Vietnam's consumer electronics consumption has grown rapidly in the past two years – phones, tablets, wearables, IoT devices – more and more Chinese teams are exporting to Vietnam. But Vietnam's radio equipment access regulations update frequently – and the responsible ministry has just changed. Using old materials directly – the chance of failure is high. This article, as of July 2026, gives you a complete overview of Vietnam MIC certification.

1. The Regulatory Body Has Changed – but the Name Still Sticks

The former Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) was dissolved in the 2025 government restructuring. Radio equipment management functions were transferred to the newly established Ministry of Science, Technology and Communications (MST) – with execution handled by the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA) under MST. Previously it was MIC – now it's MST – but the industry still habitually calls it "MIC certification" – the certificate format and numbering system haven't changed significantly.

Practical impact: regulation numbers have changed. Previously TT‑BTTTT series – BTTTT = former MIC. Now TT‑BKHCN series – BKHCN = new ministry. For example, if you're still looking at 02/2024/TT‑BTTTT – you're referencing the old version. The document you need is 29/2025/TT‑BKHCN – issued in November 2025.

  2. Products Are Divided into Two Categories – Compliance Paths Differ

Circular 29/2025 divides telecom and radio products into two main categories. Getting the category wrong = the whole direction is off.

Category 1: requires Type Approval Certificate (TAC) + Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

·Smartphones, 3G/4G/5G terminal devices.

·Wi‑Fi modems and APs operating in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands with transmit power ≥60 mW.

·Drones with wireless video transmission.

Note: the "wireless audio device" clause – Bluetooth audio below 60 mW EIRP is exempt – not Category 1 – don't scare yourself unnecessarily.

Category 2: requires only SDoC.

·Desktop computers, industrial all‑in‑ones, laptops, tablets.

·Set‑top boxes and cable TV signal amplifiers.

·Land mobile and satellite communication service radio equipment.

·13.56 MHz RFID and wireless charging devices.

·Some dedicated communication equipment ≥60 mW.

Special note: 13.56 MHz RFID and wireless charging fall under radio SDoC – but the whole product must also complete CR safety + EMC self‑declaration – not just the radio side.

Portable lithium batteries: QCVN 101-2020/BTTTT took effect on 1 July 2021 – there is no "full enforcement starting in 2026." If your product has a battery, battery compliance must be scheduled alongside whole‑product certification.

  3. Bluetooth and ZigBee – Conditional Exemption

Bluetooth and ZigBee devices with output power <60 mW EIRP – radio TAC type approval is exempt. But this exemption only covers the radio side – the whole product still must meet Vietnam CR safety + EMC self‑declaration obligations. Many Bluetooth headset manufacturers hear "exemption" and assume no compliance is needed – customs clearance blocks them.

Also: 60 mW is EIRP – not conducted power. After accounting for antenna gain – some Class 1 Bluetooth (100 mW) products actually exceed the limit – not exempt.

  4. Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7 – Compliance Path

Devices in the 5925–6425 MHz band (Wi‑Fi 6E/7) must follow the dedicated standard QCVN 136-2025/BKHCN (issued November 2025) – effective 1 January 2027 – replacing the old QCVN 47-2015/BTTTT. Path: type approval + SDoC. Do not continue using QCVN 47 for 6 GHz band testing.

For the 6425–7125 MHz band – manufacturers must do more than just issue a letter of commitment to disable it. The hardware and firmware must actually disable the band – users cannot be given the ability to re‑enable it. VNTA will check firmware implementation during type review – the combination of commitment letter + software lock + hardware disable is the only acceptable approach.

  5. SAR Requirements – Phased Mandatory

Vietnam is phasing in SAR requirements in line with international practice.

·From 1 July 2026: phones must meet QCVN 134-2024/BTTTT SAR standard.

·From 1 July 2027: DECT cordless phones, tablets and laptops used close to the body must undergo SAR.

Not all tablets and laptops are mandated – devices with MPE evaluation exemption paths may apply.

Lab accreditation trap: ILAC/APAC MRA alone is not enough. For overseas lab reports used for Vietnam TAC – you must confirm with VNTA in advance whether the lab's report against QCVN 134 is accepted. Not all ILAC reports are automatically accepted by VNTA – don't wait until submission to find out.

  6. MIC Certification – Four Steps

6.1 Determine product classification. Check Circular 29/2025's mandatory product list – Category 1 or 2? Get this wrong and everything after is wasted.

6.2 Prepare complete application materials: business licence, product spec, Vietnamese user manual and label artwork, circuit diagrams, block diagrams. Vietnamese local importer or agent information is mandatory – the importer's tax ID is required. The applicant must be a Vietnamese local importer – overseas manufacturers cannot directly file TAC applications with VNTA. User manuals and labels must be in Vietnamese. Some authorities accept English with Vietnamese translation – but don't assume it will pass – it depends on the reviewer.

6.3 Submit samples for testing. Vietnam accepts local labs or ILAC‑accredited overseas labs – testing per product standards – RF + EMC are basic. Note: Circular 29/2025 has no public extreme‑temperature test exemption clause – don't rely on unofficial grace‑period claims.

6.4 Review and certification. Category 1: VNTA reviews test reports – issues TAC – then the local importer signs the SDoC. Note: the SDoC signatory is the Vietnamese local importer – not the overseas manufacturer. Category 2: local importer signs SDoC and submits test reports for filing. Getting the TAC is not the end – importers must maintain compliance files for each batch.

  7. MIC Certificate Validity and Maintenance

TAC type‑approval certificates: most are 5 years – a very small number of special devices: 3 years. SDoC declarations: not theoretically permanent – Vietnam requires importers to maintain SDoC files for each batch placed on the market. When the corresponding QCVN standard is updated – old SDoCs automatically become invalid – re‑assessment required.

Transition arrangement for Circular 29: TACs or SDoCs obtained under the old circular – for products already on the market – remain valid until expiry. However: for new model applications – regardless of whether you have old reports – you must follow Circular 29/2025's new list and new standards. Don't apply existing‑model rules to new projects.

  8. 2026–2027 Key Dates

DateEvent1 July 2026Phone SAR mandatory1 January 2027Wi‑Fi 6E/7 – QCVN 136-2025/BKHCN effective1 July 2027DECT cordless phones, body‑worn tablets/laptops – SAR mandatory

If your product roadmap extends into 2027 – factor SAR compliance into the design phase now.

One more reminder: Category 1 products still require pre‑market TAC type approval – there is no "post‑market surveillance pilot" – don't underestimate Vietnam's access control.

For Vietnam MIC certification, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or email king.guo@cblueasia.com.