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What is VR certification for Vietnam?

To export to Vietnam, manufacturers of vehicles or vehicle components need  VR (Type Approval) certification in accordance with the Vietnamese Technical Regulations (QCVN standards) in order for them to be introduced and distributed on the Vietnamese market. The VR certification of the Vietnam Register (VR) ensures the safety, quality and compliance of the products with the applicable standards.

The Vietnam Register (VR) is an agency under the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and acts as the national certification body in Vietnam. It is responsible for the testing, type approval and monitoring of vehicles and vehicle components in the country.

Different Types of VR Certification

1. Type Approval Certificate (Classic VR Certification)
   • For vehicles and vehicle components to be introduced to the Vietnamese market.
   • Confirms compliance with QCVN standards.
   • Includes laboratory tests, factory audit, submission of technical documents and marking obligation (CR logo).
2. Conditional / Special Type Approval
   • For products with specific requirements, e.g. safety or environmental relevance.
   • May require additional testing or inspections, sometimes local testing in Vietnam as well.
   • Often used for airbags, brakes, exhaust systems or radio modules.
3. Supplementary Permits / Registrations
   • VR may require additional local registrations for certain components  (e.g., electronic modules, safety-related parts) that are not exactly the same procedure as classic Type Approval, but are a prerequisitefor market launch.

Products subject to VR certification:

VR Certification process

1

Preparation & document compilation

2

Product tests

3

Factory inspection / audit

4

Official application to the VR

5

VR examines application and documents → type approval

6

Marking with CR logo

7

Import release (depending on product category)

The application for VR certification (Type Approval) must be duly submitted to the relevant Vietnamese authorities. The main authority processing VR applications is the Vietnam Register (VR) under the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The duration of the VR certification process depends on the workload of the authority, the testing laboratories and the auditors. With good preparation, the process can be completed within about 2-3 months; however, this varies greatly depending on the product and complexity.

The success of VR certification depends crucially on the careful adherence to Vietnamese guidelines, standards and QCVN requirements.

The results of the laboratory tests (some tests must be carried out in recognized laboratories, possibly in Vietnam) and the factory inspection / audit are carefully reviewed by the Board of Directors and compared with the previously submitted documents. In the event of incorrect or incomplete documentation, failed tests or insufficient production conformity, certification may be refused or delayed.

Authorized Representative in Vietnam

The application for VR certification must be submitted  through a local representative if the manufacturer is located outside Vietnam.
This representative, often referred to as  an authorized representative, is authorized by the manufacturer and is responsible, among other things, for:

• Communication and submission of application documents to the Vietnam Register (VR)
• Coordination of audits and laboratory tests
• Monitoring of marking obligations and follow-up inspections
• Contact person for market surveillance and official queries

The appointment of such a representative is a prerequisite for the application and legally secure market access of vehicles or vehicle components in Vietnam.

Annual requalification / follow-up examinations for VR certificates

In order to maintain the validity of the VR Type Approval Certificate, regular follow-up audits must be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Vietnam Register.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Factory audit / inspection of the production facility, usually as a one-day review
• Proof of product compliance through spot checks or repeated tests in recognized laboratories in accordance with QCVN standards

The process of a VR follow-up audit is similar to that of the initial certification, but is usually shorter, less complex and associated with significantly lower costs . The frequency of testing depends on the COP class of the product:

• Class 1 (low risk): every 36 months
• Class 2 (medium risk): every 24 months
• Class 3 (high risk): every 12 months

The conscientious implementation of these requalifications is crucial to ensure valid type approval and market access in Vietnam in the long term.

VR Marking

Before VR-certified products can be placed on the market or imported in Vietnam, they must be correctly labeled in accordance with the regulations of the Vietnam Register.

The Board of Directors specifies the exact specifications for labeling – these can vary depending on the product category.

Requirements for VR marking of products:

• Markierung direkt auf dem Produkt:
  • Anbringen des CR-Logos (Certification of Registration)
  • Indication of manufacturer name/address, production date and batch number
• Additional Label/Label:
  • Information on product name and, if applicable, further product information
• Product-specific requirements:
  • Depending on the component, further marking requirements may apply, e.g. for safety-relevant or electronic components.
  • These must be carefully reviewed and implemented in accordance with the respective QCVN standards.

Proper labeling is a prerequisite to  ensure market approval and legal distribution in Vietnam.

Changes to existing VR certificates

Manufacturers whose products have a VR Type Approval Certificate must permanently comply with the applicable Vietnamese regulations (QCVN standards).

The applicant or local representative assures the Vietnam Register (VR) that all relevant changes  will be reported in a timely manner, that the required applications will be submitted and that changes will only  be implemented after approval by VR.

The procedure usually includes:

• Submission of an adjustment request to the VR
• Proof of compliance of the changes through laboratory tests or audits, if necessary

The changes may only be made after the VR has granted approval by means of an adjustment notice.

Notifiable changes typically include:

• Change to product design
• Changes to the product structure (e.g. additional layers of material for interior parts)
• Modification of core components (“key components”) or safety-relevant components
• Change of raw material or material supplier
• Changes in the organizational structure of the plant (e.g. responsibility for VR certification)
• Change of component names or part numbers

Special cases:

• If the production line or the entire plant is relocated, a new initial certification or at least an additional factory inspection may be required.
• Some changes require new laboratory tests in recognized test laboratories.

Conscientious notification and approval of changes is crucial to maintain the validity of the VR certificate and legal market access in Vietnam .

Updates to QCVN Standards

When a QCVN standard or related technical standard is updated, manufacturers or local representatives must consider the following:

• Timely application:
  • The certificate holder must submit an application for adjustment of the VR certificate in accordance with the new QCVN standard before the deadline.
• Renewed product tests:
  • When changes are made to the QCVN standard, product testing must be carried out in accordance with the updated standard requirements to demonstrate compliance.

Compliance with these obligations is necessary to maintain the valid type approval and to ensure legal distribution in Vietnam.

Import release for special components

1. Preparation of documents
   • Check whether the part is subject to a special import license requirement (e.g. by HS code, listing under regulated goods)
   • Ensure that the certificate of the VR (Type Approval) is available or has been applied for.
   • Compilation of further standard documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (C/O), technical specifications, test reports if necessary.
2. Application to the competent authority
   • Submit an application for an import license or import permit to the relevant ministry (e.g., MOIT, MOT).
   • Submission of documents: e.g. VR certificate, test reports, technical data, proof of conformity.
   • If necessary: Declaration/registration for quality/technology and environmental assessment in the import procedure.
3. Regulatory audit
   • The authority examines the application and documents.
   • If necessary, additional technical or quality testing or approval may be required (e.g. components with safety relevance).
   • Duration: can vary — usually 20-30 business days or longer, depending on complexity.
4. Issuance of import license / permit
   • After a positive check, the import license is issued.
   • With this license or permit, customs import and customs clearance can then take place.
   • All the usual documents must then be available at customs (import license, C/O, VR certificate, import declaration, etc.)
5. Customs Clearance & Import
   • Importer submits import documents to customs.
   • If the component is subject to quality or safety controls, a quality inspection may be required before or after customs clearance.
   • After approval, goods are received and distributed in the store.
6. Downstream obligations
   • Labeling/marking of imported components in accordance with Vietnamese regulations.
   • Archive documentation (import license, import documents, proofs) for possible later control.
   • If changes occur (e.g. in the product or supply chain), report to authorities if necessary.

MPR Services

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Our complete package for product certifications for Vietnam.

Clarification of the certification requirements

Personal consultant for all questions about VR

Application preparation

Organization of testing

Advice on how to mark your products, if needed

Complete organisation of the follow-up certification

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VR Certification Overview

VR Certification FAQ

Does my product need VR certification?

Many manufacturers and importers ask their suppliers for VR certification. However, since not all vehicles or vehicle components are subject to mandatory VR certification in Vietnam, there is no general answer to this question before the product has been tested in detail.
It is therefore advisable to first carry out a certification obligation check to determine whether VR certification is required for the product in question. We will be happy to support you in testing your components and clarify which standards and requirements apply to your product.

How long does the VR certification process take?

The duration of the VR certification process depends on the product, the required tests and the COP class. Typically, the turnaround time for the initial certification of vehicles or vehicle components is around 2-3 months, if all documentation is complete and no special additional checks are required.

For products that require special safety testing or extensive factory audits, the process may take longer. Extended processing times are also to be expected for new or rare vehicle components, for which additional coordination with the Vietnam Register is required.

The follow-up examinations / requalifications according to COP class are usually shorter and less complex than the initial certification.

How long is the VR certificate valid?

A VR Type Approval Certificate for vehicles or vehicle components is usually valid for 3 years, depending on the COP class of the product and provided that the regular follow-up tests/requalifications are passed.

The frequency of follow-up tests depends on the risk of the product:

1. Class 1 (low risk): Audit every 36 months
2. Class 2 (medium risk): Audit every 24 months
3. Class 3 (high risk): Audit every 12 months

An extension of the validity must be applied for before the expiry of the certificate. In practice, it is common practice to renew certificates regularly to ensure continuous market access and compliance with QCVN standards.

What is the best way to prepare for VR registration?

The product tests for VR certification are carried out according to the relevant QCVN standards. We therefore recommend that you carefully check the applicable Vietnamese regulations and standards for your product to ensure compliance.

In addition, it makes sense to prepare the following steps:
1. Have complete technical documentation ready (drawings, product data sheets, flowcharts, test reports)
2. Preparing product samples for laboratory testing
3. Checking and documenting the quality management system and production processes
4. Appoint a local authorized representative in Vietnam to act as a point of contact for VR

If you have any questions or support in testing your components, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Which plants need to be audited?

The factory audit for VR certification generally takes place at the production site of the vehicle part or component.

If the products are manufactured at several locations, the audit must be carried out in the plant where the last quality-assuring production step takes place.

Among other things, VR checks the production processes, quality control and documentation to ensure that the products permanently comply with QCVN standards.

How do I have to label my products after VR certification?

After successful VR certification, the products must be correctly labeled in accordance with the regulations of the Vietnam Register.

The labelling includes, among other things:
1. CR logo (Certification of Registration) directly on the product
2. Manufacturer name and address
3. Production date
4. Batch number
5. Product name

Depending on the type of product, there may be additional labelling requirements. Proper marking is a prerequisite for retaining the valid type approval and ensuring legal distribution in Vietnam.

Do the authorities inform the holders of VR certificates about changes in the regulations?

No, the Vietnam Register does not usually inform certificate holders directly about changes to QCVN standards or technical regulations.

The current standards and regulations are provided on the official VR website and in official publications.

Companies that are not assisted by a consultant or authorized representative in monitoring regulatory changes will need to independently track the updated regulations to ensure that their products continue to comply with QCVN standards.

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