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Vietnam Overhauls ICT Product Compliance Regime, Aligns Closer with Global Standards

15 Apr 2025

Vietnam Overhauls ICT Product Compliance Regime, Aligns Closer with Global Standards

Keywords
Vietnam has recently issued Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT, officially enacting the draft regulation on the certification and declaration management of information and communications technology (ICT) products - marking a significant step toward aligning the country's regulatory framework with international standards, as it continues to rise as a digital economy hub in Southeast Asia.
Key Changes in the New Regulation:
1. Expanded Certification Scope:
The updated regime mandates certification for 12 new categories of digital products, including 5G devices, IoT terminals, and industrial control systems - a 40% increase in coverage compared to the previous list.
2. Diversified Compliance Pathways:
A risk-based management approach allows low-risk products to enter the market via a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) instead of mandatory testing. This reform is expected to reduce compliance costs by over 50% for 30% of local SMEs.
3. Upgraded Technical Standards:
A total of 17 key parameters - including SAR values for wireless devices - have been revised to align with the latest ITU recommendations, raising baseline requirements by 35%.

Market Impact and Industry Response
According to Vietnam's General Statistics Office, the regulation is set to reshape the national ICT landscape:
Multinational Realignment:
Samsung Vietnam has confirmed the formation of a dedicated compliance task force to meet new RF testing protocols. Intel's local branch plans a $2 million investment to upgrade its lab facilities.
Supply Chain Upgrade Pressure:
A survey by the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA) found that 67% of domestic vendors must obtain ISO 17025 accreditation by 2025 to retain their supplier status.
Certification Market Boom:
TÜV SÜD projects that Vietnam's ICT testing and certification market will exceed USD 820 million by 2026, with a CAGR of 22%.

Controversy and Clarifications
However, some provisions have stirred debate:
Clause 15 – Source Code Disclosure:
The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam flagged this requirement as a potential technical barrier to trade.
Government Response:
MIC has pledged exemptions for open-source software and standardized modules, with detailed guidance to be published in subsequent technical notes.

As Vietnam continues to position itself as a critical node in global electronics and digital trade, this regulatory transformation signals stronger market discipline - and a sharper edge in global competitiveness.
Disclaimer: Blooming reserves the right of final explanation and revision for all the information.