The Government of Vietnam, through the Ministry of Public Security, has released a draft decree establishing a legal framework for the inspection, certification, and control of technical equipment that handles confidential state information. The draft aims to mitigate risks of information leaks, technical sabotage, and unauthorized access, particularly within government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and social organizations.

The draft decree applies to technical equipment listed in Annex I, requiring mandatory security inspection and certification before use. Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of regulated equipment must ensure compliance with national security standards, maintain complete documentation of conformity, and cooperate with designated inspection and certification units.

Key requirements include establishing formal procedures for security evaluation, maintaining records of inspection and certification, and updating the list of controlled equipment as technology evolves. Agencies and organizations using the equipment are required to follow inspection procedures and maintain compliance records.

The framework aims to strengthen the security of technical equipment, prevent unauthorized access or compromise of sensitive state information, improve governance of state and organizational technical assets, and align Vietnam’s practices with international security management standards

This regulatory development represents a high-impact compliance update for manufacturers, importers, and users of technical equipment in Vietnam, as it establishes mandatory security inspection and certification obligations for devices handling confidential state information. It directly affects manufacturing, import processes, documentation, compliance control, and post-market responsibilities.

• Mandatory security inspection and certification according to national standards for regulated technical equipment
• Formal procedures for evaluation and conformity registration
• Strict documentation management with official record-keeping obligations
• Applies to manufacturers, importers, inspection units, and state users of the equipment
• Focused on protecting confidential information and preventing technical and security risks
• Obligations to cooperate with inspection and certification authorities
• Effective date pending official decree promulgation and publication

Who?

• Manufacturers and suppliers of regulated technical equipment
• Importers and distributors of regulated equipment in Vietnam
• Inspection and certification units under the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Defense
• Government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and social organizations using the equipment
• Technical equipment handling confidential state information

Conclusion

Vietnam’s draft decree on security control and certification of technical equipment creates a mandatory framework for the evaluation, certification, and control of critical devices handling sensitive information. Unlike voluntary approaches, this decree imposes binding compliance with national security standards, thorough documentation, and stringent state supervision. Companies involved must prepare technical evaluation processes, compliance documentation, and cooperate with authorities before the official enforcement date to ensure technical security and state data protection.