Printer import trends in Vietnam

Demand Import printers in Vietnam increased sharply thanks to the development of office businesses, packaging printing and e-commerce industry. Companies need high-speed printers, Modern technology to meet large orders. However, Not all printers are freely imported. Many businesses encounter difficulties due to incorrect classification of equipment or lack of licenses, leading to inventory at the port, administrative fine.

Printer import management agency in Vietnam

• Ministry of Information and Communications (Now partly transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Travel): Issue a list of printing equipment management.
• Publishing Department, Printing and Publishing (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism): Receive declaration documents, Issue a certificate of import of printing equipment.
• Customs Authority: Check profile, channeling and customs clearance of goods.

Legal documents & important circular

Circular 22/2018/TT-BTTTT (and amended consolidated documents such as Circular 11/2024/TT-BTTTT): Regulations on the list of imported goods in the printing sector, as a basis for determining whether to declare or not.

Decree 60/2014/ND-CP: Regulations on printing activities, Conditions for importing printing equipment.

Decree 72/2022/ND-CP: Modify, Supplement Decree 60, Update regulations for declaring printing devices, Equipment age criteria and list must be declared.

Printer import regulations 2026, The latest printing equipment import circular emphasizes declaration before import through the National Single Window Portal.

Printer classification – Step to decide whether a license is needed or not

The group does not need a permit (declare)

• Thermal printer, 3D printer.
• Regular office printer (laser, spray) Speed ​​≤ 60 sheets/minute (A4 size) or print size ≤ A3, dot matrix printer.
• Small capacity printer for office use.

The group must declare/apply for a permit

• Color photocopier, The printer has color photocopying function.
• Industrial printer: offset, flexo, copper tube, letterpress, digital, screen printing (silk).
• Prepress machine, post-printing processing machine (shearing knife, fold books, book binding…).
• High capacity printer.

Common mistakes when importing printers: Confusion between office printers and industrial printers → lack of license leads to fines. How to differentiate: Based on printing technology, speed, paper size and color photocopy function.

Detailed printer import process

Step 1: Determine the machine type & HS code

The common HS code belongs to Chapter 84:

• 8443: Offset printing machine, flexo, letterpress, photocopy…
• 8471: Some printers connect to data.

Determine details based on printing technology, speed, print size, function. Wrong HS code can easily be detained and fined.

Step 2: Apply for import license/declaration (if eligible)

Profile included:

• Declaration according to Form 04 (Decree 72/2022).
• Catalogue, technical documents.
• Business license (copy).

Submit it National one-stop information portal. Processing time: 3–5 business days. Publishing Department, Print and issue certification.

Step 3: Prepare customs documents

• Customs declaration.
• Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading.
• Catalogue, license (if any).
• May arise: Energy labeling, check password (if applicable).

Step 4: Open customs declaration on VNACCS

Enter HS code information, value, license. Streaming: green (free), Yellow (check profile), red (reality check).

Step 5: Inspection & customs clearance

Check model, quantity, Specifications compared to catalog. Pay import tax + VAT 10%. Complete customs clearance and receive goods.

Important notes when importing printers

• Sai HS code → goods are held, Fines range from several million to many times the tax.
• Do not declare/ask for permission → heavy administrative fine, even forced to re-export.
• Missing catalog → does not verify the device, slow customs clearance.
• Wrong declaration of machine capacity/age → high risk of inspection (machine age must meet: ≤10 years some types, ≤20 years offset/flexo printer, ≤3 years color copier).
• Used machines must be strictly tested for longevity.
• You should choose a professional logistics unit such as Logistics power for comprehensive support: HS code consultation, Prepare records, Apply for a license quickly, Safe transportation and efficient customs clearance.

Conclude

Import printers Requires high precision at each stage to avoid risks and save costs. With many years of experience in the field of logistics and customs procedures, Logistics power Committed to supporting your business to complete Printer import procedures quick, in accordance with regulations in 2026.

Cuong Quoc Freight Forwarding Company Limited

Office: 7th floor, Parami Building, 140 Bach Dang, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline: 0972 66 71 66

Email: info@cql.com.vn

Website: https://cql.com.vn/