Customs & Global Trade Alert | January 2026 | New import requirements for used technology lines, equipment, machinery and tools in high-tech sector 

This Alert summarizes newly issued import requirements for used technology lines, equipment, machinery, and tools intended for semiconductor chip production and digital technology industries. 

On 14 November 2025, the Ministry of Technology and Science issued Circular No. 30/2025/TT-BKHCN setting out new import conditions for used technology lines, equipment, machinery and tools (goods) in high-tech sector. This Circular has been in effect since 01 January 2026. We would like to summarise some notes as below:  

Scope of application: 

• The goods serve training, research, and development activities for digital technology products and services 
• The goods directly serve projects for manufacturing, packaging, and testing semiconductor chip products 

New import requirements: 

i. Must not be included in the list of outdated, poor-quality, or environmentally polluting equipment published by the exporting country 

ii. Must not be prohibited or restricted under technology transfer regulations

iii. Must be manufactured in compliance with Vietnam’s technical regulations (QCVN) on safety, energy efficiency, and environmental protection, or where QCVN does not apply, comply with Vietnam’s standards (TCVN) or standards of G7 countries or Korea 

iv. For technology lines (not applicable to individual equipment, machinery, and tools): Remaining production or performance capacity must be at least 85% of the original design level 

v. For technology lines (not applicable to individual equipment, machinery, and tools ): Energy and raw material consumption must not exceed 15% above the designed benchmarks 

vi. For equipment, machinery, and tools (not applicable to technology lines): Age must not exceed 20 years 

Note: Conditions (iv), (v), and (vi) may qualify for exemption under certain circumstances. 

Business are advised to verify machine specifications, fulfil the new import requirements and maintain complete supporting documentation to ensure smooth import processes.