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.