The latest procedures for importing surveillance cameras in 2025

In the context of the increasing demand for security, the import of surveillance cameras has become popular. To help you simplify this process, this article will delve into each aspect of the surveillance camera import procedure, including the applicable legal regulations, taxes and fees, and important considerations to master.

Policies and procedures for carrying out procedures for importing surveillance cameras

Policies and procedures for importing surveillance cameras into Vietnam are governed by a number of current legal documents. Specifically, the regulations related to the import of this item are detailed in the following documents: Circular 30/2011/TT-BTTTT dated 31/10/2011, Circular 15/2014/TT-BTTTT dated 15/11/2014, Circular No. 14/2015/TT-BTC dated 30/01/2015, Official Letter 20/BTTTT-IT dated 07/01/2015, Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015 (amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018), Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP dated 15/05/2018 and Circular 15/2018/TT-BTTTT dated 15/11/2018.

According to these legal documents, camera products are not on the list of goods banned from import. However, when importing certain types of cameras, businesses need to have an import license issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Specific types of cameras subject to import licenses include: Webcams; Image recording cameras used in the field of radio; Digital or similar cameras; TV cameras; Other digital cameras used for television, digital cameras, video recording cameras; and Parts for digital cameras or video recorders.

In short, for cameras capable of transmitting data by radio waves, in the process of carrying out the procedures for importing surveillance cameras, most of the shipments must carry out quality inspection in accordance with the regulations and regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications.”

Regulations on labeling of imported camera products

Labeling imported goods is a long-standing legal requirement. However, Decree 128/2020/ND-CP has strengthened the supervision of the implementation of this regulation. The purpose of labeling imported goods, including cameras, is to assist state management agencies in tracking goods, determining the origin and responsible unit. Therefore, proper labeling is a step that cannot be ignored in the process of importing surveillance cameras.

Required content on imported camera labels

Not only does it need to be labeled, but the content of the label is also extremely important. Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP details the content of labels for goods. For imported camera items, a full label should include the following information:

Exporter’s information (company name, address). Importer’s information (company name, address). Product name and basic information about the camera product. Capacity (if any), year of manufacture. Origin of goods. This information must be presented in English or accompanied by a translation into Vietnamese if using another language. When carrying out procedures for importing surveillance cameras, especially for shipments subject to red channel inspection, customs authorities will pay special attention to the accuracy and completeness of the contents on the label.

Proper labeling position for imported cameras

Labeling the goods is mandatory, but it is even more important to put them in the right place to ensure that the inspection process goes smoothly. For imported goods, labels need to be affixed in conspicuous positions on the surface of the package, such as on cartons, wooden bales, product packaging, or any location that is convenient for visual inspection. Labeling in the right position will help significantly save inspection time when carrying out procedures for importing surveillance cameras of all kinds.

For cameras that are retailed in the market, it is necessary to show more details as prescribed, including the manufacturer’s name, quantity, specifications, date of manufacture, and safety warnings (if applicable).

Risks of non-compliance with regulations on labeling imported cameras

Labeling of imported goods, including cameras, is a mandatory legal requirement. If the imported goods are not labeled or the label content is misaligned, the importer may face the following risks:

Being fined according to the provisions of Article 22 of Decree 128/2020/ND-CP.Not being entitled to special preferential import tax because the certificate of origin may be rejected. Goods are at a higher risk of being lost or damaged due to the lack of warning labels during handling, unloading and transportation. To avoid these risks, we recommend that you strictly follow the labeling regulations when importing surveillance cameras. If you have any questions about the regulations related to goods labels, please contact us via hotline or email for detailed advice.

HS Code and Import Tax Rate of Surveillance Camera

Accurate identification of HS (Harmonized System) codes is a key step in the process of importing surveillance cameras. The correct determination of HS codes not only determines the import duty and value-added tax (VAT) to be paid but also affects the import policies applied to this item. In order to correctly determine the HS code for the camera, the importer needs to understand the specification, material, components and features of the product.

Reference HS Code Table for Cameras

HS Code is a worldwide standardized numerical code system for classifying goods. The first six digits of the HS code are usually the same from country to country, while the following digits may differ. Below is a table of reference HS codes for some common types of cameras:

8525	Transmitters used for radio or television broadcasting, whether or not attached to equipment for receiving or recording or reproducing sound; TV cameras, digital cameras and video cameras
85255000	– Transmitter	single	5	0	10
85256000	– Transmitters attached to receivers	single	5	0	10
	– Television cameras, digital cameras and video cameras:
852581	– – The type of high speed stated in the Annotation to Subgroup 1 of this Chapter:
85258110	– – – Camera recording	single	5	0	10
85258120	– – – TV Camera	single	15	10	10
85258190	– – – Other	single	5	0	10
852582	– – Other types, which are radiation-hardened or radiation-resistant as specified in the Annotation to Subgroup 2 of this Chapter:
85258210	– – – Camera recording	single	5	0	10
85258220	– – – TV Camera	single	15	10	10
85258290	– – – Other	single	5	0	10
852583	– – Other types, night vision mentioned in the Annotation to Subgroup 3 of this Chapter:
85258310	– – – Camera recording	single	5	0	10
85258320	– – – TV Camera	single	15	10	10
85258390	– – – Other	single	5	0	10
852589	– – Others:
85258910	– – – Camera recording	single	5	0	10
85258920	– – – TV Camera	single	15	10	10
85258930	– – – Webcam	single	22.5	15	10
85258990	– – – Other	single	5	0	10

Note that the import tariff rates shown above are preferential tariff rates. To enjoy special preferential tax rates, imported camera shipments need to have a Certificate of Origin (C/O). Therefore, for goods imported from countries that have trade agreements with Vietnam such as Europe, India, Australia, Chile, China, South Korea, Japan and ASEAN countries, the importer should ask the seller to provide a certificate of origin to enjoy the lowest import tax rate when carrying out the procedures for importing surveillance cameras.

For cameras with an import tax rate of 0%, the certificate of origin may not be too important in terms of tax. However, the declaration of certificate of origin is still encouraged to avoid problems related to the wrong application of the HS code of the camera during the procedure.

Consequences of applying the wrong HS code for cameras when importing

Accurate identification of HS codes is extremely important when carrying out procedures for importing surveillance cameras. The incorrect application of HS codes can lead to many serious risks for importers, including:

Delay in customs procedures: Incorrect declaration of HS codes can cause delays in the customs clearance process, as customs authorities need time to check and re-verify information about the type of goods.
Penalties for incorrectly declaring HS codes: According to Decree 128/2020/ND-CP, incorrect declaration of HS codes may be administratively sanctioned.
Delay in delivery: If the customs authority detects an error in the declaration of HS codes, they may request adjustments or clarification of information, resulting in delayed delivery, affecting the production and business plan of the enterprise.
Incurring costs for fines and tax arrears: In case the HS code is incorrectly declared leading to a shortage of tax, the importer must not only pay the full amount of missing tax but may also be fined with a minimum fine of VND 2,000,000 and a maximum of 3 times the amount of tax arrears.

Types of taxes and calculation of import tax on cameras

When carrying out procedures for importing surveillance cameras, the importer is obliged to complete the taxes in accordance with the law. The fulfillment of tax obligations is a prerequisite for goods to be cleared. Import duties on cameras include two main categories: import taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods. The specific import tax rate will depend on the HS code that has been determined for that camera item.

Detailed camera import duty calculation formula

Similar to other imported items, the camera import tax is calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the shipment and the tax rate corresponding to the HS code. The formula for calculating import tax and import VAT for cameras is as follows:

Import Tax = CIF Value x Import Tax Rate (%)
Import Value Added Tax (VAT) = (CIF Value + Import Tax) x VAT Rate (%)

In which, the CIF value is determined by the ex-factory price of the goods plus all transportation and insurance costs to bring the goods to the first border gate of the importing country (Vietnam). Import tax is part of the cost that constitutes the cost of goods sold. Therefore, it is very important to accurately determine the HS code to properly apply the most preferential import tax rate (if any).

Points to note when determining camera import tax

When determining and calculating import tax for cameras, importers should pay special attention to the following points:

Tax incentives under trade agreements: For goods originating from countries that have signed free trade agreements with Vietnam (e.g. European countries, India, Australia, Chile, China, South Korea, Japan, ASEAN countries), they will generally enjoy special preferential import tax rates, even 0%.
Certificate of Origin (C/O): To enjoy these preferential tax rates, imported camera shipments must have a valid certificate of origin. The importer needs to proactively ask the seller to provide this certificate.
CIF value for tax calculation: The import tax value is always the CIF value. If the order is purchased under other trade terms (e.g., FOB, EXW), the importer needs to convert the value to the CIF value to calculate the import tax correctly.
VAT applied on both CIF value and import tax: It should be noted that VAT on imported goods is calculated on the total value including both the CIF value and the amount of import duty calculated.

These are important notes when determining and calculating import taxes in the process of importing surveillance cameras. If you have any questions about how to calculate taxes and related factors, do not hesitate to contact us via hotline or email for detailed advice

Required Documents for Surveillance Camera Import Procedure

In order to carry out the procedures for importing surveillance cameras smoothly, the importer needs to prepare a complete set of documents according to regulations. Below is a list of basic documents required for this process:

Customs declaration: This is the most important document, declaring detailed information about the import shipment.
Sale contract: A written agreement between the buyer and the seller.
Commercial invoice: A document that records the transaction value and information related to payment.
Packing list: A detailed list of quantity, weight and packaging specifications of goods.
Bill of lading: A transport document, confirming that the goods have been delivered to the carrier.
Catalog (if any) and other documents: Documents describing product details (if any) and other additional documents at the request of the customs office.

For some types of cameras on the list of cameras that must apply for an import license from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), importers need to prepare this license in the dossier. The process of applying for licenses and checking the quality of camera imports can be long. For detailed advice on your specific case, please contact us via hotline or email.

Among the above documents, the customs declaration is usually declared after the goods have arrived at the port. The remaining documents need to be prepared by the importer before the goods arrive to avoid delays in the process of import procedures, surveillance cameras and customs clearance of goods.

Detailed process of steps to import surveillance cameras

The process of carrying out procedures for importing surveillance cameras complies with general regulations on customs procedures for imported goods, which are specified in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015 and amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018. Here’s a summary of the basic steps so you can visualize the whole process:

Step 1: Customs declaration

After preparing a complete set of import and export documents (commercial contracts, commercial invoices, packing lists, sea bills of lading, certificates of origin if any, notification of arrival) and accurately determining the HS code for the camera, the importer enters the declared information into the e-customs system through professional software.

The declaration of customs declarations requires the performer to have knowledge and experience in data entry on customs software. We recommend that you do not self-report if you have not mastered the process, as irreparable errors on the declaration can lead to significant costs and time to fix.

According to regulations, the customs declaration must be declared within 30 days from the date the goods arrive at the port. Beyond this time limit, the importer will have to bear a penalty fee from the customs office.

This is the most important step in the entire process of importing surveillance cameras. All declared information, including HS code, tax rate, name of goods, origin, will be recorded by the customs system. Errors in this information may result in penalties under customs laws or affect the determination of taxes and the origin of goods.

Step 2: Open a customs declaration

After the customs declaration is successfully declared, the customs system will respond to the results of the declaration channeling (green, yellow or red channel). The importer needs to print the declaration and submit the import dossier at the corresponding customs sub-department to open the declaration according to the channel.

The opening of the declaration should be done as soon as possible, no later than 15 days from the date of declaration of the declaration. Beyond this deadline, the declaration will be cancelled and the importer may be subject to a penalty fee from the customs authorities.

Important note: After having an official customs declaration, the importer needs to actively contact the customs sub-department to continue the steps to carry out the procedures for importing surveillance cameras, avoiding taking too long to carry out the next procedures.

Step 3: Customs clearance of customs declaration

After the customs office checks the dossier (for the yellow channel) or physically inspects the goods (for the red channel) and does not have any questions, the customs officer will accept the customs clearance of the declaration. At this time, the importer can proceed to pay import taxes as prescribed so that the goods are cleared.

In some cases, the declaration may be released for the importer to take the goods to the warehouse for preservation before completing the post-customs clearance procedures. However, it is very important to ensure that the declaration is officially cleared. If the declaration is not cleared on time, the importer may face fines and extended storage periods.

Step 4: Bring the goods to the warehouse for storage and use

After the customs declaration is cleared, the importer shall carry out the procedures for liquidation of the declaration and carry out the necessary procedures to bring the goods to the warehouse for storage and use. In order for this process to go smoothly, it is necessary to prepare in advance the delivery order, the receipt at the port and the appropriate means of transportation. Avoid the situation that the declaration has been cleared but lacks the necessary documents to remove goods from the port.

Above are the basic steps in the procedure for importing surveillance cameras. For detailed advice and service quotes, please contact us via hotline or email.

Things to pay special attention to when importing cameras

In the process of carrying out the procedures for importing surveillance cameras for many customers, Door to Door Viet has accumulated some important experiences. We would like to share these notes for your reference, to help the import process take place smoothly and avoid problems arising:

Fulfillment of tax obligations: Imported goods, including cameras, are only allowed to clear customs after the importer has fully fulfilled its tax obligations to the State.
License and conformity inspection for cameras capable of wireless data transmission: Cameras such as webcams, Bluetooth cameras, TV cameras and other types of cameras capable of transmitting data by radio waves are subject to special management. When importing these types of cameras, the importer is required to obtain an import license and carry out standard and regulation conformity inspection according to regulations.
Prohibition of import of used camera components (except for special cases): Used camera components are on the list of goods banned from import. If you want to import these components as scrap, the importer needs to have a scrap import license according to regulations.
Compliance with regulations on labeling of goods: All imported goods, including cameras, must be fully labeled in accordance with the provisions of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP. This helps the management agency easily determine information about the product, origin and responsible unit.
Accurate identification of HS codes: Determining the correct HS code for cameras is extremely important to apply the correct tax rate and avoid penalties for declaring the wrong code.

Understanding and complying with the above notes will help you minimize risks and save time during the process of importing surveillance cameras

It can be seen that the procedure for importing surveillance cameras requires caution and understanding of many legal aspects and customs operations. Skipping any steps or making mistakes can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for importers to be fully knowledgeable and up-to-date about this process.