Sourcing for Vietnam · World → Vietnam
Importing Machinery, Equipment and Production Lines into Vietnam
Vietnamese manufacturers invest steadily in new machinery to raise output and meet export customer standards. GLG helps them find and verify machinery suppliers in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Europe, check Vietnamese import rules early, and move heavy and out-of-gauge equipment from the supplier floor to the factory.
Key products
- CNC machine tools: lathes, machining centres, laser and plasma cutting
- Plastic injection, extrusion and blow-moulding machines
- Food and beverage processing and packaging lines
- Textile, garment and footwear machinery
- Woodworking machinery and finishing lines
- Industrial robots, conveyors and automation systems
- Compressors, boilers, generators and electrical cabinets
- Construction and material handling equipment (forklifts, cranes)
Main supply sources
- China – the widest range of machinery and complete lines at competitive prices, short transit to Vietnam
- Japan – precision machine tools, robots and long-life industrial equipment
- South Korea – electronics production equipment, plastics machinery and automation
- Taiwan – machine tools, injection moulding and woodworking machinery
- Germany and Italy – high-end packaging, printing, food processing and woodworking lines
- United States and other EU countries – specialised process and testing equipment
Common HS codes
| HS code | Description |
|---|---|
| 84 | Machinery and mechanical appliances and parts |
| 8477 | Machinery for working rubber or plastics |
| 8422 | Packing, filling and bottling machinery |
| 8457 | Machining centres for working metal |
| 8479 | Machines with individual functions, including industrial robots |
| 85 | Electrical machinery and equipment |
HS codes are indicative. Confirm the exact classification of your product before you declare it.
Certifications buyers ask for
- Used machinery imports are restricted by rules on equipment age and technical condition, with assessment or inspection certificates required in many cases
- Equipment with strict occupational safety requirements (boilers, pressure vessels, lifting equipment) must undergo safety inspection before use
- Some machinery and electrical products are subject to specialised inspection, conformity declaration or energy efficiency labelling
- Certificates of origin (Form E, AJ, AK, EUR.1 or self-certification) to claim FTA preferential duty
- Duty exemption for fixed assets of qualifying investment projects, registered with customs in advance
- Clear technical documents, catalogues and nameplates to support HS classification
Logistics notes
- Large machines often need flat racks, open tops or breakbulk; ask the supplier for dimensions, weights and lifting points early.
- Use seaworthy packing, rust prevention and shock indicators for precision equipment.
- Main entry ports are Hải Phòng (including Lạch Huyện) in the north and Cái Mép and Cát Lái in the south.
- Heavy or oversized road moves need route surveys and special transport permits.
- Plan installation timing so that machines are not stored too long at the port, which adds storage charges.
Sourcing tips
- Write a clear technical specification and acceptance criteria before asking for quotes.
- Visit the supplier or a reference customer to see the same machine running.
- Agree on factory acceptance test (FAT) and site acceptance test (SAT) procedures.
- Confirm spare parts availability, local service and training.
- For used machinery, check age and condition against Vietnamese rules before buying.
- Clarify voltage, frequency and safety standards to match Vietnamese conditions.
Vietnam's demand for imported machinery
As manufacturing in Vietnam expands and moves up the value chain, factories need modern machinery to meet the quality, capacity and compliance demands of export customers. Most industrial machinery is still imported, from single machines to complete production lines. Buyers range from small workshops upgrading a CNC machine to foreign-invested plants installing new lines.
China supplies the widest range of machinery at competitive prices with short transit times. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are strong in precision machine tools, injection moulding and automation, while Germany and Italy lead in high-end packaging, printing, food processing and woodworking lines.
Choosing the right origin
| Origin | Typical strengths | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| China | Price, range, fast delivery | Component brands, after-sales service in Vietnam |
| Japan | Precision, reliability | Lead time, budget |
| South Korea and Taiwan | Value for money, automation | Local agents and spare parts |
| Germany and Italy | High-end lines, integration | Lead time, installation cost |
How GLG sources and verifies machinery suppliers abroad
GLG works with its agent network in 120+ countries to find and check suppliers.
- Shortlist manufacturers and authorised distributors that match the specification.
- Verify business registration, export history and references.
- Visit the factory or a reference installation where possible.
- Witness or arrange factory acceptance tests and pre-shipment inspection.
- Check import rules for the specific machine before purchase.
Import procedures and specialised inspection
Before signing, check the HS code, import duty, VAT and whether the machine falls under specialised inspection, conformity declaration or energy labelling. Equipment with strict safety requirements needs safety inspection before use. Used machinery faces additional conditions on age and technical condition, so many buyers prefer new equipment.
Complete production lines shipped in many packages can be declared under special procedures that allow classification of the whole line under one heading, but this must be registered with customs before the first shipment arrives. Investment projects with duty incentives should also register their list of imported fixed assets in advance. GLG customs brokers prepare these files together with the buyer and check that catalogues, technical drawings and nameplates support the declared description.
Moving project cargo
For large lines, GLG plans the shipment as project cargo: package list review, choice of container, flat rack or breakbulk, port handling, route survey and escorted road transport to the factory gate.
Buying process, payment and Incoterms
- Define technical specifications and budget.
- Receive shortlisted suppliers and quotations.
- Check import rules and duty.
- Sign the contract directly with the supplier, including FAT, SAT and warranty.
- Ship, clear customs and deliver to site.
Machinery is often bought FOB or CIF with payment by letter of credit or milestones linked to FAT and installation.
Risks to manage
- Machines that do not meet specifications on arrival.
- Import restrictions for used machinery.
- Damage during transport of heavy equipment.
- Lack of local service and spare parts.
GLG is not the seller of the machinery and does not guarantee supplier performance. Contracts are between buyer and supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import used machinery into Vietnam?
Yes, but used machinery must meet conditions on age and technical condition, often proven by an assessment certificate. Check the rules for your specific machine before buying.
Do imported machines need inspection?
Some types do, such as boilers, pressure vessels and lifting equipment, which must undergo safety inspection before use. Others may need specialised inspection or conformity declaration.
Can GLG handle installation logistics?
GLG handles transport to site, including heavy lift and oversized cargo. Installation itself is usually done by the supplier or its agent.
GLG connects, verifies and coordinates, but is not a party to the sales contract: the purchase agreement, price and performance obligations are between buyer and seller. Verification and inspection results reflect conditions at the time of the check and do not guarantee future performance.