Comprehensive Compilation of Refrigerator Regulations in Vietnam

Refrigerators and commercial refrigerated cabinets are essential electrical and electronic devices that play a crucial role in business, production, and service activities, particularly in food and beverage-related industries. The article below has been fully synthesized, systematized, and most recently updated by Phuc Gia® regarding the legal Refrigerator Regulations – from the stages of import, testing, certification, to declaration, etc. – helping enterprises, importers, and distribution units easily look up and apply them.

See more: Capacity Profile Of Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation

Table of contents

Table 1: Testing Requirements for Refrigerators Bản sao của Bang_Tom_Tat_SP - 10

Table 2: Procedures for Implementing Licenses for Refrigerators Bản sao của Bang_Tom_Tat_SP - 10_2

I. What are Refrigerators, Coolers, and Freezers?

Refrigerating appliance: An insulated cabinet, with one or more compartments controlled at specific temperatures, of appropriate size, cooled by natural or forced convection where cooling is performed by one or more refrigeration units.

Refrigerator: An appliance cooled by an electric compression-type refrigeration machine with one or more compartments for preserving fresh food under required temperature conditions and a freezer compartment.

Refrigerator – freezer: An appliance cooled by an electric compression-type refrigeration machine with one or more compartments for preserving food at specified temperatures, including at least one freezer compartment.

Refrigerator (Cooler): A refrigerating appliance designed to preserve food, in which there is at least one fresh food storage compartment.

Commercial refrigerated cabinet: An appliance cooled by a refrigeration system that allows for the storage and display of food in chilled and frozen states within specified temperature limits.

Based on Decision No. 2711/QD-BKHCN on the announcement of the list of Group 2 products and goods by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric type; heat pumps used for household and similar purposes with a capacity up to 1000 liters (Excluding products using 3-phase power). Including:

8418.10.11 – Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Household type, capacity not exceeding 230 liters.
8418.10.19 – Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Household type with a capacity greater than 230 liters.
8418.10.20 – Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Type with a capacity not exceeding 350 liters.
8418.10.90 – Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Type with a capacity over 350 liters.
8418.21.10 – Household type refrigerators, using a compressor, with a capacity not exceeding 230 liters.
8418.21.90 – Household type refrigerators, using a compressor, other types (such as coolers, preservation cabinets).
8418.29.00 – Household refrigerators, non-compressor type.
8418.30.10 – Chest freezers (top-opening), capacity not exceeding 200 liters.
8418.30.90 – Chest freezers (top-opening), capacity from 200 liters to not exceeding 800 liters.
8418.40.10 – Upright freezers (front-opening), capacity not exceeding 200 liters.
8418.40.90 – Upright freezers (front-opening), capacity from 200 liters to not exceeding 900 liters.
8418.50.19 – Other furniture-style types for storage and display: counters, showcases, and similar types, fitted with refrigerating equipment, capacity over 200 liters (not suitable for medical, surgical, or laboratory use).
8418.50.99 – Other furniture-style types: cabinets, chest cabinets, and similar types for storage and display, fitted with refrigerating or freezing equipment (not suitable for medical, surgical, or laboratory use).
8418.69.10 – Beverage cooling equipment.
8418.69.30 – Cold water dispensers.

II. REFRIGERATOR REGULATIONS IN VIETNAM

1. Procedures for Implementing Licenses for Refrigerators in Vietnam

1.1. For Imported Refrigerators and Commercial Refrigerated Cabinets

MANAGING MINISTRY	IMPORTED REFRIGERATORS/COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATED CABINETS
MANAGING MINISTRY	Implementing Steps	Authorizing/Implementing Body
Ministry of Industry and Trade	– Step 1: Register for Energy Efficiency (EE) testing (To collect products for testing)	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 2: Energy Efficiency testing	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 3: Declaration (registration) of Energy Labeling	Ministry of Industry and Trade
	– Step 4: Affix Energy Label (EL) (Before circulating on the market)	The enterprise self-implements after submitting the declaration dossier for Energy Labeling
Ministry of Science and Technology	– Step 1: State control registration (*)	Local Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality / Department of Science and Technology where the declaration is opened
	– Step 2: Regulation conformity testing	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 3: Regulation conformity certification (**)	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 4: Submit the certificate of conformity and related documents to the registration authority from Step 1	Local Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality / Local Department of Science and Technology where the declaration is opened
	– Step 5: Affix the conformity stamp (Before circulating on the market)	The enterprise self-implements after being licensed

Notes:
– EE: Energy Efficiency;
– EL: Energy Label;
– Phuc Gia®: Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation.
(*) Submit online on https://vnsw.gov.vn/
(**) Certification according to Method 1: Typical sample testing, the Certificate (GCN) is valid for 3 years.

1.2. For Domestically Manufactured Refrigerators and Commercial Refrigerated Cabinets

MANAGING MINISTRY	FOR DOMESTICALLY MANUFACTURED REFRIGERATORS AND COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATED CABINETS
MANAGING MINISTRY	Implementing Steps	Authorizing/Implementing Body
Ministry of Industry and Trade	– Step 1: Energy Efficiency (EE) testing	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 2: Declaration (registration) of Energy Labeling	Ministry of Industry and Trade
	– Step 3: Affix Energy Label (EL) (Before circulating on the market)	The enterprise self-implements after submitting the declaration dossier for Energy Labeling
Ministry of Science and Technology	– Step 1: Regulation conformity testing	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 2: Regulation conformity certification (**)	Phuc Gia®
	– Step 3: Declaration of conformity	Local Department of Standards, Metrology and Quality / Department of Science and Technology (where the business is registered)
	– Step 4: Affix the conformity stamp (Before circulating on the market)	The enterprise self-implements after being licensed

Notes:
– EE: Energy Efficiency;
– EL: Energy Label;
– Phuc Gia®: Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation.
(*) Certification according to Method 1: Typical sample testing, the Certificate (GCN) is valid for 3 years.

2. Refrigerator Regulations Documents

Ministry of Industry and Trade

Ministry of Science and Technology

– Circular No. 52/2025/TT-BCT – “Regulations on the list of means and equipment subject to energy labeling within the scope of management and the implementation roadmap” issued on November 14, 2025;

– Decision No. 14/2023/QD-TTg – “Decision promulgating the List and roadmap of energy-using means and equipment to be discarded and low-efficiency power generating units not allowed to be newly built” issued on May 24, 2023;

– Decision No. 04/2017/QD-TTg – “Decision stipulating the list of means and equipment subject to Energy Labeling, applied with minimum Energy Efficiency levels and the implementation roadmap” issued on March 09, 2017;

– Circular No. 36/2016/TT-BCT – “Regulations on energy labeling for energy-using means and equipment under the management scope of the Ministry of Industry and Trade” issued on December 28, 2016 (along with Consolidated Document No. 23/VBHN-BCT dated March 24, 2020).

– Decision No. 2711/QD-BKHCN dated December 30, 2022, of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the announcement of Group 2 products and goods;

– Decision No. 1983/QD-TDC dated October 15, 2014, of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the issuance of guidelines for certification of conformity with the national technical regulation QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for household and similar electrical and electronic equipment;

– Circular No. 11/2012/TT-BKHCN dated April 12, 2012, of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the issuance of QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN. List of items for testing according to QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN;

– Circular No. 13/2013/TT-BKHCN dated April 12, 2013, of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the amendment and supplement of a number of articles of Circular No. 21/2011/TT-BKHCN, Circular No. 10/2012/TT-BKHCN, and Circular No. 11/2012/TT-BKHCN;

– Circular No. 07/2018/TT-BKHCN dated June 06, 2018, of the Ministry of Science and Technology on Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN – National technical regulation on electromagnetic compatibility for household and similar electrical and electronic equipment;

– Circular No. 01/2022/TT-BKHCN amending Circular No. 07/2018/TT-BKHCN and Circular No. 08/2019/TT-BKHCN issued by the Minister of Science and Technology on February 16, 2022;

=> Refrigerators – freezers – commercial refrigerated cabinets are on the list of items subject to quality inspection according to QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN.

3. Types of Refrigerators, Coolers and Freezers within the Scope of Application

Ministry of Industry and Trade

Ministry of Science and Technology

– Based on TCVN 7828:2016: Applies to refrigerators, coolers, and freezers with a capacity up to 1000 L, cooled by natural convection or forced air circulation.

Note: This standard does not apply to absorption refrigerating appliances, commercial refrigerated cabinets (glass-fronted display cabinets), or specialized refrigerating equipment (industrial and medical use).

– Based on TCVN 10289:2014: Applies to commercial refrigerated cabinets used for the sale and display of food (hereinafter referred to as refrigerating appliances).

Refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric type; heat pumps used for household and similar purposes with a capacity up to 1000 liters (Excluding products using 3-phase power). Including:

a) Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Household type, capacity not exceeding 230 liters;

b) Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Household type, capacity over 230 liters;

c) Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Type with a capacity not exceeding 350 liters;

d) Combined refrigerator-freezers (units with separate ice and cooling compartments), with separate opening doors. Type with a capacity over 350 liters;

e) Household type refrigerators, using a compressor, with a capacity not exceeding 230 liters;

f) Household type refrigerators, using a compressor, other types (such as coolers, preservation cabinets);

g) Household refrigerators, non-compressor type;

h) Chest freezers (top-opening), capacity not exceeding 200 liters;

i) Chest freezers (top-opening), capacity from 200 liters to not exceeding 800 liters;

k) Upright freezers (front-opening), capacity not exceeding 200 liters;

l) Upright freezers (front-opening), capacity from 200 liters to not exceeding 900 liters;

m) Other furniture-style types for storage and display: counters, showcases, and similar types, fitted with refrigerating equipment, capacity over 200 liters (not suitable for medical, surgical, or laboratory use);

n) Other furniture-style types: cabinets, chest cabinets, and similar types for storage and display, fitted with refrigerating or freezing equipment (not suitable for medical, surgical, or laboratory use);

o) Beverage cooling equipment;

p) Cold water dispensers.

4. Currently Effective Regulations/Standards

Ministry of Industry and Trade

Ministry of Science and Technology

a) Refrigerators, Coolers, Freezers

– TCVN 7828:2013

(From July 15, 2023, until the end of February 31, 2025)

– TCVN 7828:2016

(From April 01, 2025)

b) Commercial refrigerated cabinets

– TCVN 10289:2014 (From April 01, 2025)

Testing of Refrigerators, Coolers, Freezers, and Commercial refrigerated cabinets must comply with: QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN and Amendment 1:2018 QCVN 9:2012/BKHCN.

Whereby ensuring technical testing requirements for Refrigerators, Coolers, and Freezers according to TCVN 7492-1 (CISPR 14-1).

5. Important Notes on Policies for Import, Manufacturing and Business

Ministry of Industry and Trade

Ministry of Science and Technology

Enterprises manufacturing, importing, and trading Refrigerators, Coolers, and Freezers must submit an Energy Labeling registration dossier to the Ministry of Industry and Trade before placing products on the market.

– Manufacturers must ensure the measured volume value and measured electricity consumption value according to TCVN 7829:2016 (with TCVN 7828:2016) and IEC 62552-3:2015 (with TCVN 7828:2016).

This regulation does not apply to Refrigerator, Cooler, and Freezer products using 3-phase power.

In addition, some parts of Refrigerators and Commercial refrigerated cabinets, such as ice trays, ice containers, etc., are usually made of hard plastic, soft plastic, or aluminum, with certain special shapes to create ice cubes. Since they come into direct contact with food, they belong to the category of food packaging, utensils, and materials, and therefore require a Food Safety Declaration.

Clearly understanding and complying with Refrigerator Regulations for refrigerators and commercial refrigerated cabinets is not only a mandatory requirement for products to be permitted to circulate in the Vietnamese market but also a key factor in helping enterprises protect their reputation, minimize legal risks, and enhance competitiveness. Therefore, enterprises need to fully comply with current regulations and regularly update changes in the legal system to ensure products operate safely and meet management requirements.

III. Phuc Gia®: Services on Refrigerators/Commercial Refrigerated Cabinets

ORD	Phuc Gia® Capabilities	Ministry of Industry and Trade	Ministry of Science and Technology
1	Testing Capabilities (Certification/Designation)	Phuc Gia® has received designation for testing actitives and the designation is still effective (Detail)	Phuc Gia® has received designation for EMC testing actitives and the designation is still effective (Detail)
2	Testing Fees and Time	As listed here.
3	Support	– 24/7 free consultation; – Consultation for Product Quality Improvement.
6	Contact for Services	For more details, please contact us at: PHUC GIA LABORATORY CORPORATION PHUC GIA CERTIFICATION CENTER PHUC GIA INSPECTION TESTING CENTER Address: Hanoi: ICD Long Bien, No. 01 Huynh Tan Phat, Sai Dong B Industrial Park, Long Bien Ward Ho Chi Minh City: No. 180, D2 Street, Long Truong Ward Hotline: 0965996696 / 0982996696 / 02477796696 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
Note: Phuc Gia Laboratory Corporation directly performs conformity testing for Refrigerators and Commercial Refrigerated Cabinets in accordance with the refrigerator regulations of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Other services can be supported by Phuc Gia® upon your request.