Importing forklifts into Vietnam falls under the machinery and equipment category with strict occupational safety requirements, since forklifts operate under heavy loads and directly affect the safety of workers during loading, unloading, and moving goods. For this reason, most self-propelled forklifts — whether electric or internal combustion — must pass a technical safety quality inspection at the Vietnam Register before being permitted for circulation and use.
However, not every business fully understands the forklift import procedure, especially the difference in inspection requirements between the three main groups: hand pallet trucks (manually operated), electric forklifts, and internal combustion forklifts. A mistake in determining the HS code, or overlooking the quality inspection registration step, can result in the entire shipment being held at port, incurring prolonged container demurrage costs.
In this article, 3W Logistics presents the complete forklift import procedure under the current legal regulations and the latest tariff schedule — from legal conditions, the 8-digit HS code, tax calculation, documentation, a step-by-step process, to real-world risks, from the perspective of a forwarder experienced in handling imported forklifts and lifting equipment.
1. Legal conditions for importing forklifts into Vietnam
Forklifts are not on the list of goods prohibited from import; however, as motorized equipment with strict occupational safety requirements, they must undergo a technical safety quality inspection before customs clearance, under the list set out in Circular 54/2024/TT-BGTVT and Circular 12/2022/TT-BGTVT.
| Condition | Detailed Content |
|---|---|
| Hand pallet trucks (manually operated) | No quality inspection registration required at the Vietnam Register; only registration at the local Department of Industry/Department of Industry and Trade if subject to management |
| Electric forklifts, internal combustion forklifts | Mandatory technical safety quality inspection registration at the Vietnam Register before customs clearance; models with an operator cabin require an additional emissions inspection |
| Conditions for used forklifts | Additionally subject to Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg (amended by Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg) on the usage age limit and safety, environmental, and energy-saving standards |
| Online inspection registration | Since 2020, the Vietnam Register has allowed online registration via the National Public Service Portal at vnsw.gov.vn, shortening the documentation submission time compared to before |
| Product labeling | The product label, technical specifications, and origin must be clear and accurate on the vehicle body; temporary, easily peeled stickers should not be used |
Practical note: The most important point in the forklift import procedure is correctly identifying the vehicle type from the outset, in order to know exactly which authority manages it and what inspection requirements apply — hand pallet trucks don’t need to go through the Vietnam Register, while both electric and internal combustion forklifts require a mandatory technical safety quality inspection. For used forklifts, the import documentation requires particular care to ensure the information on the paperwork (chassis number, engine number, model, origin) matches exactly — even a small discrepancy can cause the documentation to be rejected or raise suspicion of trade fraud.
2. 8-digit HS code and import duty for forklifts
Under Vietnam’s export-import tariff schedule, forklifts are classified in Chapter 84 — heading 8427 (Fork-lift trucks; other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment). Correctly determining the 8-digit HS code mainly depends on the vehicle’s power source.
| Forklift Type | 8-Digit HS Code | Detailed Description | Import Duty (MFN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-propelled electric forklifts | 8427.10.00 | Forklifts running on batteries/electric power, typically used in warehouses and cold storage, with no gas emissions | 0–5% |
| Self-propelled internal combustion forklifts | 8427.20.00 | Gasoline/diesel-powered forklifts, large capacity, used outdoors, in container yards, and seaports | 0–5% |
| Other forklifts (hand pallet trucks, semi-automatic forklifts) | 8427.90.00 | Manually operated or semi-automatic forklifts, small load capacity, typically used in small-scale warehouses | 0–5% |
Important note on HS code and duty: For internal combustion forklifts under HS code 8427.20.00, the common preferential import duty currently applied is 0% import duty plus 10% VAT; however, this may vary depending on origin and whether a valid C/O is provided. Customs declaration in the forklift import procedure requires a complete, accurate description of technical information such as vehicle type, load capacity, fuel type, and new/used condition — incorrect or incomplete declaration can cause the shipment to be routed to the red channel, prolong inspection, or result in retroactive tax collection and administrative penalties under Decree 128/2020/ND-CP if the wrong HS code is applied.
3. Documentation for the forklift import procedure
The documentation package for the forklift import procedure includes an additional layer — technical safety quality inspection registration documentation — compared to ordinary goods.
| Document | When to Prepare | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Contract | Before placing a deposit | Must clearly state vehicle type, load capacity, lift height, engine power, origin, and C/O provision terms |
| Commercial Invoice & Packing List | Before the goods are shipped | Must fully state the product name, chassis number, engine number, and model for each vehicle, for cross-checking during inspection |
| Bill of Lading | After the goods are loaded onto the vessel | Forklifts are typically shipped in 20’/40′ dry containers or as bulk cargo depending on size, and require careful sealing |
| Technical Document/Brochure | Before declaring the HS code | From the manufacturer, including load capacity, lift height, and engine power specifications — the basis for accurately determining the HS code |
| Quality inspection registration application | Before or when the goods reach port | Submitted online via the National Public Service Portal (vnsw.gov.vn) or directly at the Vietnam Register, together with a technical catalogue |
| Certificate of Quality | Before the goods are shipped | Issued by the manufacturer, helping the inspection process in Vietnam proceed faster |
| C/O (Certificate of Origin) | Before the goods are shipped | To enjoy special preferential import duty under the relevant FTA if the agreement’s conditions are met |
| Electronic customs declaration (VNACCS/VCIS) | Once documentation is complete | Declare the correct HS code under heading 8427, noting the quality inspection registration number and the C/O number on the declaration |
4. Step-by-step forklift import procedure
Step 1: Negotiate the contract and determine the HS code
Sign the contract to purchase the forklift, clearly stating the vehicle type (electric/internal combustion/hand pallet truck), load capacity, and origin; request the supplier to send technical documentation to correctly determine whether the HS code falls under heading 8427.10, 8427.20, or 8427.90.
Step 2: Register for the technical safety quality inspection
For electric and internal combustion forklifts, register for the quality inspection online via vnsw.gov.vn or directly at the Vietnam Register, before or right when the goods reach port.
Step 3: Transport the goods to a Vietnamese port
Forklifts are typically shipped in dry containers or as bulk cargo depending on size; ensure the seal and securing/lashing are solid to prevent damage during long-distance transport.
Step 4: Customs declaration and applying for storage while awaiting inspection
Open the VNACCS/VCIS declaration with the complete HS code, quality inspection registration number, and C/O number. If early release of the goods is desired, apply for permission using Official Letter Form 09/BQHH/GSQL (Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC) to bring the forklift to a storage warehouse while awaiting inspection.
Step 5: Physical inspection of the equipment
The Vietnam Register schedules a physical inspection of the forklift at the warehouse/yard (or right at the port if imported by sea), cross-checking the chassis number, engine number, and technical specifications against the registered documentation.
Step 6: Pay the fee, receive the certificate, and clear customs
Once the inspection confirms compliance, pay the inspection fee to receive the certificate. The business pays the import duty and VAT, completes clearance of the declaration, and puts the forklift into use or distribution.
5. How to calculate import duty for forklifts
Forklifts are not subject to special consumption tax, only import duty and VAT. For example, take a shipment of internal combustion forklifts imported from Japan (HS code 8427.20.00), with a CIF value of VND 400 million, comparing the case with and without a C/O Form JV:
| Tax / Cost Item | No C/O (MFN 5%) | With C/O Form JV (0%) |
|---|---|---|
| CIF Value | VND 400,000,000 | VND 400,000,000 |
| Import duty | 5% × 400M = VND 20,000,000 | 0% × 400M = VND 0 |
| VAT (10%) | 10% × (400+20)M = VND 42,000,000 | 10% × (400+0)M = VND 40,000,000 |
| Total tax payable | VND 62,000,000 (~62 million) | VND 40,000,000 (~40 million) |
| Savings with a C/O | ~VND 22,000,000 — a significant difference from just one valid C/O document, particularly meaningful for businesses importing a large forklift fleet for warehousing or factory operations. | |
From 3W Logistics’ real-world experience: With forklifts, the most common mistake we see is businesses waiting until the goods reach port before starting the quality inspection registration process, when it should instead be submitted early via the National Public Service Portal in parallel with shipping time. With used forklifts, cross-checking the chassis and engine numbers on the paperwork against the actual vehicle requires even greater care, since if a discrepancy is discovered during inspection, the vehicle risks being confiscated or forced to be re-exported — a significant loss for the business. We always recommend clients apply for the storage permission letter (Form 09/BQHH/GSQL) to bring the goods to a warehouse, avoiding demurrage fees while awaiting inspection. – Ms. Apple, CCO, 3W Logistics
6. Common risks in the forklift import procedure
| Risk | Manifestation | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Quality inspection not yet registered | Goods arrive at port without quality inspection documentation submitted to the Vietnam Register — the declaration cannot be opened, incurring container/storage demurrage fees | Register for the online quality inspection via vnsw.gov.vn right when signing the contract, in parallel with shipping time |
| Information discrepancy between documents | Chassis or engine number on the invoice differs from the actual vehicle — documentation rejected, or the vehicle raises suspicion during physical inspection | Carefully cross-check the information on all documents against the actual vehicle before submitting the inspection application |
| Wrong HS code between forklift types | Confusing an electric forklift with an internal combustion forklift or a hand pallet truck — customs reclassifies and collects the duty difference retroactively | Correctly determine the vehicle’s power source based on the technical documentation before declaring; consult a forwarder experienced in forklift imports |
| Used vehicle exceeding the age limit | Used forklift exceeds the usage age limit set under Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg — forced re-export or confiscation | Check the year of manufacture against the age limit regulation before signing a contract to purchase a used forklift |
| Electrical system/battery damage during transport | Electric forklift experiences a short circuit or battery damage due to impact or moisture during long-distance transport | Require the supplier to pack and secure the goods to international shipping standards, and thoroughly check the electrical system before shipping |
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the forklift import procedure
Question 1: What documents does the forklift import procedure require?
The complete documentation package for the forklift import procedure includes: the Sales Contract; Commercial Invoice and Packing List; Bill of Lading; C/O (if seeking FTA preference); technical documentation/catalogue; the quality inspection registration application at the Vietnam Register (for electric and internal combustion forklifts); the Certificate of Quality; and the VNACCS/VCIS electronic customs declaration.
Question 2: Do hand pallet trucks require inspection?
No. Manually operated hand pallet trucks under HS code 8427.90.00 do not need quality inspection registration at the Vietnam Register, only registration at the local Department of Industry/Department of Industry and Trade if subject to management. This makes the hand pallet truck import procedure significantly simpler than that of electric or internal combustion forklifts.
Question 3: How many types of tax must be paid when importing forklifts?
Forklifts are subject to only two layers of tax: (1) Import duty, calculated on the CIF value, with a common current rate of 0-5% under MFN depending on the vehicle type and origin, which can drop to 0% with a valid FTA C/O; and (2) 10% VAT, calculated on the total CIF plus import duty. Forklifts are not subject to special consumption tax.
Question 4: How long does the forklift import procedure take?
The total time from signing the contract to the vehicle arriving at the warehouse is typically 30-50 days. Within this: quality inspection registration takes 3-7 working days (best done early via vnsw.gov.vn); transport from Asia takes 10-15 days, from Europe/the U.S. takes 25-35 days; physical inspection and receiving the inspection certificate take 5-10 days, which can be carried out in parallel once the vehicle is in storage thanks to Official Letter 09/BQHH/GSQL.
How does 3W Logistics support the forklift import procedure?
With experience handling a wide range of imported machinery and lifting equipment, and registered as an OTI-NVOCC with an FMC bond (Federal Maritime Commission) in the United States, 3W Logistics provides a full-package service for businesses on the forklift import procedure — from HS code classification advisory through to the vehicle arriving at the operating warehouse.
Full-package logistics service at 3W Logistics:
- Advisory on accurately determining the HS code by power source: Correctly classifying between electric forklifts (8427.10), internal combustion forklifts (8427.20), and hand pallet trucks (8427.90), avoiding the risk of reclassification and retroactive tax collection.
- Support with quality inspection registration at the Vietnam Register: Registering early via the National Public Service Portal, and making use of the storage permission letter to shorten time spent at port.
- Advisory on conditions for importing used forklifts: Checking the age limit and cross-checking standards under Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg before signing a purchase contract.
- Support obtaining the correct FTA-form C/O from the supplier: Guiding Japanese suppliers in applying for Form JV/CPTPP, Korean suppliers for Form KV, and Chinese suppliers for Form E, to optimize import duty costs.
- Electronic customs declaration via VNACCS/VCIS and resolving issues at the border: Declaring the correct HS code, coordinating with the Vietnam Register so the physical inspection proceeds quickly.
Why choose 3W Logistics for your forklift import shipment? The forklift import procedure requires simultaneously handling occupational safety regulations, accurate HS code classification by power source, and the specific conditions for used vehicles. We stand alongside you from the HS code determination step through to the vehicle arriving at the warehouse — helping your business shorten customs clearance time and avoid unnecessary additional costs. Contact 3W for specific advice before signing your import contract.
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Hotline: +84 28 3535 0087
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Email: info@3w-logistics.com
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Ms. Apple is the CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) at 3W Logistics, with over 10 years of experience in sales and business operations management.
At 3W Logistics, Ms. Apple is responsible for commercial strategy, corporate customer development, managing a team of more than 50 sales professionals, and improving business performance in the logistics sector.
With practical experience in sales management and market development, Ms. Apple shares professional insights on business logistics solutions, international transportation, freight forwarding, customer management, trade lane development, and growth strategies in the logistics industry.
