Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (BKHCN) has issued Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BKHCN, providing detailed regulations on the signing and implementation of agreements and arrangements on both mutual recognition and unilateral recognition of conformity assessment results. Issued on April 9, 2026 and effective May 14, 2026, the Circular replaces Circular No. 27/2007/TT-BKHCN, a framework that had been in place for nearly two decades, and introduces a more structured, tiered approach to how Vietnam engages with international and foreign conformity assessment bodies.
Replacing an Eighteen-Year-Old Framework
The Circular explicitly repeals Circular 27/2007/TT-BKHCN, which had governed Vietnam’s approach to mutual recognition since October 2007. The 2026 update reflects the significant evolution of Vietnam’s trade relationships, its expanded participation in international accreditation networks, and the legislative changes introduced by the amended Law on Standards and Technical Regulations (Law No. 70/2025/QH15) and the updated Law on Product and Goods Quality (Law No. 78/2025/QH15). Agreements already signed under the old framework remain valid until their stated expiry date or until December 31, 2027, whichever comes first.
Two-Track Recognition Framework: Government-Level Agreements and Organization-Level Arrangements
The Circular establishes a clear two-track structure for recognition of conformity assessment results:
Track 1: Government-Level Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs): These are formal international treaties signed between Vietnam and one or more foreign countries or territories. The relevant ministry or government agency proposing the agreement is responsible for assessing the legal basis, evaluating the trade and market rationale, drafting the agreement, coordinating with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and designating qualified domestic conformity assessment bodies to participate. Implementation requires the development of a formal action plan, the establishment of a working group, and annual reporting to the Government.
Track 2: Organization-Level Mutual Recognition Arrangements: Vietnamese conformity assessment bodies may independently sign mutual recognition arrangements with international, regional, or foreign counterpart organizations, within their accredited or designated scope of activity. These arrangements must serve the interests of the organization, relevant Vietnamese stakeholders, and the national interest. Importantly, such arrangements do not substitute for a formal government designation — the organization remains fully legally responsible for the conclusions it issues based on recognized results. Signed arrangements must be reported to the National Committee for Standards, Metrology and Quality and relevant ministries.
Unilateral Recognition: Criteria and Decision Process
The Circular also formalizes the process for unilateral recognition, whereby Vietnamese authorities accept the conformity assessment results of a foreign or international organization without a reciprocal agreement in place. Competent ministries may grant unilateral recognition based on the following criteria:
When recognition is granted, the ministry must issue a formal decision specifying the recognized body, the scope and subject matter of recognition, the applicable standards and regulations, the validity period (if any), and the responsibilities of all relevant parties. Ministries are also responsible for ongoing monitoring and may suspend or revoke recognition if the foreign body no longer meets technical capacity requirements or is found to be in violation of applicable law.
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Quick Country Facts
Vietnam
Certification Body: Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: 36 Months
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
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