Vietnam has introduced major changes to its product quality and conformity assessment framework since 2025. The new risk-based system changes how products are classified, assessed, and monitored, with particular implications for ICT equipment, telecommunications products, connected devices, and IP surveillance cameras.
The updated Law on Product and Goods Quality (Law No. 78/2025/QH15) introduces a new risk-based management framework for products and goods, including:
Manufacturers are now responsible for ongoing conformity, product traceability, and post-market monitoring beyond initial certification.
Decree 37/2026/ND-CP sets out how the new laws will be implemented, covering product traceability, digital product passports, conformity assessment, inspection exemptions, and risk-based import controls.
One of the biggest changes is the shift away from the traditional Group 2 approach to a medium- and high-risk classification model. Ministries must publish product lists for each risk category and specify the applicable quality management requirements.
The decree also introduces several digital and risk-based measures, including:
For manufacturers and market access teams, certification strategies will need to account for risk classification, HS codes, post-market obligations, and digital compliance requirements.
The Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular 14/2026/TT-BKHCN on 25 May 2026, establishing a framework for conformity certification, declarations, and assessment methods.
Key changes include:
Simplified certification routes are now more limited, particularly for high-risk products. Manufacturers may therefore need certification methods involving factory audits or ongoing production controls.
Issued alongside Circular 14, Circular 16/2026/TT-BKHCN updates Vietnam’s approach to foreign conformity assessment results.
It introduces a unilateral recognition mechanism, allowing Vietnamese authorities to recognize conformity assessment results from foreign organizations even when no formal Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) exists.
For international manufacturers and testing laboratories, this could reduce duplicate testing and simplify market access. However, the practical impact will depend on future recognition decisions and product-specific requirements.
Circular 36/2026/TT-BKHCN, effective July 1 2026, establishes the Ministry of Science and Technology’s official lists of medium- and high-risk products, replacing the previous product-list approach.
Examples include certain radio transmitters, wireless infrastructure products, radar equipment, RFID systems, and Wi-Fi equipment operating in specified bands. These products generally require:
Examples include mobile devices, many computers, tablets, ICT equipment, NFC products, wireless charging devices, and selected radio equipment. Requirements are generally lighter and rely more heavily on Declaration of Conformity mechanisms.
The Ministry of Public Security issued Circular 48/2026/TT-BCA, introducing QCVN 11:2026/BCA, which sets mandatory cybersecurity requirements for IP surveillance cameras.
The requirements cover:
For IP surveillance cameras, cybersecurity is now part of the product compliance process alongside safety, EMC, RF, and telecom requirements.
Circular 125/2026/TT-BCA complements this framework by classifying IP surveillance cameras as regulated products under the Ministry of Public Security's risk-based management framework.
Manufacturers, testing organizations, and market access teams should:
Compliance planning is only becoming a more important part of product development and market entry in Vietnam. To get started, contact Nemko today.