The surveillance camera import procedure is a category of information technology/telecommunications equipment with a clearance process that varies significantly based on the product’s connectivity features — quite different from many other consumer electronics categories. Not every camera is subject to the same set of regulations: surveillance cameras with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G, or using Internet protocol (IP Camera) fall under considerably tighter management than ordinary analog cameras without network connectivity.
Not every business fully understands the surveillance camera import procedure, especially since January 1, 2026, when surveillance cameras using Internet protocol officially became subject to mandatory quality inspection and conformity certification. An error in determining the camera type, or overlooking the conformity declaration obligation, can result in the entire shipment being held at port or penalized once placed on the market.
In this article, 3W Logistics presents the complete surveillance camera import procedure under the latest legal regulations and tariff schedule — from legal conditions, HS codes, tax calculation, and required documentation, through the step-by-step process and practical risks, from the perspective of a forwarder experienced in handling imported IT and telecommunications equipment.
1. Legal conditions for importing surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras are not on the list of prohibited import goods, but whether conformity certification is required depends entirely on the product’s connectivity features — this is the key point that needs to be determined from the outset in the surveillance camera import procedure.
| Condition | Detailed Content |
|---|---|
| IP camera (using Internet protocol) | From January 1, 2026, surveillance cameras using Internet protocol, whether imported or domestically manufactured, are subject to mandatory quality inspection, conformity certification, and conformity declaration under QCVN 135:2024/BTTTT before being placed on the market |
| Cameras with radio functionality | Cameras integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a 4G/5G module must undergo conformity certification, conformity declaration, and bear the CR conformity mark under the Group 2 goods list specified in Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN (effective December 31, 2025, managed by the Ministry of Science and Technology following the consolidation of the Ministry of Information and Communications’ functions) |
| Cameras with civil cryptography functionality | A camera whose HS code, name, and encryption function description match the List of Civil Cryptographic Products for Export-Import under Decree 32/2023/ND-CP must obtain a civil cryptography license before customs procedures |
| Ordinary analog cameras | Surveillance cameras without network connectivity or radio transmission are generally not on the Group 2 goods list, and only need to meet labeling requirements under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and 111/2021/ND-CP |
Practical note: It cannot be generally concluded that “a camera definitely requires conformity certification” or “a camera definitely does not” without first correctly determining the product’s configuration. In the surveillance camera import procedure, businesses need to carefully review at least 3 criteria: whether the product is on the Group 2 goods list, whether it has integrated radio functionality, and whether it is an Internet-protocol surveillance camera subject to the QCVN 135:2024/BTTTT implementation roadmap. Hidden or disguised cameras used for security purposes are additionally subject to conditional business regulations for security and order sectors, and should be carefully consulted on before importing.
2. HS code and import tax for surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras fall under heading 85.25 (Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television; television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders) in the Import-Export Tariff Schedule — correctly determining the 8-digit subheading requires assessing each model’s function, Internet connectivity capability, and data recording/transmission capability.
| Heading/HS Code | Detailed Description | Import Tax (MFN) |
|---|---|---|
| 85.25 — Transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television; television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders | ||
| 8525.81.00 | High Definition surveillance cameras with an integrated infrared sensor | 0–20% |
| 8525.82.00 | Radiation-resistant/extreme-weather-resistant surveillance cameras (for outdoor or industrial use) | 0–20% |
| 8525.89.90 | Other surveillance cameras (CCTV, IP Camera) — the most common code used when importing consumer and office surveillance cameras | 0–20% |
| 8529.90.94 | Parts and accessories of surveillance cameras (NVR/DVR video recorders, lenses, mounts) imported separately | 0–5% |
Important note on HS codes and tax: The ordinary import tax rate (without C/O) for surveillance cameras ranges roughly 5-22.5% depending on the subheading and origin. For goods with a valid Certificate of Origin (C/O) from countries with an FTA with Vietnam (ASEAN, China, South Korea, EU, Japan…), the import tax under heading 85.25 is typically reduced to 0%. Regarding VAT, unlike many other consumer goods categories currently enjoying the preferential 8% rate under Decree 174/2025/ND-CP, surveillance cameras — as a telecommunications/IT product — are on the exclusion list of this tax reduction policy, so the standard 10% VAT rate still applies. This is an important distinction businesses need to note when budgeting costs for the surveillance camera import procedure.
3. Documentation for the surveillance camera import procedure
The documentation set for the surveillance camera import procedure varies significantly depending on whether the camera is subject to conformity certification, per Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC (as amended by Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC).
| Document | When to Prepare | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Contract | Before deposit | Clearly state model, connectivity (IP/analog, Wi-Fi/wireless), and terms for providing the C/O and technical documentation |
| Commercial Invoice & Packing List | Before goods are shipped | List each product line separately by feature to easily determine conformity certification status |
| Bill of Lading | After goods are loaded onto the vessel | Surveillance cameras are typically shipped in dry containers, packed in individual shock-resistant cartons |
| Catalogue/technical documentation | Before declaring the HS code | Serves as the basis for determining connectivity features and radio transmission capability to apply the correct HS code and determine the conformity obligation |
| Conformity Certificate / Conformity Declaration | Before clearance | Mandatory for IP cameras and cameras with radio functionality; documentation is submitted to a designated certification body, with a processing time of about 5 working days |
| C/O (Certificate of Origin) | Before goods are shipped | Needed to benefit from preferential FTA import tax instead of the standard rate of 5-22.5% |
| Electronic customs declaration (VNACCS/VCIS) | Once documentation is complete | Declare the correct HS code under heading 85.25, attaching the conformity certificate number if the goods are subject to it |
4. Step-by-step surveillance camera import procedure
Step 1: Check technical features and determine the HS code
Determine connectivity capability (analog, IP, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G) and work with the supplier to obtain a complete technical catalogue, from which the correct HS code — subheading 8525.81, .82, or .89 — can be determined, along with the conformity status.
Step 2: Negotiate the contract and prepare technical documentation
Sign the surveillance camera purchase contract, clearly stating model and connectivity features, and require the supplier to provide complete technical documentation and test results (if available) to support the conformity certification process.
Step 3: Register for conformity certification (if mandatory)
For IP cameras or cameras with radio functionality, submit documentation to a designated conformity certification body to assess compliance with QCVN 135:2024/BTTTT and related technical regulations before the goods arrive at port, to avoid delaying the clearance timeline.
Step 4: Transport goods to a Vietnamese port
Surveillance cameras are typically shipped in standard dry containers; individual shock-resistant carton packaging and pallet stacking are required to prevent impact from damaging the internal image sensor and electronic circuitry.
Step 5: Customs declaration and clearance
File the VNACCS/VCIS declaration with the full HS code, conformity certificate number (if applicable), and C/O number (if applicable). Customs typically focuses on checking the CR conformity certificate, technical description documentation, and consistency between the declaration and the actual goods.
Step 6: Receive goods, complete the conformity declaration, and apply labeling
After clearance, complete the conformity declaration (if not already done), apply the Vietnamese supplementary label and CR conformity mark as required, receive the goods, and transport them to the warehouse. Keep complete documentation on file to support post-clearance inspection if requested by customs.
5. How to calculate import tax on surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras are not subject to special consumption tax, only import tax and VAT. As an example, for a shipment of IP cameras imported from China (HS code 8525.89.90) with a CIF price of VND 400 million, comparing the case with and without a C/O:
| Tax / Cost Item | Without C/O (ordinary rate 20%) | With C/O ACFTA / MFN (0%) |
|---|---|---|
| CIF price | VND 400,000,000 | VND 400,000,000 |
| Import tax | 20% × 400M = VND 80,000,000 | 0% × 400M = VND 0 |
| VAT (10%, not eligible for reduction) | 10% × (400+80)M = VND 48,000,000 | 10% × (400+0)M = VND 40,000,000 |
| Total tax payable | VND 128,000,000 (~128 million) | VND 40,000,000 (~40 million) |
| Savings with C/O/MFN | ~VND 88,000,000 — not including testing and conformity certification costs if the shipment is subject to mandatory certification; businesses should budget for this additionally when planning import costs. | |
From 3W Logistics’ practical experience: With surveillance cameras, the most common mistake we see in the surveillance camera import procedure is businesses assuming that every camera shipment carries the same legal obligations, when in reality even a small difference in connectivity features (for example, a model with an added Wi-Fi module compared to the analog version of the same line) is enough to place the product under the conformity certification requirement. Requiring the supplier to clearly list the connectivity features of each model in the catalogue before signing the contract helps businesses proactively prepare conformity documentation at the right time, avoiding being caught off guard once the goods have already arrived at port. — Ms. Apple, CCO, 3W Logistics
6. Common risks in the surveillance camera import procedure
| Risk | Manifestation | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Overlooking the conformity certification obligation | Confusing an IP camera or Wi-Fi camera with an ordinary analog line, resulting in missing conformity certification at clearance or during post-clearance inspection | Carefully check each model’s connectivity features with the supplier before signing the contract, and cross-check against Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN |
| Misapplying the HS code among the 85.25 subheadings | Confusion between surveillance cameras and other transmission equipment within the same heading 85.25 — customs reclassifies the goods and retroactively collects the tax difference under Decree 128/2020/ND-CP | Request detailed technical catalogues from the manufacturer before declaration; consult a forwarder experienced with the IT/telecommunications equipment goods category |
| Running into civil cryptography regulations | A camera with a data-transmission encryption function matching the description in the civil cryptographic products list, but without a license obtained under Decree 32/2023/ND-CP | Carefully review the product’s security and encryption features before ordering, and apply for a civil cryptography license early if needed |
| Damage to the image sensor during transport | The internal sensor or electronic circuitry is damaged by impact or moisture during long-distance transport | Require the supplier to use shock-resistant carton packaging to international shipping standards, and purchase adequate cargo insurance |
| Product label missing mandatory information | Missing technical specifications, origin, or the CR conformity mark on the Vietnamese supplementary label — customs holds the goods and requires supplementary labeling at port | Prepare a complete supplementary label sample under Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and 111/2021/ND-CP before the goods arrive at port |
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the surveillance camera import procedure
Question 1: What documents are required for the surveillance camera import procedure?
The complete documentation set for the surveillance camera import procedure includes: Sales Contract; Commercial Invoice and Packing List; Bill of Lading; Catalogue/technical documentation; C/O (if needed); electronic customs declaration (VNACCS/VCIS). IP cameras or cameras with radio functionality specifically require an additional Conformity Certificate and Conformity Declaration.
Question 2: Which surveillance cameras require mandatory conformity certification?
From January 1, 2026, surveillance cameras using Internet protocol (IP Camera) require mandatory conformity certification under QCVN 135:2024/BTTTT. Cameras with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G/5G are also subject to conformity certification under Circular 29/2025/TT-BKHCN. This is a key point to understand when carrying out the surveillance camera import procedure, since analog cameras without network connectivity are generally exempt.
Question 3: How many types of tax must be paid when importing surveillance cameras?
Surveillance cameras are subject to only two layers of tax: (1) Import tax calculated on the CIF price, with a standard rate of 5-22.5% under heading 85.25, potentially reduced to 0% with a valid C/O; (2) VAT at the standard 10% rate, since cameras — as a telecommunications/IT product — fall outside the tax reduction scope under Decree 174/2025/ND-CP. Surveillance cameras are not subject to special consumption tax.
Question 4: How long does the surveillance camera import procedure take?
For analog cameras not subject to conformity certification, the total time from signing the contract to goods arriving at the warehouse is typically 15-20 days. For IP cameras or cameras with radio functionality subject to conformity certification, add roughly 5-10 working days waiting for certification results, bringing the total to 25-35 days depending on the shipping route.
How does 3W Logistics support the surveillance camera import procedure?
With experience handling a wide range of imported IT and telecommunications equipment, and registration as an OTI-NVOCC with an FMC Bond (Federal Maritime Commission) in the United States, 3W Logistics provides end-to-end service for businesses on the surveillance camera import procedure — from HS code determination consulting through to goods arriving at the distribution warehouse.
Full-package logistics services at 3W Logistics:
- Consulting on accurate HS code determination based on connectivity features: Correctly classifying between subheadings 8525.81, .82, and .89, avoiding the risk of reclassification and retroactive tax collection.
- Reviewing the conformity certification status of each product line: Clearly identifying which cameras are mandatory and which are exempt from conformity certification before placing orders.
- Support in connecting with designated conformity certification bodies: Preparing documentation and registering early, in parallel with transport time, to shorten waiting time at port.
- Support in calculating actual tax and optimizing preferences: Advising on leveraging the appropriate C/O for preferential FTA import tax, and keeping up to date on the latest VAT policy.
- Electronic customs declaration via VNACCS/VCIS and resolving issues at the border gate: Declaring the correct HS code and quickly handling any requests for additional documentation.
Why choose 3W Logistics for your imported surveillance camera shipment? Because conformity regulations for surveillance cameras keep changing under the Ministry of Science and Technology’s new management roadmap, businesses need a partner who stays closely updated on current technical regulations to avoid unplanned yard storage costs or penalty risk. We stand alongside you from HS code determination through to goods arriving at the warehouse — helping businesses shorten clearance time and avoid unnecessary added costs. Contact 3W for specific advice before signing your 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.
