Table of Contents
- Quick answer: manual versus powered equipment
- What Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH actually states
- Classifying your fleet
- Records to keep for exempt equipment
- The inspection procedure for trucks over 1 tonne
- Reference inspection fees and lead time
- Penalties for non-compliance under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact and forklift advice from ICD
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 30/2026
A manually operated hand pallet truck does not require statutory safety inspection in Vietnam, because it carries no motor and relies entirely on human force. The inspection obligation applies to powered lifting equipment: electric, diesel and gas forklifts with a rated capacity of 1,000 kg or more must be inspected before first use and re-inspected periodically. This guide explains exactly which equipment is exempt, which must be inspected, the legal basis under Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH, the inspection procedure, reference fees, and the penalties for non-compliance.
Quick answer: manual versus powered equipment
The dividing line is the power source, not the brand. Manual hydraulic hand pallet trucks operated purely by human effort fall outside the mandatory safety inspection list. Powered lifting trucks fall inside it. The table below summarises the obligation by equipment type.
| Equipment type | Inspection obligation | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Manual hand pallet truck (any capacity) | Not required | Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH, Appendix II |
| Electric walkie pallet truck over 1,000 kg | Required | Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH |
| Counterbalance forklift (rider, any capacity) | Required | Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH |
| Diesel / gas forklift over 1,000 kg | Required | Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH |
What Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH actually states
Many sources say flatly that hand pallet trucks need no inspection. That is correct, but the precise legal wording matters when an inspector visits your warehouse.
| Provision | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Appendix II: lifting trucks with rated capacity of 1,000 kg or more are on the mandatory inspection list | Powered trucks at or above 1 tonne must be inspected |
| Manually operated hand pallet trucks are excluded | Hand pallet trucks are exempt regardless of capacity |
| Electric walkie trucks over 1 tonne | Inspect before first use, then every 12 months |
| Rider counterbalance forklifts (any capacity) | Mandatory inspection; operator must hold a valid licence |
Classifying your fleet
Equipment that is exempt
This group covers low-lift pallet jacks and manual high-lift stackers operated by hand, with no motor involved in lifting or travel. Under Vietnamese law these are treated as simple mechanical aids, so no third-party inspection is required, even at higher manual capacities.
Although inspection is not mandatory, periodic internal checks are still strongly advised to catch hydraulic oil leaks at the pump, wheel wear, and seal ageing before they cause a failure.
Equipment that must be inspected
Any truck where a motor drives the lift or travel falls into the mandatory group, because a chain or valve failure under power can cause serious injury.
| Powered truck | Inspection requirement |
|---|---|
| Semi-electric and full-electric pallet trucks | Inspect before use, then every 12 months once over 1 tonne |
| Rider counterbalance forklifts | Mandatory at any capacity; licensed operator required |
| Diesel / gas forklifts | Mandatory at or above 1 tonne |
Records to keep for exempt equipment
Exemption from inspection does not mean you can ignore the equipment. When a labour-safety inspector checks the warehouse, they will ask for evidence that the trucks are operated safely. Build a simple technical file for each exempt truck.
| Document | Legal purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice, CO/CQ | Proves origin and manufacturing standard | For the life of the machine |
| Maintenance logbook | Tracks seal changes and hydraulic oil top-ups | Update quarterly |
| Safety operating manual | Used to train operators correctly | Kept on hand at the warehouse |
| Internal inspection record | Demonstrates self-responsibility for safety | Monthly |
A practical internal checklist covers: oil leakage at the hydraulic pump, play in the joints, wheel wear, and the load-holding ability of the check valve. Maintaining this logbook is the best evidence of safety compliance and reduces legal risk if an incident occurs.
The inspection procedure for trucks over 1 tonne
If your truck is in the mandatory group, contact an inspection body licensed by the Ministry of Labour. The process runs through four technical stages.
| Stage | What the inspector checks |
|---|---|
| 1. Document review | Origin papers, technical drawings and manufacturer test certificates confirming the design rating |
| 2. External technical check | Fork deformation, chain condition, mast and load-bearing welds, plus brakes and safety catches |
| 3. Static load test | Lift roughly 125 percent of rated load and hold to check for hydraulic drop |
| 4. Dynamic load test | Lift, lower and travel at about 110 percent of rated load to check stability and pump performance |
If the truck passes, the inspector issues a dated inspection stamp and report. The validity period is typically 24 months for newer equipment and 12 months for older trucks.
Reference inspection fees and lead time
Fees vary by capacity and province. The figures below are reference values for early 2026; confirm with a licensed body before ordering.
| Truck type | First inspection fee | 12-month renewal | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric walkie truck 1-2T | VND 800,000 - 1.2M | VND 500,000 - 700,000 | 1-2 days |
| Counterbalance forklift 1-3T | VND 1.2M - 1.8M | VND 700,000 - 1M | 2-3 days |
| Diesel / gas forklift 3-5T | VND 1.5M - 2.2M | VND 900,000 - 1.3M | 2-3 days |
| Forklift over 5T | VND 2.5M - 3.5M | VND 1.5M - 2M | 3-5 days |
Penalties for non-compliance under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP
Operating mandatory-inspection equipment without a valid inspection carries significant administrative fines, and an expired stamp is treated the same as no inspection at all.
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Using equipment subject to inspection without inspecting it (Article 30) | VND 30 - 40 million |
| Operating with an expired inspection stamp | Treated as uninspected: VND 30 - 40 million |
| Using an operator without a valid licence (Article 28) | VND 5 - 10 million per person |
| Repeat offence | Equipment confiscation plus 1-3 month warehouse suspension |
Frequently asked questions
Does a manual hand pallet truck need a safety inspection?
No. Under Circular 36/2019/TT-BLDTBXH, manually operated hand pallet trucks are excluded from the mandatory inspection list regardless of capacity, because they have no motor and run purely on human force.
Does an electric walkie pallet truck need inspection?
Yes. Once an electric walkie truck exceeds 1,000 kg it must be inspected before first use and re-inspected every 12 months. Rider counterbalance forklifts must be inspected at any capacity, and the operator must hold a valid licence.
How long is a forklift inspection valid?
Typically 24 months for newer equipment in good condition and 12 months for older trucks. An expired stamp is treated as no inspection, so renew before the date shown on the stamp.
Can I inspect my own forklift?
You can perform internal checks for maintenance, but a legally valid inspection certificate must be issued by a licensed inspector working for a body designated by the State. Internal logs support, but do not replace, statutory inspection.
What is the fine for operating an uninspected forklift?
Under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, using equipment that requires inspection without inspecting it is fined VND 30 - 40 million per unit, and using an unlicensed operator adds VND 5 - 10 million per person. Repeat offences can lead to confiscation and warehouse suspension.
Contact and forklift advice from ICD
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 is the exclusive Xilin (Ningbo Ruyi) distributor in Vietnam, with a 2-year manufacturer warranty on every truck. Browse our forklift and hand pallet truck range or ask our technical team whether your specific model needs inspection.
