What the document says — Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular No. 63/2026/TT-BKHCN dated 27 October 2026, publishing the detailed list of used digital technology products banned from import, together with their HS codes. The circular takes effect on 1 January 2027 and replaces Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT.
Key points
- Number: 63/2026/TT-BKHCN, issued 27 October 2026, in force from 1 January 2027.
- Legal basis: clause 2, Article 5 of Decree 292/2026/ND-CP dated 22 July 2026 on the Law on Foreign Trade Management.
- Scope: used digital technology products in Chapters 84 and 85 of the tariff, banned from import.
- What changed from Circular 11/2018: used parts, accessories and electronic components of listed goods are also banned; refurbished goods are banned too.
- Exception: used production lines and machinery serving semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, testing or R&D and training are outside the ban.
What Circular 63/2026 changes
The circular moves the import ban list from Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT into the framework of the Law on Foreign Trade Management and Decree 292/2026/ND-CP. The regulated object is now described as “used digital technology products” rather than “used information technology products”.
On technical content, the list keeps most of the previous tariff groups and tightens how they apply. HS codes follow Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance. Where a code in the list conflicts with the Vietnamese export and import tariff, customs law governs.
Which product groups are listed
The list follows Chapters 84 and 85. Most groups appear at the four-digit level, which means every eight-digit code under that heading is caught. Two headings, 8443 and 8544, are itemised down to specific eight-digit codes.
| HS heading | Description | Level of detail |
|---|---|---|
| 8443 | Printers, copying machines, fax machines; parts and accessories | Itemised to eight-digit codes |
| 8470 | Pocket calculators, accounting machines, postage franking machines, ticket-issuing machines, cash registers | Whole heading |
| 8471 | Automatic data processing machines; magnetic and optical readers | Whole heading |
| 8517 | Telephones including smartphones; equipment for transmitting or receiving data; wired and wireless network equipment | Whole heading |
| 8518 | Microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, audio amplifiers | Whole heading |
| 8525 | Broadcast transmission equipment; television and digital cameras | Whole heading |
| 8526 | Radar, radio navigational aids, radio remote control apparatus | Whole heading |
| 8527 | Radio broadcast receivers | Whole heading |
| 8528 | Monitors, projectors, television receivers | Whole heading |
| 8534 | Printed circuits | Whole heading |
| 8540 | Thermionic and electronic valves and tubes | Whole heading |
| 8542 | Electronic integrated circuits | Whole heading |
| 8544 | Insulated wire, cable and optical fibre cables | Itemised to eight-digit codes |
How to read the list at three levels
Article 2 sets out how the level of detail determines coverage. Before concluding that a shipment is banned, a company has to check how far down the list a heading is specified.
- Four-digit heading: every eight-digit code in that heading is covered. Heading 8517 covers all telephones and network equipment without distinction.
- Six-digit subheading: every eight-digit code in that subheading is covered.
- Specific eight-digit code: only that code is covered. Headings 8443 and 8544 fall here, so each line has to be checked individually.
Three points companies miss
First, parts and components are covered. Point d, clause 2, Article 2 states that used parts, accessories, component assemblies and electronic components of listed products are also banned. A shipment of bare used circuit boards, not assembled into a finished device, still falls under the ban.
Second, refurbished goods are covered. Point đ, clause 2, Article 2 states that refurbished digital technology products with a listed HS code are banned. The circular defines refurbished as used products repaired and fitted with replacement parts to restore function, quality and appearance to the level of a new product. Such products must also meet technical regulations and standards, warranty terms and labelling rules applicable to new goods.
Third, heading 8443 has three exclusions. The list excludes full-colour digital printers and photocopiers; excludes used monochrome digital printers and photocopiers able to handle A0 paper or running at 35 copies per minute on A4 or faster; and excludes laser printer toner cartridges.
Exception for semiconductor production lines
Point e, clause 2, Article 2 removes from the ban used technology lines, machinery, equipment and tools that meet the criteria for import under the law on the digital technology industry. They must serve directly a project producing, packaging or testing semiconductor microcircuits, or training, research and development of digital technology products and services.
This matters for semiconductor investment projects. Used equipment for packaging and test lines is not blocked by Circular 63/2026, but it still has to meet the general criteria for used equipment under sector rules.
Transition for permits granted before 1 January 2027
Clause 3, Article 3 provides that goods on the ban list which were already licensed for import before the circular takes effect continue under the terms and duration of that licence. Existing permits are not voided by the 1 January 2027 date.
Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT ceases to apply when Circular 63/2026 takes effect. Where a referenced legal document is amended or replaced, the newer document applies.
What to check before 1 January 2027
- Match every imported item against the list by eight-digit HS code. Note which headings are caught at four digits and which only at a specific code.
- Review shipments of loose components. Used electronic components of listed goods are covered even when imported separately.
- Separate used goods from refurbished goods. Refurbished goods with a listed code are banned regardless of how well they were restored.
- Check existing import permits. A permit valid beyond 1 January 2027 remains usable on its own terms.
- For semiconductor or R&D projects, prepare documentation of the intended use to rely on the exception in point e, clause 2, Article 2.
Frequently asked questions
When does Circular 63/2026 take effect?
On 1 January 2027. Circular 11/2018/TT-BTTTT ceases on the same date, apart from the transition rule for goods already licensed for import.
Are used phones and laptops banned from import?
Yes. Heading 8517 (telephones and telecommunications equipment) and heading 8471 (automatic data processing machines) are listed at the four-digit level, so every eight-digit code under them is covered.
Are used electronic components imported separately banned?
Yes, where they are used parts, accessories, component assemblies or electronic components of listed products. Point d, clause 2, Article 2 is explicit on this.
Can refurbished goods be imported?
No, where the HS code is on the list. Refurbished goods are treated the same as used goods for the purpose of the import ban.
Which used printers can still be imported?
Full-colour digital printers and photocopiers are excluded. Used monochrome digital printers and photocopiers handling A0 or running at 35 copies per minute on A4 or faster are also excluded. Laser toner cartridges are excluded.
Is used equipment for a semiconductor plant banned?
No, provided it meets the criteria for importable used equipment and serves directly a project producing, packaging or testing semiconductor microcircuits, or training and R&D activity.
References
- Circular No. 63/2026/TT-BKHCN dated 27 October 2026, Ministry of Science and Technology. Document page on the ministry portal.
- Decree No. 292/2026/ND-CP dated 22 July 2026 detailing the Law on Foreign Trade Management.
- Circular No. 31/2022/TT-BTC dated 8 June 2022, Ministry of Finance, Vietnam export and import tariff.
Related articles
- Product classification and analysis under Circular 85/2026/TT-BTC
- Importer obligations in customs procedures under Law 11/2026
- Quality inspection of imported electronics under Decree 37/2026
- Post-clearance audit and post-market checks for imports
Talk to us
If your team needs to cross-check HS codes of a shipment against the import ban list before 1 January 2027, leave your details and we will follow up.
Disclaimer
This article is our own interpretation of the official text; it is not legal advice. Companies should check the original circular and its annex before applying it to a specific shipment.
See also: Copyright & Disclaimer policy of ticforall.com.
