VietNamNet Bridge – Software firms have complained that the decision to prohibit information technology (IT) imports, such as tablets, mobile phones, laptops and printers, would seriously influence their research and development (R&D) plans.

An executive of infoNam said some software firms like infoNam now import some used IT products in small quantities, including tablets and smart phones, which serves the R&D activities of the company.

Under the Circular No. 11/2012 of the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC), enterprises can import used products to serve their R&D purpose. However, used tablets and smart phones have been added into the list of products subject to the import band.

“With the new regulation, enterprises would have to get the confirmation from the Ministry of Information and Communication that the enterprises import products for R&D. After that they would have to present the confirmation to the customs agencies to get the imports cleared,” the executive said.

Also according to the executive, software firms, like infoNam, regularly import used tablets and smart phones to write software apps. In general, the imports were noted by customs agencies as the temporary imports for later re-export within 90 days.

However, the new regulation that prohibits importing used IT products would badly influence the enterprises’ operation.

“It would take more time to obtain necessary documents. Meanwhile, we do not have much time to run our projects,” he said.

Sharing the same worry, Huynh Ngoc Mai Phuong, a representative of ISB Vietnam, said in theory, the Circular No. 11 still allows enterprises to import used products for R&D purpose, and it does not stipulate that enterprises have to show the confirmation from the information and communication ministry. However, in fact, the imports would not be cleared without the confirmation.

In reply, To Thi Thu Huong, Deputy Director of the IT Department under MIC, the Circular No. 11 aims to protect the environment and prevent technological rubbish from entering Vietnam. However, she emphasized that Vietnam still allows importing used products, if the imports serve the R&D activities.

Huong said that enterprises should still follow the normal procedures and explain to customs agencies to be able to get imports clear. MIC would make confirmation for enterprises, if necessary, but it does not have the jurisdiction to grant licenses to import equipments.

Also according to Huong, the Circular No. 11 showing the list of used IT products would take effects from September 1, 2012.

In the circular, used tablets, radio receivers, radar, printed circuits, electronic integrated circuits, copier or printer with the speed of 35 A4 copies per one minute, have been added into the list of products to be prohibited for import.

Besides, the import laptops, tablets, smart phones, screens, and some other specific products, must not be “older” than one year, from the manufacturing date to the day of customs declaration.

Especially, the Circular No. 11 allows importing used ink cartridges, which would be repaired or improved for domestic consumption. Prior to that, the Circular No. 43 prohibited importing ink cartridges.

Huong said that at present, Vietnam only allows to import new cartridges. However, in fact, the imports to Vietnam recently are just the used products recycled in Asia or China, or the products recycled in Vietnam for export to third countries.

The watchdog agency believes that the new regulation would help encourage domestic production and benefit consumers.

Compiled by Thanh Mai