With a view to simplifying procedures for import of used technological lines, the Prime Minister has recently issued Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg, which is designed to replace Decision 18 of 2019.
Accordingly, from March 1, hi-tech enterprises, hi-tech application projects or projects entitled to special investment incentives under the Investment Law may choose to comply with import procedures specified in Article 7 of Decision 18 or import procedures specified in this Decision for their imported used technological lines.
Under the new regulation, importers are required to submit inspection certificates to customs offices within 12 months from the date they importing the first consignment of used technological lines, instead of only one month under Decision 18.
In addition, a customs office will only give customs clearance when the importer’s import dossier and relevant documents are complete and valid, and the inspection certificate states that the used technological line meets the prescribed criteria.
During the period of preservation of used technological lines, importers may only install and operate them for the purpose of inspection.
The new regulation allows importers to submit their technological line inspection certificates beyond the prescribed submission deadline in case their imported technological lines are complicated and require more time for installation, operation and inspection.
However, at least 30 days before the deadline, importers have to apply for deadline extension to the Ministry of Science and Technology and customs offices where import procedures are carried out. The extension may be applied only once for up to six months.
In case technological lines fail to meet specified requirements, importers will be subject to administrative sanctioning and required to re-export those technological lines.- (VLLF)
