【Vietnam ICT】Enforces Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN: Paradigm Shift to Risk-Based Conformity Framework and Introduction of E-Labeling
A significant regulatory transition is set to reshape the market access landscape in Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) officially issued Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN. This landmark regulation will enter into force on May 25, 2026, fully replacing the long-standing Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN.
The core of this regulatory overhaul is Vietnam’s transition away from its traditional legacy group-based classification. In its place, MoST is introducing a modernized, risk-based conformity assessment framework aligned with international standardization and regulatory best practices.
THE ONE has compiled the four key technical takeaways from Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN that international manufacturers must understand:
4 key technical takeaways from Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN
1. Eight Conformity Assessment Methods
The new framework introduces eight rigorous conformity assessment methods. The exact method applicable to a device will be heavily dictated by its specific risk tiering, including testing, factory audits, or document reviews.
2. Risk-Driven Validity & Surveillance
Under the new regime, both the validity period of conformity certificates and the frequency of ongoing market surveillance will be directly determined by the product’s risk level. Higher-risk products will undergo more frequent surveillance cycles.
3. Digitalization and E-Labeling Support
In an effort to streamline administrative burdens, MoST has enabled full online submission for approval applications. Crucially, the new regulation officially opens the door for e-labeling, offering manufacturers flexibility in product marking and significantly reducing physical printing and packaging redesign overheads.
4. Grandfathering Clause for Existing Approvals
To ensure business continuity, existing Type Approval Certificates (TAC) and Declarations of Conformity (DoC) granted under the old regime will remain fully valid until their original, listed expiration dates.
【Future Regulatory Outlook】
This Circular represents the first wave of a larger regulatory alignment in Vietnam. MoST is currently drafting separate circulars intended to replace Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BTTTT and Circular No. 29/2025/TT-BKHCN. These forthcoming updates are expected to further revise specific type approval metrics and DoC procedures. Furthermore, an official, finalized risk-based product list is slated for publication in the coming months.
Given the ongoing restructuring and integration of mandates between Vietnam’s MIC and MoST, staying ahead of certification requirements is vital to avoid supply chain disruptions. We strongly advise manufacturers targeting the Vietnamese market to immediately review their product catalog against the upcoming 8 conformity methods.
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