Comprehensive Compilation of Legal Regulations for Mobile Phones in Vietnam

The import process for mobile phones and mobile communication terminal equipment is frequently regarded as one of the most intricate procedures. In reality, businesses often face challenges due to the frequent shifts in specialized inspection policies. To help you navigate these hurdles, Phuc Gia® provides the most recent updates on Legal Regulations for Mobile Phones in Vietnam regarding both manufacturing and importation in the following article.

See more: Capacity Profile Of Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation

Table 1: Testing Requirements for Mobile Phones

Testing Requirement

Table 2: Procedures for Implementing Licenses for Mobile Phones

Procedures

I. WHAT IS A MOBILE PHONE? HOW IS IT CLASSIFIED?

A mobile phone is a type of mobile communication terminal equipment whose primary function is voice transmission (calls) through mobile communication systems using GSM, GPRS, WCDMA, UMTS, HSPA, LTE, 4G IMT (LTE-Advanced), and 5G NR technologies. Typically, mobile phones integrate additional features such as data transmission (SMS messages, MMS multimedia messages, etc.) and other internet connection features like WiFi for work and entertainment.

  • Basic mobile phones (Feature phones): These are simple mobile devices, usually with only basic features such as calling, texting, and potentially features like a camera, FM radio, or photography. With low costs and ease of use, they have many limitations in internet connectivity, only supporting 2G/3G mobile networks. However, after July 1, 2021, this type of phone must integrate 4G LTE features to continue being manufactured or imported into Vietnam.
  • Smartphones: A smartphone is the most advanced type of phone on the market. In addition to meeting basic functions for transmitting call data and SMS messages via mobile networks, a smartphone is a mobile device capable of connecting to the Internet through mobile networks (2G/3G/4G/5G) or WiFi. These phones typically feature touchscreens and support features such as Web browsers, Email, social media applications, and other entertainment apps. Popular smartphone brands in Vietnam include iPhone, Samsung, Oppo, etc.

Tổng Hợp Quy Định Pháp Luật Đối Với Sản Xuất Và Nhập Khẩu Điện Thoại Di Động

II. LEGAL REGULATIONS FOR MOBILE PHONES IN VIETNAM

1. Procedures for Implementing Licenses for Mobile Phones in Vietnam

1.1. For Imported Mobile Phones

MANAGING MINISTRY
FOR IMPORTED MOBILE PHONES
Implementing Steps Authorizing/Implementing Body
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Step 1: Register for State Inspection Vietnam Telecommunications Authority
Step 2: Conformity Testing Phuc Gia®
Step 3: Conformity Certification (**) Telecom Metrology and Quality Center – Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (***)
Step 3+: Code Granting and Sample Stamp Registration
(Applicable to enterprises importing telecommunication products for the first time)
Telecom Metrology and Quality Center – Vietnam Telecommunications Authority
Step 4: Self-assessment of conformity to finalize the State Inspection registration dossier. Vietnam Telecommunications Authority
Step 5: Affix the ICT Conformity Stamp
(Before circulation on the market)
Enterprise self-implements after being licensed

Notes: Phuc Gia®: Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation.
(*) Submit online on dichvucong.gov.vn accompanied by 1 hard copy sent to the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA);
(**) Applies to “Technical requirements on Radio Frequency (RF)” technical regulations such as: QCVN 54, 65, 117, 127, 129, 134…
(***) Certification using Method 1: For products where the Manufacturer/Production Factory has ISO 9001; Certification using Method 7 (certification by batch): Manufacturer/Production Factory does not have ISO 9001.

1.2. For Domestically Manufactured Mobile Phones

MANAGING MINISTRY FOR DOMESTICALLY MANUFACTURED MOBILE PHONES
Implementing Steps Authorizing/Implementing Body
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Step 1: Conformity Testing Phuc Gia®
Step 2: Conformity Certification (*) Telecom Metrology and Quality Center – Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (**)
Step 2+: Code Granting and Sample Stamp Registration (Applicable to enterprises manufacturing telecommunication products for the first time) Telecom Metrology and Quality Center – Vietnam Telecommunications Authority
Step 3: Declaration of Regulation Conformity Department of Science and Technology
(place of activity registration)
Step 4: Affix the ICT Conformity Stamp
(Before circulation on the market)
Enterprise self-implements after being licensed

Notes: Phuc Gia®: Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation.

(**) Applies to “Technical requirements on Radio Frequency (RF)” technical regulations such as: QCVN 54, 65, 117, 127, 129, 134…

(**) Certification using Method 1: For products where the Manufacturer/Production Factory has ISO 9001; Certification using Method 5 (production line assessment combined with typical sample taking): Manufacturer/Production Factory does not have ISO 9001.

2. Legal Regulation Documents

REGULATION MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Legal Regulation Documents – Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT dated March 29, 2024, of the Ministry of Information and Communications, stipulating the list of equipment mandatory for Type Approval and Declaration of Conformity;

– Circular No. 10/2020/TT-BTTTT dated July 1, 2020, of the Ministry of Information and Communications, regulating the methods for Type Approval and Declaration of Conformity for products managed by the MIC;

– Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT dated October 31, 2011, of the Ministry of Information and Communications, regulating Type Approval and Declaration of Conformity for products managed by the MIC;

– Circular No. 15/2018/TT-BTTTT dated November 15, 2018, of the Ministry of Information and Communications, amending and supplementing Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT.

– Circular No. 08/2021/TT-BTTTT stipulating the list of radio equipment exempt from frequency licenses (requires verification of transmission power levels and operating frequency bands for technologies such as WiFi, NFC, and wireless reverse charging for other devices);

– Circular No. 19/2024/TT-BTTTT National technical regulation on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for handheld and body-worn wireless communication devices, issued by the Minister of Information and Communications on December 31, 2024.

3. Types of Mobile Phones within the Scope of Application

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Types of Mobile Phones within the Scope of Application – Terrestrial mobile phones using E-UTRA (4G) technology and may integrate one or more of the following functions:

  • W-CDMA FDD (3G) mobile communication terminal;
  • GSM (2G and 2.5G) mobile communication terminal;
  • Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication terminal;
  • Broadband data transmission operating in the 2.4 GHz band;
  • 5 GHz band radio access;
  • Short-range radio transmission and reception.

– Terrestrial mobile phones using fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology with or without integrating one or more of the following functions:

  • Terrestrial mobile communication terminal;
  • Broadband data transmission operating in the 2.4 GHz band;
  • 5 GHz band radio access;
  • Short-range radio transmission and reception.

HS Codes: 8517.13.00 and 8517.14.00

Note: The National Technical Regulations applicable to mobile phones shall be determined based on the radio transmission and reception technologies implemented on the device, except in certain cases such as mobile phones used in explosive environments like oil and gas rigs, mines, or gaseous environments.

4. Currently Effective Regulations/Standards

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Currently Effective Regulations/Standards Depending on the technical specifications, technologies, and radio frequencies applied, a mobile phone model must undergo measurement and testing according to the corresponding National Technical Regulations issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications as listed below:

Radio Frequency (RF) Emission

(Devices with integrated WiFi – Item 2.3 – Appendix I – Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT)

(SIM-enabled devices – Items 1.1.1, 1.1.2 – Appendix I – Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT)

(Short-range wireless connectivity devices – NFC – Item 2.2 – Appendix I – Circular No. 02/2024/TT-BTTTT)

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

(Devices with integrated WiFi)

(SIM-enabled devices)

(Short-range wireless connectivity devices)

Safety

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Regulations

5. Important Notes in Importation, Manufacturing, and Business Policies under the Legal Regulations for Mobile Phones in Vietnam

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Important Notes in Importation, Manufacturing, and Business Policies

– The applicable National Technical Regulations (QCVN) will be determined based on the radio transmission and reception technologies integrated into the phone as issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications;

– According to Article 3 of Circular No. 19/2024/TT-BTTTT, terrestrial mobile phones must meet the following requirements:

  • From February 15, 2025, QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT is applied voluntarily for testing, conformity certification, and declaration of conformity.

  • From July 1, 2026, terrestrial mobile phones must comply with (mandatory application) QCVN 134:2024/BTTTT before being circulated on the market.

– Mobile phones are subject to mandatory state quality inspection registration, conformity certification, declaration of conformity, and the affixing of ICT conformity marks (the type with a management code – CODE) before being released to the market.

III. PHUC GIA LABORATORY CORPORATION: COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR MOBILE PHONES

ORD PHUC GIA® CAPACITY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1

Certificates/Designations

Phuc Gia has received designations and they’re still effective.
(Detail)
2 Quotation and Duration for Tests The official listed quotation is available here.
3 Support  – Consultancy on product quality improvement;– Free 24/7 consultation service;

– Consultancy on product quality improvement.

4 Contact for Services For assistance with testing/certification, please contact:

  • Phone: 0981 996 996/ 0982 996 696/ 024 7779 6696
  • E-mail: lab@phucgia.com.vn
  • Website: phucgia.com.vn

Address: ICD Long Bien, No. 01 Huynh Tan Phat, Sai Dong B Industrial Park, Long Bien Ward, Hanoi

Note: Phuc Gia Testing and Inspection Center directly conducts testing and conformity certification for Mobile Phones according to the regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications. Services such as Energy Label Declaration, etc., can be supported by Phuc Gia upon your request.

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For more details, please contact us at:
PHUC GIA LABORATORY CORPORATION
PHUC GIA CERTIFICATION CENTER
PHUC GIA INSPECTION TESTING CENTER

Address: ICD Long Bien, No. 01 Huynh Tan Phat, Sai Dong B Industrial Park, Long Bien Ward, Hanoi City, Vietnam.
Hotline: 0981 996 996/ 0982 996 696/ 024 7779 6696
E-mail: lab@phucgia.com.vn/cert@phucgia.com.vn/info@phucgia.com.vn
Website: phucgia.com.vn
Working time: Monday to Friday 8:00 – 18:30; Saturday 8:00 – 12:00

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