Importing Hydraulic Lift Tables: 2025 Procedures and Legal Requirements

In the context of the growing logistics and manufacturing industry, the demand for lifting equipment such as hydraulic lifting tables is increasing. The import of hydraulic lift table not only helps enterprises optimize their work processes, but also brings high economic efficiency. However, the procedure for importing this item can cause many difficulties for businesses that are new to foreign trade activities. This article will provide a detailed guide from A to Z on the hydraulic lift table import procedure, including legal regulations, implementation procedures, relevant HS codes, and important notes for a smooth import process.

Procedures for importing lifting tables

To carry out the procedures for importing lifting tables in general and hydraulic lifting tables in particular, businesses need to understand the basic steps and comply with the provisions of current Vietnamese law. This procedure includes many stages, from preparing documents, customs declaration, inspecting goods to customs clearance and transporting goods to warehouses.

1. Market research and supplier selection: Before importing, businesses need to thoroughly research the market, determine the demand for use, technical standards of the lift table, and select a reputable and experienced supplier. This helps to ensure product quality and favorable trade terms.
2. Preparation of the purchase and sale contract: After selecting a supplier, the enterprise needs to sign a foreign trade purchase and sale contract. The contract should clearly state the detailed information about the product (name, quantity, specifications, quality, model, etc.), price, delivery conditions, payment method, warranty terms and responsibilities of the parties.
3. Determine the HS code: Determining the correct HS code of the hydraulic lift table is extremely important, because it directly affects tax policies, specialized inspection regulations and customs procedures. We will delve into this issue later in the article.
4. Preparation of import dossiers: Enterprises need to prepare all necessary documents in accordance with the customs law. This set of dossiers will be submitted to the customs office to carry out customs clearance procedures.
5. Customs declaration: After having a complete dossier, the enterprise or customs agent will conduct an electronic customs declaration through professional software. The declared information must be accurate and complete according to the prepared documents.
6. Payment of taxes and related fees: Enterprises are obliged to pay taxes as prescribed (import tax, value-added tax – VAT) and other customs fees.
7. Inspection of goods (if any): Depending on the type of goods and the provisions of the law, the shipment may have to undergo a physical inspection at the border gate.
8. Customs clearance of goods: After completing the procedures and financial obligations, the shipment will be accepted by the customs authority for customs clearance.
9. Transportation of goods to warehouses: Enterprises carry out procedures to transport goods from ports or airports to their warehouses.

Import policy of lifting table

Currently, according to the current legal provisions of Vietnam, hydraulic lifting tables are not on the list of goods banned from import or import with special conditions. However, businesses need to pay attention to some general policies related to import activities:

• Import Tax: Hydraulic lift table is subject to import tax. The specific tax rate will depend on  the HS code of the types  determined. Normally, special preferential tax rates will be applied if the goods have a valid certificate of origin (C/O) from countries that have free trade agreements (FTAs) with Vietnam.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Imported goods are generally subject to VAT. The current VAT rate is 10%.
• Quality Inspection: As a rule, some types of lifting equipment may be subject to quality inspection when imported. Therefore, businesses need to carefully learn about this regulation for hydraulic lifting tables. We will cover the  lifting table quality inspection registration process in more detail  later.
• Specialized management policies: Businesses need to update the latest legal documents related to import management to ensure full compliance with regulations.

Labeling of imported goods

According to the provisions of Decree 43/2017/ND-CP on goods labels, goods imported into Vietnam need to be fully and properly labeled before being put into circulation on the market. The label of the imported hydraulic lift table needs to show the following information in Vietnamese:

• Product Name: Hydraulic Lift Table (or more detailed name).
• Name and address of the organization or individual responsible for the goods: Usually the name and address of the importer.
• Origin of goods: Specify the country of manufacture (e.g., “Made in China”, “Made in Japan”,…).
• Basic specifications: Lifting load, maximum lifting height, lifting table size, capacity (if any),…
• Year of Manufacture:
• Safety warnings (if applicable): Regarding the use and maintenance of the product.

Labels need to be affixed in a conspicuous position, not erased or repaired, and must ensure durability during transportation and use. Compliance with labeling regulations not only helps businesses avoid administrative sanctions but also creates trust for consumers.

HS Code for Lifting Tables of All Kinds

Accurately determining the HS code of all types is an important step to determine the tax rate, inspection regulations and related customs procedures. Here are some suggestions about HS codes that can be applied to lifting tables, however, businesses need to base on the detailed specification of the product to determine the most accurate HS code:

8425	Pulley system and winch system except bucket type hoist (bucket loading shaft); horizontal and vertical winch; jacks of all kinds
	– Pulley system and winch system except for bucket hoist (bucket loading shaft) or winch system used to lift vehicles:
84254100	– – Floor jacking system used in the garage	single	5	0	8
842542	– – Other types of jacks and winches, using hydraulics:
84254210	– – – Lifting jack for dumping mechanism of truck	single	5	0	8
84254290	– – – Other	single	5	0	8
842549	– – Others:
84254910	– – – Electrically operated	single	5	0	8
84254920	– – – Non-electrically operated	single	5	0	8

Important: Determining the correct HS code requires an understanding of the product’s structure, operating principles, and intended use. Businesses should consult customs experts or customs authorities to ensure the correct application of the HS code. Errors in identifying HS codes can lead to delays in customs clearance and other legal issues.

Lifting table import dossier

To carry out the procedure for importing hydraulic lifting tables, businesses need to prepare a complete and valid set of documents. According to current regulations, the import dossier usually includes the following documents:

• Import customs declaration: The original, fully and accurately declared.
• Sales Contract: A copy with the seal and signature of the enterprise.
• Commercial Invoice: The original.
• Packing List: Original.
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: A copy with the seal and signature of the enterprise (except for goods imported by road).
• Certificate of Origin (C/O): Original (if any) to enjoy tariff preferences under trade agreements.
• Certificate of Quality (CQ) or Certificate of Conformity (CR): A copy with the seal and signature of the enterprise (if required). For hydraulic lifting tables, it is necessary to carefully review the regulations on quality inspection.
• Catalog, technical documents of the product: A copy with the seal and signature of the enterprise (to serve the identification of HS codes and specialized inspection, if any).
• Business registration certificate of the importing enterprise: A copy with the seal and signature of the enterprise.
• Other documents at the request of the customs office: Depending on each specific case.

Enterprises need to ensure that all documents in the dossier are valid, have sufficient information and are in accordance with the provisions of the law. The preparation of complete and accurate documents will help the customs clearance process take place quickly and smoothly.

Registration process for quality inspection of lift table

As mentioned, some types of lifting equipment may be subject to quality inspection when imported. To determine whether a hydraulic lift table belongs to this category or not, enterprises need to base on current legal documents, especially the regulations of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (if the lift table is used in an environment with strict requirements on occupational safety) or other relevant ministries and branches.

If the hydraulic lift table is subject to quality inspection, the enterprise needs to take the following steps:

1. Registration for quality inspection: The enterprise shall submit a dossier of registration for quality inspection at the designated inspection organization. The registration dossier usually includes: * Certificate of registration for quality inspection (according to the form). * A copy of the purchase and sale contract. * Copy of commercial invoice. * Copy of packing slip. * Copy of bill of lading. * A copy of the certificate of origin (if any). * Catalog, technical documents of products.
2. Sampling and inspection: The inspection organization will conduct sampling of goods at the port or warehouse of the enterprise (depending on regulations) and carry out inspection according to national technical standards (TCVN) or accepted international standards.
3. Receipt of inspection results: After obtaining satisfactory inspection results, the inspecting organization shall issue a quality certificate or notify valid inspection results.
4. Submission of results to customs authorities: Enterprises submit quality certificates (or notification of inspection results) to customs offices to complete customs clearance procedures.

Proper compliance  with the lifting table quality inspection registration process is mandatory if the product is subject to inspection. Any errors in this process may result in the shipment being held or not cleared.

Procedures for importing lifting tables

After fully preparing the dossier and carrying out quality inspection (if any), the enterprise shall carry out the main steps in  the process of carrying out procedures for importing hydraulic lifting tables at the customs office:

1. E-customs declaration: Use customs declaration software to declare detailed information about the shipment, importer, exporter, type of goods, quantity, value, HS code, tax rate,…
2. Submission of customs dossiers: After successful electronic declaration, enterprises shall submit the prepared import dossiers to the customs sub-department of the place where the goods arrive or the customs sub-department outside the border gate (if approved).
3. Inspection of dossiers: Customs officers will check the completeness and validity of dossiers. If there is an error or lack of information, the customs authority will ask the business to supplement or adjust.
4. Tax calculation and payment: The customs authority will calculate the payable taxes (import tax, VAT). Enterprises are responsible for fully paying taxes into the state budget within the prescribed time limit.
5. Physical inspection of goods (if any): Depending on the level of risk and regulations of the customs authority, the shipment may be required to physically inspect the quantity, type, quality and specifications.
6. Customs clearance of goods: After the dossier is valid, taxes and other fees have been fully paid, and the goods meet the inspection requirements (if any), the customs authority will decide to clear the shipment.
7. Liquidation of declarations and transportation of goods: Enterprises carry out procedures for liquidation of customs declarations and transport goods to their warehouses.

Some notes when importing lift tables

In order for the process of importing hydraulic lifting tables to take place smoothly and avoid unnecessary risks, businesses need to pay attention to some of the following issues:

• Accurately determine HS code: This is a key factor affecting tax rates and related regulations.
• Learn about import policies carefully: Always update the latest legal documents to ensure proper compliance.
• Reputable Supplier Selection: Ensure product quality and favorable trade terms.
• Prepare complete and accurate documents: Avoid errors that lead to delays in the customs clearance process.
• Pay attention to labeling regulations: Label properly before putting goods on the market.
• Learn about the quality inspection process: If the product is subject to inspection, it is necessary to follow the proper process.
• Choose an experienced shipping unit and customs agent: Help the logistics and customs clearance process go smoothly.
• Carefully keep documents related to the shipment: Serve for post-clearance inspection and other purposes.
• Estimate of incurred costs: In addition to taxes and customs fees, there may be other costs such as storage, lifting, and domestic transportation,…

The procedure for importing hydraulic lift tables requires careful preparation, knowledge of legal regulations and close coordination between businesses, suppliers and related service units. Mastering the steps in the process, correctly identifying HS codes for lifting tables of all kinds, complying with the process of importing hydraulic lifting tables, and noting important issues will help businesses successfully and efficiently import this item. Hopefully, this article has provided a comprehensive and useful view for businesses that are planning to import hydraulic lift tables to Vietnam. Wish your business success!