Used smartphones, computers and many other digital technology devices are not allowed to be imported into Vietnam, according to Circular 63 of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Science and Technology, on the morning of November 4, Director of the Department of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence Nguyen Khac Lich said that the regulation prohibiting the import of used equipment comes from two reasons.

The first is the requirement to standardize and synchronize the legal system between the field of digital technology and foreign trade management. He said this is not a new regulation, but has been implemented regularly since 2007. Currently, the authorities are only harmonizing the legal aspect.

The second reason, according to him "very important", is to protect consumers and develop the domestic market. "If all old goods and equipment are imported into Vietnam, electronic waste will be generated," he explained.

The regulations also aim to limit the risks of information insecurity, personal data exposure and potential fire and explosion risks in old, degraded equipment. Besides, the policy also aims to support production and business activities of Vietnamese enterprises.

At the end of October, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced a detailed list of used digital technology products banned from import with commodity codes (HS codes).

The category includes many familiar electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and devices that transmit or receive voice, images, and data via wired or wireless networks. In addition, many devices for work and entertainment are also on the list, including microphones, speakers, headphones, digital cameras, television cameras, radio or television receivers, radars, navigation devices, and radio remote controls.

The list also includes screens, projectors, electronic components and supplies such as printed circuits, integrated electronic circuits, electronic lights, wires, electric cables and fiber optic cables, telephone and telegraph cables...

According to Circular 63, refurbished digital technology products, parts, accessories and component assemblies, used electronic components with commodity codes in the above list will also be banned from import.

However, some information technology equipment is not on the prohibited list, such as lines and equipment for semiconductor chip production or lines and laboratory equipment for schools.

Circular 63 of the Ministry of Science and Technology takes effect from January 1, 2027.

Zhong Dat