Mục lục
- Legal framework governing the import
- HS code and import duty
- Customs dossier - required documents
- Quality inspection and type approval
- Battery type changes the procedure
- Step-by-step import process
- Cost breakdown beyond the purchase price
- Choosing a customs broker or logistics partner
- Related articles
- Contact ICD Vietnam for electric pallet jack supply and advice
Importing an electric pallet jack into Vietnam requires the correct HS code (8427.10 or 8427.90), a standard import duty of 10% (reducible to 0% with a valid C/O Form E), a full customs dossier, and a mandatory quality inspection under Circular 22/2019/TT-BGTVT before the goods are cleared. Get the classification wrong and you face re-inspection, additional duties, and delays at the port. This guide covers every step: legal framework, HS codes, applicable taxes, required documents, the inspection process, cost breakdown, and how battery type (lead-acid vs lithium) changes the procedure.
Legal framework governing the import
Four primary regulations apply to every electric pallet jack shipment entering Vietnam.
| Regulation | Scope |
|---|---|
| Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC and Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC (Ministry of Finance) | Customs procedures for import and export goods |
| Decree 69/2018/ND-CP (Government) | Detailed provisions of the Law on Foreign Trade Management |
| Decree 43/2017/ND-CP | Mandatory labelling requirements for imported goods |
| Circular 41/2018/TT-BGTVT and Circular 22/2019/TT-BGTVT (Ministry of Transport) | List of goods with potential safety hazards - electric pallet jacks are included and must pass quality inspection |
Electric pallet jacks are not on the prohibited import list, but they are on the controlled quality list. An importer who skips the inspection step will not receive customs clearance.
HS code and import duty
Choosing the correct HS code is the single most consequential step in the entire procedure. The wrong code triggers re-classification, back-taxes, and potential penalties.
HS 8427.10 - electric-motor trucks
This heading covers “works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled, with electric motor.” It applies to electric pallet jacks where the drive system is electrically powered - the most common case for modern walkie pallet trucks and rider pallet jacks.
HS 8427.90 - other trucks not fitted with electric motor
This heading covers trucks that use hydraulic lifting without a powered drive motor. It applies to manual hydraulic pallet trucks. The risk of confusion arises with electric pallet jacks that have only a powered lift but a manual push drive - customs officers sometimes classify these under 8427.90. Confirm the classification with a customs broker before filing.
Splitting the shipment: complete unit vs. frame and battery separate
| Import method | HS code | Import duty | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete electric pallet jack | 8427.10 | 5-10% | Recommended - simpler clearance |
| Frame without battery (parts) | 8431.20 | 0-5% | Battery imported separately - more paperwork |
| Lithium battery (standalone) | 8507.60 | Hazardous goods Class 9 surcharge applies | UN3480 - requires SDS and UN38.3 test report |
| Lead-acid battery (standalone) | 8507.20 | Standard | IATA Class 8 (corrosive) if shipped by air |
For orders under 50 units, import as a complete unit. The duty saving from splitting the shipment rarely covers the added cost of separate documentation and hazardous-goods handling for the battery.
Applicable taxes
- MFN import duty: 10% on CIF value.
- With C/O Form E (ASEAN-China FTA): duty reduced to 0%. Form E is the most common preferential certificate for Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) equipment manufactured in China.
- VAT: 10% on (CIF + import duty).
Customs dossier - required documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Import customs declaration (filed via VNACCS/VASS) | Electronic filing, then submit paper set to the sub-department |
| Commercial invoice | Must state model, serial, quantity, unit price, and total CIF value |
| Packing list | Dimensions, gross and net weight per unit |
| Bill of lading (or AWB for air freight) | Must match the invoice exactly |
| Certificate of origin (C/O Form E) | Required to claim 0% preferential duty; issued by Chinese customs authority |
| Quality inspection registration dossier | See Section 4 below - submit before or at the time of customs filing |
| Technical documentation (catalogue, manual) | Required for quality inspection; manual in Vietnamese recommended |
| EMC certificate (CE or QCVN 117:2018/BTTTT) | Mandatory for electric-drive units |
| Battery certificate | SDS + UN38.3 test report for lithium; manufacturer declaration for lead-acid |
Quality inspection and type approval
Under Circular 22/2019/TT-BGTVT, electric pallet jacks fall under the category “motorised lifting equipment” and must pass a quality inspection before customs clearance is granted. This is not optional.
Inspection procedure
- Step 1 - Registration: The importer submits the inspection dossier (invoice, packing list, technical catalogue, and manufacturer’s declaration) to an authorised inspection body under the Ministry of Transport.
- Step 2 - Physical inspection: The inspector examines the units at the port or at the importer’s warehouse. For batches of identical models, sampling inspection applies.
- Step 3 - Certificate of conformity issued: If the units pass, the inspection body issues a conformity certificate (Chung nhan hop chuan). This certificate is then submitted to customs as part of the clearance dossier.
- Step 4 - Customs clearance: With the conformity certificate in hand, customs releases the goods.
The inspection takes 3-7 working days for standard models that have been previously certified. New models or models without prior Vietnamese certification can take 10-15 working days. Factor this into your delivery schedule.
Battery type changes the procedure
This is the detail that most general import guides miss. The battery type determines which additional documents are required and whether the shipment is classified as hazardous cargo.
| Battery type | UN classification | Sea freight | Air freight | Extra documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead-acid (UN2794) | Class 8 (corrosive) | Standard - no special handling | IATA Class 8 declaration required, freight cost up 30-50% | Manufacturer declaration |
| Lithium-ion (UN3480) | Class 9 (misc. hazardous) | Class 9 declaration required | Batteries over 100 Wh must ship as cargo only - cannot accompany the unit | SDS + UN38.3 test report mandatory |
Practical advice on protecting the battery during transit:
- Lead-acid batteries: must be fully charged with electrolyte when shipped. A discharged lead-acid battery can fail permanently within 2-3 weeks.
- Lithium batteries: must be shipped at 30-50% state of charge - neither fully charged nor below 20%. Both extremes reduce cycle life.
- Transit over 30 degrees C for more than 7 days: accelerates electrolyte evaporation in lead-acid cells. Use a refrigerated container if the route passes through tropical transit ports.
- Impact in transit: lithium cells can suffer internal short-circuits leading to thermal runaway. Use Class 9 anti-shock packaging.
Step-by-step import process
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - File customs declaration | Submit electronic declaration via VNACCS/VASS with correct HS code and CIF value | Check channel result: green (auto-clear), yellow (document check), red (physical inspection) |
| 2 - Submit paper dossier | Deliver the complete paper set to the relevant customs sub-department | Required for yellow and red channel shipments |
| 3 - Quality inspection | Arrange inspection by authorised body under Ministry of Transport | Can run in parallel with customs filing to save time |
| 4 - Pay duties and taxes | Pay import duty and VAT at the designated bank or state treasury | With C/O Form E: duty = 0%; VAT = 10% of CIF value |
| 5 - Customs release | Declaration is released once duty payment is confirmed and conformity certificate is submitted | Goods can be collected from the port or CFS |
| 6 - Delivery to warehouse | Arrange inland transport from port to your facility | Confirm weight and dimensions in advance to select the right truck |
Cost breakdown beyond the purchase price
| Cost item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International freight (sea LCL or FCL) | USD 150-400 per unit | Depends on origin port and container utilisation |
| Port local charges (THC, D/O, CIC) | VND 2-5 million per declaration | Varies by port and shipping line |
| Quality inspection fee | VND 1-3 million per unit | Depends on inspection body and model |
| Inland delivery to warehouse | VND 500,000-2 million per unit | Depends on port-to-warehouse distance |
| Customs brokerage service (if outsourced) | VND 1.5-4 million per declaration | Includes customs filing, document preparation, and port coordination |
| Import duty (with C/O Form E) | 0% of CIF | Xilin equipment from Ningbo Ruyi qualifies for Form E |
| VAT | 10% of CIF | Reclaimable as input VAT by registered businesses |
Choosing a customs broker or logistics partner
If your company does not have an in-house import team, the two main options are a full-service logistics company or an individual customs agent.
- Full-service logistics company: handles the entire process - sea freight booking, port handling, customs filing, quality inspection coordination, and inland delivery. More expensive but reduces the risk of errors. Recommended for first-time importers or for shipments with lithium batteries.
- Individual customs agent: lower fee but no organisational accountability. Higher risk if the agent misclassifies the HS code or misses the inspection step.
Whichever you choose, confirm in writing that the agent is familiar with the Ministry of Transport quality inspection requirement for motorised lifting equipment. Many freight forwarders handle general cargo but are not experienced with the specific inspection dossier for electric pallet jacks.
Related articles
| Electric pallet jack articles - ICD Vietnam | Electric pallet jack price in Vietnam 2026 | What is an electric pallet jack? |
1. Which HS code applies to electric pallet jacks imported into Vietnam?
HS 8427.10 applies to self-propelled works trucks with an electric motor. HS 8427.90 applies to manually propelled trucks with only a hydraulic lift. Confirm the classification with your customs broker before filing, as misclassification is the most common mistake in this product category.
2. What is the import duty rate for electric pallet jacks?
The MFN rate is 10% of CIF value. With a valid C/O Form E (ASEAN-China FTA), the duty is reduced to 0%. VAT of 10% applies on top of the duty-inclusive CIF value and is reclaimable as input VAT by VAT-registered businesses.
3. Is a quality inspection mandatory for electric pallet jacks?
Yes. Under Circular 22/2019/TT-BGTVT, electric pallet jacks are classified as motorised lifting equipment and must pass an authorised quality inspection before customs clearance. The inspection body issues a certificate of conformity, which is then submitted to customs as part of the clearance dossier.
4. Does the battery type affect the import procedure?
Yes, significantly. Lead-acid batteries (UN2794) are standard sea freight; air freight requires an IATA Class 8 declaration and costs 30-50% more. Lithium batteries (UN3480) require an SDS and UN38.3 test report; batteries over 100 Wh cannot accompany the unit on air freight and must be shipped as cargo only.
5. How long does the quality inspection take?
For standard models previously certified in Vietnam, the inspection takes 3-7 working days. New models or models without prior Vietnamese certification take 10-15 working days. Start the inspection registration as soon as the goods arrive at the port or CFS to avoid demurrage.
6. Can I import the frame and battery separately to reduce costs?
Yes. The frame without battery can be classified under HS 8431.20 (parts) at 0-5% duty, and the battery imported separately. This approach saves on duty but adds significant complexity: separate dossiers, hazardous-goods handling for the battery, and a more complicated quality inspection. It is cost-effective only for batches of over 50 units.
7. Where can I buy electric pallet jacks in Vietnam without going through the import process myself?
ICD Vietnam is the exclusive authorised distributor of Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) electric pallet jacks in Vietnam. All units are imported, inspected, and cleared through customs by ICD. Buyers receive a 2-year manufacturer warranty, technical support, and nationwide delivery - no import procedure required.
Contact ICD Vietnam for electric pallet jack supply and advice
ICD Viet Nam Industrial Production Company Limited
North: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
South: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Chat on Zalo now
ICD Vietnam is the exclusive authorised distributor of Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) electric pallet jacks in Vietnam. All units carry a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Contact us for pricing, specifications, and free on-site demonstration in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
