Projector Import Procedure belongs to the audiovisual electronics equipment category with one of the simplest customs clearance processes among electronic equipment groups, since it is not subject to state quality inspection, does not require conformity declaration, and does not require energy efficiency testing like many other household electrical appliances.
Although not a complex commodity, projectors are still subject to management regarding HS codes, product labeling, and several specialized notes that not every business is fully aware of when carrying out the projector import procedure. In particular, distinguishing new projectors from used ones, as well as correctly determining the HS code subcategory based on connectivity capability and maximum screen size, are points businesses need to pay attention to from the outset to avoid customs clearance delays or tax arrears collection.
This article by 3W Logistics presents the complete projector import procedure according to current regulations and the latest tariff schedule – from legal conditions, HS codes, tax calculation, documentation, step-by-step process, to actual risks from the perspective of a forwarder experienced in handling audiovisual electronics equipment imports.
1. Legal Conditions for Importing Projectors
Projectors are not on the list of prohibited import goods, businesses are permitted to import 100% new projectors for trading, distribution, or internal use – this is what helps make the projector import procedure significantly simpler than many other electronic equipment groups.
| Condition | Detailed Content |
|---|---|
| State quality inspection | Projectors are not subject to state quality inspection upon import, do not require conformity declaration, and do not require energy efficiency testing like TVs, air conditioners, or other household electrical appliances |
| Conditions for used goods | Used projectors are banned from import under regulations on the management of old electronic equipment; businesses are only permitted to import 100% new projectors |
| Applicable legal basis | Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC (amended by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC) on customs procedures; Decree 69/2018/ND-CP guiding the Law on Foreign Trade Management; Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and 111/2021/ND-CP on goods labeling |
| Product labeling | Vietnamese supplementary label under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP: product name, model, serial number, manufacturer’s name and address, origin, basic technical specifications (voltage, power) |
Practical note: Since projectors are not subject to specialized inspection, many businesses tend to overlook the step of checking the actual condition of the goods. In the projector import procedure, the most important thing businesses need to pay attention to is ensuring the model and serial number on the actual goods fully match the declared documents, as this is the key factor customs typically cross-checks to confirm the goods are 100% new – since used projectors are absolutely banned from import.
2. HS Code and Import Tax for Projectors
Projectors fall under heading 85.28 (Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus) in the Import-Export Tariff Schedule, subdivided by connectivity capability and maximum screen size.
| Heading/HS Code | Detailed Description | Import Tax (MFN) |
|---|---|---|
| 85.28 — Monitors and projectors, not incorporating television reception apparatus | ||
| 8528.62.00 | Projectors capable of directly connecting to and designed for use with an automatic data processing machine (computer) of heading 84.71 or a network only | 0% |
| 8528.69.10 | Projectors capable of projecting onto a screen with a diagonal of 300 inches or more – typically used for cinemas, large auditoriums | 0% |
| 8528.69.90 | Other multi-purpose projectors – the most common code used when importing office, educational, and home projectors | 0% |
Important note on HS codes and tax: Projectors currently fall under the goods group subject to a preferential (MFN) import tax rate of 0% across all three subcategories under heading 85.28. Since the MFN tax is already at 0%, in many cases a C/O does not change the import tax payable, but businesses should still fully prepare it to complete origin documentation if requested by customs for verification. Regarding VAT, projectors are subject to the standard rate of 10%, as they fall under the audiovisual electronics equipment group that is outside the scope of tax reduction under Decree 174/2025/ND-CP. In the projector import procedure, correctly determining the connectivity capability (computer-only connection or multi-purpose) and the maximum screen size is an important basis for selecting the correct HS code subcategory.
3. Documentation for the Projector Import Procedure
The documentation set for the projector import procedure is relatively lightweight since it is not subject to specialized management, as regulated under Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC (amended by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC).
| Document | When to Prepare | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Contract | Before making a deposit | Clearly state the model, 100% new condition, and C/O provision terms if needed |
| Commercial Invoice | Before the goods are shipped | Fully state the product name, model, and quantity for each type of projector |
| Packing List | Before the goods are shipped | Cross-checked against quantity and weight during physical customs inspection |
| Bill of Lading/Airway Bill | After the goods are loaded onto the vessel/aircraft | Projectors are typically shipped by sea in containers or by air for urgent shipments |
| Catalogue/Technical Documentation | Before declaring the HS code | Shows connectivity capability and maximum screen size – the basis for determining the correct HS code subcategory |
| C/O (Certificate of Origin) | Before the goods are shipped (if applicable) | Not mandatory since the MFN tax is already 0%, but recommended to complete origin documentation when needed |
4. Step-by-Step Projector Import Procedure
Step 1: Check Technical Specifications and Determine the HS Code
Check the connectivity capability (computer/network-only connection or multi-purpose) and the maximum screen size of the projector, work with the supplier to obtain a detailed catalogue, then accurately determine whether the HS code falls under 8528.62.00, 8528.69.10, or 8528.69.90.
Step 2: Negotiate the Contract and Confirm the Goods’ New Condition
Sign the projector purchase contract, clearly stating the model, 100% new condition, and requesting a C/O if needed to complete origin documentation.
Step 3: Prepare the Customs Documentation Set
Fully prepare the contract, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and C/O (if applicable) before the goods arrive at the port or airport.
Step 4: Transport the Goods to Vietnam
Projectors are typically transported by sea (container) for large shipments or by air for urgent shipments; shock-resistant packaging is required to protect the lens and the projection lamp inside.
Step 5: Customs Declaration and Clearance
Open a VNACCS/VCIS declaration with the full HS code and related documents. Since projectors are not subject to specialized inspection, the customs clearance process for projectors proceeds quickly once import tax and VAT have been fully paid.
Step 6: Receive the Goods, Apply Labeling, and Distribute
After customs clearance, complete the Vietnamese supplementary labeling as required (if the original label does not include Vietnamese), receive the goods, and transport them to the warehouse. Keep all documentation on file to support post-clearance inspection if requested by customs authorities.
5. How to Calculate Projector Import Tax
Projectors are not subject to special consumption tax, only import tax and VAT. For example, with a shipment of multi-purpose projectors imported from Japan (HS code 8528.69.90), CIF value of 350 million VND:
| Tax / Cost Item | Calculation Method | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CIF Value | Goods value + international freight + insurance | 350,000,000 VND |
| Import Tax | 0% × 350 million (code 8528.69.90 enjoys MFN 0%) | 0 VND |
| VAT (10%) | 10% × (350+0) million | 35,000,000 VND |
| Total Tax Payable | Import tax + VAT | 35,000,000 VND (~35 million) |
| Note | Since the import tax is already at 0%, businesses do not need to place too much emphasis on obtaining a C/O to further reduce import tax – the tax cost focus for projectors lies entirely in the VAT amount. | |
From 3W Logistics’ practical experience: With projectors, the most common mistake we have observed in the projector import procedure is not related to tax or specialized licensing – since this item is fairly “light” in terms of procedures – but rather to businesses not carefully checking whether the model and serial number on the actual goods match the declared documents. Since used projectors are absolutely banned from import, any discrepancy between the actual goods and the declaration documents can lead customs to suspect the new-versus-used status of the shipment, resulting in prolonged inspection. Carefully cross-checking this information before declaration will help the customs clearance process go smoothly. – Ms. Apple, CCO, 3W Logistics
6. Common Risks in the Projector Import Procedure
| Risk | Manifestation | Prevention Method |
|---|---|---|
| Confusing used with new goods | Mistakenly importing used projectors (demo units, conference display units) – which are absolutely banned from import | Require the supplier to clearly confirm the goods are 100% new, carefully check the model and serial number before signing the contract |
| Misapplying the HS code among the 85.28 subcategories | Confusion between computer-connection-only projectors (8528.62.00) and multi-purpose projectors (8528.69.90) – customs reclassifies and collects tax arrears under Decree 128/2020/ND-CP | Request detailed technical catalogues from the manufacturer before declaration; consult a forwarder experienced with audiovisual electronics equipment |
| Model, serial number not matching documents | Information on the actual goods does not match the contract or invoice, causing customs to become suspicious and prolonging inspection | Carefully cross-check the model and serial number between documents and actual goods before declaration |
| Damage to the lens, projection lamp during transport | The lens gets scratched, the projection lamp (or laser/LED light source) gets damaged due to impact during transport | Require the supplier to use quality shock-resistant packaging, purchase cargo insurance for high-value shipments |
| Product label missing required information | Missing voltage, power specifications, origin on the Vietnamese supplementary label – customs holds the goods and requests supplementary labeling at the port | Prepare a complete supplementary label sample under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and 111/2021/ND-CP before the goods arrive |
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Projector Import Procedure
Question 1: What documents are needed for the projector import procedure?
The full documentation set for the projector import procedure includes: Sales Contract; Commercial Invoice; Packing List; Bill of Lading/Airway Bill; C/O if applicable. This is a relatively lightweight set of documents since projectors are not subject to specialized management.
Question 2: Do projectors need quality inspection when imported?
No. Projectors are not subject to state quality inspection, do not require a conformity declaration, and do not require energy efficiency testing. This is what makes the projector import procedure significantly simpler than many other electronic and household electrical equipment items.
Question 3: How many types of tax must be paid when importing projectors?
Projectors are only subject to two layers of tax: (1) Import tax calculated on the CIF value, currently at an MFN rate of 0% for the entire 85.28 heading; (2) VAT applied at the standard rate of 10%. Projectors are not subject to special consumption tax.
Question 4: How long does the projector import procedure take?
With complete documentation, the total time from signing the contract to the goods arriving at the warehouse is typically 10-20 days depending on the shipping route (sea or air). Customs declaration and clearance take only 1-2 days since it is not subject to specialized inspection, as long as the documentation matches the actual goods.
How Does 3W Logistics Support the Projector Import Procedure?
With experience handling a wide range of audiovisual electronics equipment imports and registration as an OTI-NVOCC with an FMC bond (Federal Maritime Commission) in the U.S., 3W Logistics provides a comprehensive service for businesses regarding the projector import procedure – from HS code determination consulting to the goods arriving at the distribution warehouse.
Full-package logistics services at 3W Logistics:
- Consulting on accurate HS code determination based on connectivity capability: Correctly classifying between subcategories 8528.62.00, 8528.69.10, 8528.69.90, avoiding the risk of reclassification and tax arrears collection.
- Checking and cross-referencing model, serial number before declaration: Ensuring documentation fully matches the actual goods, avoiding suspicion regarding new-versus-used status.
- Fast documentation preparation support: Since projectors are not subject to specialized inspection, we help businesses optimize customs clearance time to the maximum.
- Expertise in transporting high-value electronic equipment: Ensuring shock-resistant packaging, protecting the lens and light source of the projector.
- Electronic customs declaration via VNACCS/VCIS and handling issues at the border gate: Declaring the correct HS code, quickly resolving any requests for supplementary documentation that may arise.
Why choose 3W Logistics for your projector import shipment? Although the projector import procedure is one of the simpler types among electronic equipment groups, businesses still need to correctly handle HS code classification and ensure consistency between documentation and the actual goods. We accompany you from the HS code determination step to the goods arriving at the warehouse – helping businesses shorten customs clearance time and avoid unnecessary additional costs. Contact 3W for specific consultation before signing the import contract.
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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.
