Regulations regarding the age limit for imported used machinery, equipment, and production lines have been adjusted to increase it by 5 years.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has recently issued Circular 23/2015/TT-BKHCN, replacing Circular 20/2014/TT-BKHCN, which amends some provisions regulating the import of used machinery, equipment, and technology lines into Vietnam.

According to the regulations in Circular 23, used equipment and technological lines imported into Vietnam must not be more than 10 years old. The equipment must be manufactured in accordance with National Technical Regulations or National Standards, or G7 standards on safety, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Thus, compared to Circular 20, the regulation on the age limit for imported used machinery, equipment, and technology lines has been adjusted upwards by 5 years. However, the Ministry of Science and Technology will also coordinate with other ministries and agencies to consider and decide on special cases when businesses propose the need to import used equipment that is more than 10 years old.

Illustrative image.

Circular 23 also stipulates that, for used components, spare parts, and replacement parts, businesses are only allowed to import them when there is a need for repair or replacement of equipment currently in operation at the business. In this case, the manufacturing business can import them itself or authorize another business to carry out the import.

In cases where businesses require the import of equipment with a lifespan of less than 10 years, depending on the specific characteristics of each industry or sector under their management, the Ministers of Ministries and heads of ministerial-level agencies shall issue necessary regulations and inform the Ministry of Science and Technology for unified management.

Specifically for used equipment in investment projects (including new investment projects and expansion projects), if the investment project dossier includes a list of used equipment and the competent authority has decided on the investment policy and the investment registration authority has issued an investment registration certificate in accordance with the Investment Law, then the above regulation does not apply.

However, if necessary, the investment registration and approval authority may still seek technological assessment of used equipment before deciding on the investment policy or issuing the investment registration certificate.

According to VOV