1. Introduction

Importing used cars is a field that attracts much attention from businesses in the context of an open automobile market and international economic integration. However, in order to ensure technical safety, environmental protection and market stability, state agencies have issued specific legal regulations on conditions and procedures for importing used cars. The following analysis will help clarify the legal framework and necessary steps to legally import used cars.

2. Conditions for importing used cars

According to Circular 45/2020/TT-BTC, used cars are handled according to current law provisions for used cars or unused cars. Specifically:

• Safety and environmental protection standards: Imported cars must meet the prescribed technical safety and environmental protection standards. This is demonstrated by the mandatory registration for technical safety and environmental protection inspection for imported motor vehicles.

• Classification regardless of age of use: The regulation applies not only to used cars but also to unused cars, to ensure that all types of imported cars comply with technical and safety standards.

The application of this regulation helps create a fair competitive environment, ensuring that imported cars fully meet the requirements for quality, safety and environment.

3. Procedures for importing used cars

To import used cars, the importer needs to complete a number of specific procedures and documents as follows:

3.1. Import goods declaration

• Form No. 01 - Import goods declaration:

The importer must make a declaration according to the form issued with Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance. In case of making a paper customs declaration according to the provisions of Clause 12, Article 1 of Decree No. 59/2018/ND-CP, the declarant must declare and submit 03 original copies according to form HQ/2015/NK Appendix IV issued with Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC.

3.2. Transport documents

• Bill of lading or equivalent transport documents:

The importer needs to provide 01 copy of the bill of lading or other transport documents of equivalent value, to prove the process of transporting the vehicle from the importing country to the port of entry.

3.3. Certificate of registration for technical safety and environmental protection inspection

• For automobiles

Importers must have a certificate of registration for technical safety and environmental protection inspection of imported motor vehicles. This is a mandatory document to confirm that the vehicle meets the prescribed standards.

• In case the documents are sent via the National Single Window Portal:

If documents such as quality inspection registration, technical safety and environmental protection quality certificates are sent by specialized inspection agencies via the National Single Window Portal, the customs declarant is not required to submit the original when carrying out customs procedures.

3.4. Authorization letter

Authorization to carry out import procedures (In case of authorizing another person):

If the importer does not directly carry out import procedures, they need to have a valid authorization letter according to the law, authorizing an organization or individual in Vietnam to carry out import procedures or temporary import of vehicles. This authorization letter must be made in 01 original and ensure all necessary information.

3.5. Other documents (if any)

Additional documents:

In addition to the above documents, the importer must also prepare other documents as prescribed by the Government or the Prime Minister (if any) to supplement the import dossier. This ensures that the dossier is complete and valid according to current legal regulations.

4. Conclusion

Importing used cars requires strict compliance with legal regulations on import conditions and customs procedures. Requirements on goods declarations, transport documents, registration for quality and technical safety inspection, as well as authorization papers are essential steps to ensure that imported vehicles fully meet safety, environmental protection and quality management standards.

The regulations issued under Circular 45/2020/TT-BTC and related documents not only create a clear legal framework but also contribute to improving transparency and efficiency in the import process. This helps businesses importing used cars to carry out procedures smoothly, while creating conditions for state management agencies to inspect, monitor and protect consumers effectively. In short, mastering the conditions and procedures for importing used cars is a key factor to help businesses ensure legal import activities, minimize legal risks and contribute to the development of the imported car market in Vietnam.

The article is for reference only, the article is not intended to be a consultation. If you need advice, please contact us via email: info@barrso.com.