New Criteria Set for Import of Used Machinery and Technology
The Ministry of Science and Technology has tied the import of used machinery and equipment to quality, safety, and environmental criteria in addition to age limits.
Circular No. 56/2026/TT-BKHCN issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology sets criteria regarding the import of used machinery, equipment, and technological lines. The new regulation focuses not only on equipment age but also on requirements for quality, efficiency, safety, energy saving, and environmental protection.
Scope of the New Regulation
The new circular, published by the Ministry of Science and Technology on September 5, 2026, evaluates quality, efficiency, and safety standards in addition to age control for the import of used machinery and technological lines.
Import Bans and Conditions
The import of used machinery, equipment, and technological lines that fail to meet safety, energy efficiency, and environmental protection requirements is prohibited. Imported equipment must directly serve the production activities of enterprises.
Age and Efficiency Criteria
While used machinery is generally imported when it is no longer than 10 years old, certain mechanical equipment can be up to 20 years old. For production lines, the remaining capacity and efficiency are required to be at least 85 percent of the design.
Exceptional Circumstances and Measures
The circular provides a mechanism for situations where enterprises manufacturing in Vietnam need to import machinery that exceeds the specified age limit. Corrective measures such as mandatory re-export will be applied for older equipment that fails to meet the criteria.