EM – Faced with the cost and time burdens, and the risk of “congestion” due to the new regulation on elevator testing, businesses have unanimously put forth a series of practical proposals in hope government agencies will listen and solve the issues in a timely manner.
Circular No. 13/2024/TT- BLĐTBXH (hereinafter referred to as Circular 13), issued on December 5th 2024, effective as of February 1st 2025, has officially abolished Article 6 of Circular No. 26/2018/TT-BLĐTBXH, which allowed “recognition or application of test results given by overseas laboratories”.
This means all devices, regardless of having been tested and certified in much more demanding markets such as Europe, still needs to be re-tested in Vietnam, specifically by Vinacontrol’s only existing laboratory in Hanoi.
In a meeting held by Vietnam Elevator Association on June 9th 2025 to discuss this issue, dozens of representatives for elevator businesses expressed concerns about the rising compliance cost, financial burden and extended compliance time weighing down on businesses and affecting the rate of progress for customs clearance and product handover.
Panorama of the meeting
Proposal for continued recognition of overseas test results and flexibility in domestic testing
One of the most well-supported petition from the business community is for continued recognition of test results from overseas laboratories, especially those from countries with more advanced technology and higher quality standards than Vietnam’s.
Mr. Nguyen Hong Thai, representing TK Elevator Vietnam, proposed that the authorities continue to recognize Article 6 of Circular 26. He argued that the amended content of Circular 13 would greatly increase the cost for consumers.
“If Circular 13 is applied, how long will it take for Vinacontrol’s sole laboratory to test the hundreds and thousands of elevators that are being installed and put into use every year?”, questioned Mr. Thai on Vinacontrol’s ability to adapt.
He also stressed that overseas brands still recognize each other’s test results if the products meet and follow the same standard, such as EN-81.
Mr. Ngo Ho A – Representative of Technical Inspection, Safety and Construction Consulting Joint Stock Company (INCOSAF) – affirmed: “The only existing laboratory in Vietnam is Vinacontrol’s.”
Similarly, Mrs. Pham Thi Ha Tinh, representing Mitsubishi Vietnam, also expressed her confusion: “Overseas laboratories have already met the criteria for laboratories such as ISO 17025, and tests have already been conducted. Re-testing in Vietnam is evidently causing additional expenses and wastage for businesses.” Mrs. Tinh believes that overseas laboratories must meet strict criteria, so re-testing is unnecessary.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, representing Thuan Anh Trading and Service Co. Ltd, shared that her company imported equipment from Europe, with very strict CE certification. “In the European market, products with CE certification can be put into circulation without re-testing.” Mrs. Lan questioned the necessity and effectiveness of re-testing in Vietnam despite the products meeting higher standards.
The need for model-based testing and clear regulations on test validity
In addition to recognizing overseas test results, many businesses also proposed having more flexibility in domestic testing regulations, especially regarding the period of validity.
Mr. Phong – Representative of INCOTES Co. Ltd, pointed out that the current validity period of a test is very short and applied only to one batch of goods or product. This forces businesses to repeat the same costly process for every batch, even if they are the same type of product.
The INCOTES representative believes there is a need for a regulation with more specific and longer period of validity, similar to international certificates, which are valid for multiple years. Moreover, he also petitioned for test results from countries with better economic and technological conditions than Vietnam to be recognized, and for a list of equipment that have been tested, inspected and evaluated to be made, so that there is no longer a need for re-testing between units despite them being the same type of equipment or elevator model.
Similarly, many businesses also believe that instead of mass testing each batch of imported products, a more scientific approach than testing based on model or technical drawing is necessary to ensure safety in testing without increasing the cost, time and procedure burden on businesses and causing difficulties for consumers.
Tightening inspection, supervision and post-inspection
During the meeting, many businesses questioned the true purpose of Circular 13: Was the Circular issued to control counterfeits, or was it because of concerns about foreign testing capabilities?
Mr. Nguyen Hong Thai, representing TK Elevator Vietnam, proposed: “If the purpose of the Circular is to control counterfeits, then we need a different method of control, such as tightening post-inspection at the construction site.” This will focus on the quality of the product after being installed and operated, instead of increasing compliance cost for businesses.
Many at the meeting were also concerned that if the new regulation requiring domestic testing is applied, government agencies will only focus on the procedures of claiming compliance and pre-inspection requirements before the product is put on the market.
This can lead to negligence in post-inspection methods, causing consumers to be easily deceived by false advertisements on the quality and safety of products that have been recognized by this ministry or that industry. The recent case of fake, low quality milk is a typical lesson in negligence in post-inspection.
The Chairman of Vietnam Elevator Association, Mr. Nguyen Hai Duc, affirmed that the Association will comprise all the businesses’ constructive petitions and suggestions to propose solutions to government agencies, for a safe and effective elevator market, and to resolve difficulties for businesses.
Recognizing the shared difficulties, Mr. Nguyen Hai Duc, Chairman of Vietnam Elevator Association, acknowledged all constructive suggestions from businesses. He affirmed that the Association will play its part as the intermediary and comprise all the suggestions for working with government agencies, with the goal of resolving difficulties for businesses, and create a safe, effective and sustainable Vietnam elevator market.
It is hopeful that with the unanimous and clear proposals from the business community, authorities will soon make appropriate adjustments so that Vietnam’s elevator industry can overcome these trying times, ensuring both technical safety and sustainable development of the market.
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