demonstrate equivalence with standards from G7 countries or South Korea. Furthermore, the maximum allowable age for imported machinery is capped at 20 years from the date of manufacture to the import date. This limitation is intended to maintain operational efficiency and reduce environmental risks associated with aging equipment.
Exemptions and Enforcement Measures
The circular introduces targeted flexibility for equipment imported for training and research purposes. In such cases, exemptions may apply to criteria such as equipment age, remaining performance efficiency, and energy consumption. This approach is designed to support workforce development and innovation in semiconductor and digital technology fields without compromising broader regulatory objectives.
Importing enterprises bear full responsibility for the accuracy of their declarations and the intended use of imported equipment. Authorities have outlined strict enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance. Violations, including false declarations or misuse of imported machinery, may result in mandatory re-export of the equipment and the imposition of administrative penalties.
These updates reflect Vietnam’s effort to balance industrial growth with regulatory control, ensuring that semiconductor sector development is supported by reliable, safe, and compliant technology inputs. Further regulatory information may be available through official certification and compliance resources.
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