Fire extinguisher import process

Importing fire extinguishers into Vietnam is a process that requires strict compliance with legal regulations and customs procedures. For 2024, businesses and individuals need to pay attention to the latest updates in fire extinguisher import policies and procedures to ensure the smooth and legal transportation of fire extinguishing equipment.

Fire extinguisher import policy

Based on Decree 187/2013/ND-CP, this item is not subject to import prohibition or restriction, so it can be imported as ordinary goods.

According to Circular 08/2019/TT-BCA, replacing Circular 14/2012/TT-BCA, fire extinguishers are on the list of goods at risk of causing unsafety, managed by the Ministry of Public Security. Therefore, when importing fire extinguishers, goods owners need to register for quality inspection of imported goods. Fire extinguishers are classified in group 2 – potentially unsafe goods according to the classification of Vietnamese law, which requires compliance with strict quality management regulations before being distributed on the market. Enterprises need to ensure that products meet safety standards for consumers and the environment, and must make declarations of conformity according to national technical regulations.

Before being cleared from customs, the following types of imported fire extinguishers need to be registered for State quality inspection:

• Auto-activating fire extinguisher: suspended powder tank type;
• Portable fire extinguishers;
• Portable fire extinguisher with wheels.

HS Code and Import Tax Rate of Fire Extinguishers

HS Code Fire Extinguisher

Determining the HS code is the most important step in the process of carrying out procedures for importing any type of goods. Accurately identifying the hs code will help determine the import tax, VAT and applicable import policy. In order to determine the correct hs code for a fire extinguisher, you need to understand the characteristics of the goods such as the capacity, material and operating principle of the product.

8424	Mechanical equipment (manually operated or non-operated) for spraying, spraying or pressure spraying liquids or powders; fire extinguishers, whether or not they have been loaded; spray guns and similar equipment; steam or sand blasters and similar jet blasters
842410	– Fire extinguishers, loaded or unloaded:
84241010	– – Type of use for aircraft
84241090	– – Other

Import tax rate of fire extinguishers

In terms of import duties, importers need to pay a value-added tax (VAT) of 8% and comply with preferential or conventional import tax regulations depending on each type of product and origin.

• AK import tax: 0%;
• Normal import tax: 0%;
• Import tax from China with Certificate of Origin Form E: 0%;
• Import tax from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia with Form D certificate of origin: 0%;
• Import tax from Korea with Form AK certificate of origin: 0%;
• Import tax from Japan and ASEAN countries with Form AJ certificate of origin: 0%.

Labeling of imported goods

The labeling of imported goods not only helps to trace the origin and responsible units but also supports stricter management of goods. In particular, this process is mandatory for fire extinguishers imported from abroad.

Label content

Decree No. 43/2017/ND-CP has clearly stipulated the content of labels for items. For fire extinguishers, the label should include information about the exporter/importer, product details, origin and other information in English or language with translation. Customs will thoroughly check the contents of the label during the import process.

Label Placement

The location of the label is equally important. Labels need to be affixed in a conspicuous position on the package such as cartons, wooden bales, product packaging. This helps save inspection time when importing fire extinguishers and other items.

For retail goods, the label needs to add manufacturer information, quantity, specifications, date of manufacture, and safety warnings.

Risks when labels are not in accordance with regulations

Failure to label or mislabel can lead to serious consequences such as fines under Article 22 of Decree 128/2020/ND-CP, loss of import tax incentives due to invalid certificate of origin, and the risk of loss and damage to goods due to lack of warning during transportation.

Fire extinguisher import process

The process of importing fire extinguishers and other items is detailed in Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC dated 25/3/2015, amended and supplemented by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC dated 20/04/2018. Here is a summary of the important steps to help you get an overview of the fire extinguisher import process.

Step 1: Register for certificate of conformity at the designated organization

After fully preparing the documents, the enterprise will submit it at the Research Center for Application of Fire Prevention and Technology of the University of Fire Protection – Ministry of Public Security.

Step 2: Declare customs declaration

First, fully prepare import and export documents such as contracts, commercial invoices, packing lists, sea waybills, certificates of origin, arrival notices and HS codes of fire extinguishers. Then, enter the declaration information into the customs system via the customs declaration software. Care should be taken when entering data to avoid errors, as this can be time-consuming and costly.

Step 3: Open the customs declaration

After the declaration is completed, the customs system will return the result of the channeling of the declaration. Print the declaration form and bring the dossier to the customs sub-department to open the declaration. Do this within 15 days of the declaration date to avoid penalties.

Step 4: Customs clearance of goods

Customs officers will check the dossier and accept customs clearance if there are no questions. After that, import taxes are paid so that the goods are cleared. In some cases, the goods may be released to be taken back to the storage warehouse.

Step 5: Transport and use the goods

Finally, proceed to liquidate the declaration and carry out procedures to bring the goods to the warehouse. Prepare delivery orders and pick-up slips at the port, and arrange vehicles to pick up goods. Note to avoid the situation that the declaration has been completed but there is still an order from the shipping line, so that the process can be completed smoothly and avoid loss of time and costs.

Importers need to pay attention to compliance with regulations on the content of labels and product codes and barcodes. At the same time, it is necessary to choose a reputable import-export consignment unit to support the import process, especially for businesses that have just started operating in this field.

The process of importing fire extinguishers in Vietnam in 2024 requires constant understanding and updating of information. Businesses need to understand the regulations to ensure that the import takes place smoothly and in accordance with the law. This is an important part of ensuring fire safety, contributing to the protection of the community and property. For more detailed information, you can refer to official sources of information or contact  professional logistics companies.