The Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam issued Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN, establishing an updated legal framework for conformity declaration with standards (voluntary) and technical regulations (mandatory), as well as methods for conformity assessment.

The regulation introduces eight risk-based certification methods, ranging from sample testing and production process evaluation to full quality management system audits and batch or unit-based certification. It also strengthens requirements for the use of conformity marks and mandates the registration of declarations through a national digital database.

The circular allows for reduced testing or simplified assessment requirements for companies with certified quality management systems such as ISO 9001, HACCP, or GMP, reinforcing a risk-based regulatory approach.

Finally, it replaces multiple previous regulations issued between 2012 and 2025, consolidating and modernizing Vietnam’s conformity assessment system in line with international standards to improve product quality, safety, and traceability.

This represents a medium-impact regulatory development, as it significantly updates the national framework for conformity assessment and product compliance in Vietnam, but does not introduce new product-specific technical safety limits or fundamental changes to core product performance standards (e.g., RF, EMC, safety thresholds).

The impact is considered moderate because it primarily affects regulatory procedures, certification systems, and compliance administration, rather than modifying physical product design requirements. However, it has broad implications for manufacturers, importers, and certification bodies due to the restructuring of conformity assessment methodologies.

The regulation introduces a comprehensive modernization of compliance processes, including risk-based certification approaches, digital registration requirements, and updated roles for conformity marks and certification bodies.

Key reasons for medium impact:

• Introduces a structured 8-method conformity assessment system based on product risk level
• Strengthens and standardizes declaration of conformity (voluntary vs mandatory framework)
• Requires use of a national digital database for registration of compliance declarations
• Updates rules for conformity marks (hợp chuẩn / hợp quy) usage and traceability
• Allows reduced testing or simplified audits for companies with certified quality systems (ISO 9001, HACCP, GMP, etc.)
• Impacts a wide range of industries, including industrial goods, consumer products, and regulated equipment
• Primarily affects certification procedures, documentation, and administrative compliance, not product design or RF/EMC technical parameters
• Requires adaptation from manufacturers, importers, certification bodies, and laboratories

Who?

• Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam
• Manufacturers and importers of regulated products
• Certification and conformity assessment bodies
• Testing laboratories
• Quality management and compliance departments
• Industrial and consumer goods sectors

Conclusion

The Circular 14/2026/TT-BKHCN introduces a structural reform of Vietnam’s conformity assessment system, focusing on modernization, digitalization, and risk-based certification methods. While it significantly changes compliance procedures and administrative workflows, it does not directly modify product safety standards or technical performance requirements.

Therefore, this is classified as a medium-impact regulatory change, with strong procedural and operational implications across industries, but limited disruption to core technical certification frameworks.