Mandatory Energy Label — Star Rating Programme for Air Conditioners / Heat Pumps (MOIT)?

Major gap — Vietnamese mandatory energy label (MOIT star rating) requires separate testing, registration, and label approval; Chinese energy labels are not accepted.

Grid Voltage and Frequency Compatibility — 220 V / 50 Hz (No Adaptation Gap)?

No gap on voltage or frequency — Chinese 220 V / 50 Hz products are electrically compatible with the Vietnamese grid; verify nameplate, plug type, and label language separately.

Vietnam Market Access Summary — Import, Customs, and Vietnamese-Language Labelling for Heat Pumps?

Major overall gap — Chinese exporters must independently complete QCVN conformity declaration, Vietnamese energy label registration, MONRE ODS permit (R-22), and Vietnamese-language goods labelling before customs clearance; no Chinese domestic certification is recognised for Vietnam market access.

QCVN Mandatory Conformity Declaration — Electrical Products including Heat Pumps (MOIT)?

Major gap — QCVN conformity declaration via STAMEQ/QUATEST is mandatory before Vietnam market entry; Chinese CCC certification is not recognised and does not satisfy this requirement.

ODS / Refrigerant Controls — HCFC Phase-down and Import Permit (MONRE)?

Significant gap for R-22 products — MONRE ODS import permit and annual quota compliance required; transition to R-32 or R-410A strongly recommended to avoid import restrictions.

Refrigerant Labelling and Handling Obligations for HFC Refrigerants (MONRE / General)?

Minor-to-moderate gap for R-32/R-410A products on labelling language and format; R-22 products face major ODS permit and quota restrictions — refrigerant transition to R-32 or R-410A recommended.

Electrical Safety — TCVN / IEC 60335-2-40 for Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners (STAMEQ / QUATEST)?

Moderate gap — TCVN/IEC 60335-2-40 re-testing or documentary alignment at STAMEQ/QUATEST is required; Chinese CCC test reports (GB 4706.32) are not automatically accepted; IEC CB Scheme reports may reduce re-test scope — verify with STAMEQ.

CROSS-STANDARD public interest · Air-source heat pump

China-to-Vietnam Air-source Heat Pump Compliance Gap Matrix

Name: China-to-Vietnam Air-source Heat Pump Compliance Gap Matrix
Creator: Cross-Standard
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

AI-compiled from official public sources — cross-checked by multiple AI models, not human-verified. Informational only; see disclaimer. Public-interest, source-linked comparison of China air-source heat pump documentation against Vietnam's QCVN mandatory conformity framework administered by MOIT, mandatory energy labelling, MONRE refrigerant and ODS controls under the HCFC phasedown programme, TCVN/IEC safety standards, and STAMEQ/QUATEST testing obligations.

Dataset 2026-06-11 Last verified 2026-06-17 7 rows

GAP MATRIX

Compliance Gap Matrix

Gap matrix
Compliance item	Common China baseline	Vietnam (QCVN / MOIT / MONRE)	Gap / action	Source + verification date
Mandatory Energy Label — Star Rating Programme for Air Conditioners / Heat Pumps (MOIT)	China's mandatory energy efficiency labelling scheme, administered by CNCA and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), requires air conditioners and heat pumps to carry a Chinese energy label with efficiency grades (Grade 1 to Grade 3 for mandatory products) based on GB 21455 (variable-speed) or related standards. The Chinese label, grades, and registration are domestic-market instruments not recognised in Vietnam.China Energy Label (中国能效标识) — CNCA / NDRC GB 21455 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for variable-speed room air conditioners GB 12021.3 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for room air conditioners	Vietnam's MOIT mandatory energy labelling programme requires air conditioners (including heat pump mode units) sold in Vietnam to carry a Vietnamese energy label displaying a star rating (1 to 5 stars) based on energy efficiency ratio (EER) or coefficient of performance (COP) thresholds set by MOIT. The label format, language, star criteria, and registration procedure are prescribed by MOIT regulations. Products must be tested at an accredited laboratory and registered with the Vietnam Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency (EEAC / VNEEP) or relevant MOIT body before the label may be affixed. Chinese energy-efficiency labels and ratings are not accepted as substitutes.Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy No. 50/2010/QH12 (Vietnam) Decree No. 21/2011/ND-CP on energy labelling MOIT Circular on mandatory energy labelling for air conditioners QCVN energy efficiency thresholds for air conditioners / heat pumps (MOIT)	Chinese energy labels and efficiency grades do not satisfy Vietnam's mandatory energy labelling requirement. The exporter or Vietnamese importer must test the product at an MOIT-recognised accredited laboratory to Vietnamese EER/COP thresholds, register the product with the EEAC/VNEEP, obtain approval to use the Vietnamese star-rating label, and affix the correct Vietnamese-language label before sale.[INFORMATIONAL] Major gap — Vietnamese mandatory energy label (MOIT star rating) requires separate testing, registration, and label approval; Chinese energy labels are not accepted.	Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Vietnam2026-06-17 · reference
Grid Voltage and Frequency Compatibility — 220 V / 50 Hz (No Adaptation Gap)	China's standard grid is 220 V (single-phase) / 380 V (three-phase) at 50 Hz — identical to Vietnam. Products rated for the Chinese grid require no electrical frequency or voltage adaptation for the Vietnamese market.GB/T 156 — Standard voltages (China) GB/T 7725 — Room air conditioners (rated voltage/frequency)	Vietnam operates a 220 V (single-phase) / 380 V (three-phase) grid at 50 Hz. Heat pump and air conditioner products designed for the Chinese market (220 V single-phase / 380 V three-phase at 50 Hz) are electrically compatible with the Vietnamese grid without frequency conversion or voltage transformer modifications. However, plug type and marking language must be verified for local compliance.Vietnam Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) grid standard — 220 V / 50 Hz TCVN / IEC standards for rated voltage and frequency declarations on appliance nameplates	No electrical frequency or voltage adaptation gap. Both markets operate at 220 V / 50 Hz. Exporters should nonetheless confirm nameplate declarations, plug/socket type, and Vietnamese-language labelling comply with local regulations.[INFORMATIONAL] No gap on voltage or frequency — Chinese 220 V / 50 Hz products are electrically compatible with the Vietnamese grid; verify nameplate, plug type, and label language separately.	Electricity of Vietnam (EVN)2026-06-17 · reference
Vietnam Market Access Summary — Import, Customs, and Vietnamese-Language Labelling for Heat Pumps	Chinese heat pumps exported to Vietnam bear CCC marks, Chinese-language labels complying with GB 7718 (general food labelling — not applicable) or applicable Chinese product labelling standards, and Chinese energy efficiency labels. None of these Chinese domestic-market credentials are recognised by Vietnamese customs, MOIT, or MONRE for market access purposes. An ASEAN FTA preferential tariff may be applicable depending on country-of-origin rules — consult a licensed customs broker.CCC (China Compulsory Certification) — CNCA China Energy Label (中国能效标识) — CNCA / NDRC GB 4706.32, GB 25454, GB/T 7725 ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) — preferential tariff rules of origin	Heat pumps and air conditioners imported into Vietnam must satisfy a combined set of market access prerequisites before customs clearance and sale: (1) valid QCVN conformity declaration lodged with MOIT or the relevant authority; (2) mandatory Vietnamese energy label (MOIT star-rating programme) affixed or registered; (3) MONRE ODS import permit if the product uses R-22; (4) Vietnamese-language product label (nhan hang hoa) disclosing manufacturer, origin, model, voltage, frequency, refrigerant type and charge, energy consumption, and importer details, complying with Decree No. 111/2021/ND-CP on goods labelling; (5) applicable import duty and VAT under Vietnam's tariff schedule (HS codes for heat pumps / air conditioning units — consult Vietnam Customs for current rate). CCC certification, Chinese energy labels, and Chinese-language labels do not satisfy any of the above requirements.Decree No. 111/2021/ND-CP — on goods labelling in Vietnam (Vietnamese-language label requirements) Law on Foreign Trade Management No. 05/2017/QH14 (Vietnam) Vietnam Customs Tariff Schedule — HS Chapter 84 (heat pumps, air conditioning machines) QCVN conformity declaration and energy label registration procedures (MOIT) MONRE ODS import permit procedures	Chinese exporters must fulfil all Vietnamese market-access prerequisites independently of Chinese domestic certifications: QCVN conformity declaration, Vietnamese energy label, MONRE ODS permit (for R-22), Vietnamese-language goods label, and applicable import duties. ACFTA preferential tariff may reduce import duty if rules of origin are met — verify with a Vietnamese licensed customs broker. No single Chinese credential substitutes any Vietnamese requirement.[INFORMATIONAL] Major overall gap — Chinese exporters must independently complete QCVN conformity declaration, Vietnamese energy label registration, MONRE ODS permit (R-22), and Vietnamese-language goods labelling before customs clearance; no Chinese domestic certification is recognised for Vietnam market access.	General Department of Vietnam Customs2026-06-17 · reference
QCVN Mandatory Conformity Declaration — Electrical Products including Heat Pumps (MOIT)	China's mandatory CCC (China Compulsory Certification) scheme, administered by CNCA, covers household and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps under GB 4706.32 (safety) and related EMC standards. CCC test reports and certificates are Chinese domestic-market evidence and carry no mutual recognition with Vietnam's QCVN conformity declaration system.CCC (China Compulsory Certification) — CNCA GB 4706.32 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances: heat pumps, air conditioners, dehumidifiers GB 25454 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for multi-connected air conditioning (heat pump) units GB/T 7725 — Room air conditioners	Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) administers the QCVN mandatory national technical regulation system for electrical products, including air conditioners and heat pumps. Under QCVN 04:2009/BKHCN and subsequent updates, regulated electrical appliances must undergo conformity assessment — either self-declaration or third-party certification via STAMEQ or an accredited QUATEST laboratory — before being placed on the Vietnamese market. The importer or local responsible entity must lodge a conformity declaration (Cong bo hop chuan / Cong bo hop quy) with MOIT or the relevant provincial authority. Chinese CCC certification is not recognised as equivalent and does not satisfy the QCVN declaration requirement.QCVN 04:2009/BKHCN — National Technical Regulation on Safety of Electrical Equipment (and updates) Law on Product and Goods Quality No. 05/2007/QH12 Decree No. 132/2008/ND-CP and subsequent amendments on conformity assessment MOIT circulars on mandatory conformity marking for electrical products	CCC does not substitute the QCVN conformity declaration. Chinese exporters must arrange conformity assessment to QCVN/TCVN applicable standards via STAMEQ or an accredited QUATEST laboratory, obtain a conformity certificate or test report issued by a Vietnamese-recognised body, and support the Vietnamese importer in lodging the mandatory declaration with MOIT or the relevant authority before the product enters the market.[INFORMATIONAL] Major gap — QCVN conformity declaration via STAMEQ/QUATEST is mandatory before Vietnam market entry; Chinese CCC certification is not recognised and does not satisfy this requirement.	Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Vietnam2026-06-17 · reference
ODS / Refrigerant Controls — HCFC Phase-down and Import Permit (MONRE)	China controls ODS including R-22 under its own HCFC phasedown schedule administered by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), with annual production and consumption quotas. China's refrigerant safety baseline for heat pump equipment references GB 9237. R-22 production and use for new equipment manufacturing has been progressively restricted in China. Chinese domestic ODS quota and permit documents are not transferable to Vietnam's MONRE permit system.Regulations on the Administration of Ozone Depleting Substances (China MEE / MOFCOM) GB 9237 — Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements China HCFC phasedown schedule under Montreal Protocol	Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) administers the national HCFC phasedown programme under the Montreal Protocol. Import, export, and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) — including HCFC-22 (R-22) — are subject to annual quota controls and import permit requirements administered by MONRE. Heat pumps and air conditioners pre-charged with R-22 face tightening import restrictions and declining quotas as Vietnam advances its HCFC elimination schedule. Importers must hold a valid MONRE ODS import permit for R-22 equipment. R-32 and R-410A (HFCs) are not currently subject to MONRE ODS quota controls but are subject to general refrigerant handling and labelling obligations.Law on Environmental Protection No. 72/2020/QH14 (Vietnam) Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ozone layer protection MONRE circulars on ODS import quota and permit procedures Vietnam National Action Plan for HCFC Phase-out (Montreal Protocol)	R-22 pre-charged equipment faces tightening MONRE import quota restrictions — exporters should transition to R-32 or R-410A to avoid ODS permit obstacles. For any R-22 product, the Vietnamese importer must obtain a valid MONRE ODS import permit within the annual quota before shipment. Chinese ODS documents are not accepted by MONRE. R-32 / R-410A products avoid ODS quota controls but must comply with refrigerant labelling and handling obligations in Vietnam.[INFORMATIONAL] Significant gap for R-22 products — MONRE ODS import permit and annual quota compliance required; transition to R-32 or R-410A strongly recommended to avoid import restrictions.	Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Vietnam2026-06-17 · reference
Refrigerant Labelling and Handling Obligations for HFC Refrigerants (MONRE / General)	China requires refrigerant type and charge declaration on heat pump and air conditioner nameplates under GB 9237 and GB/T 7725. Chinese domestic labelling uses Simplified Chinese and follows Chinese unit conventions. Vietnamese-language labelling and Vietnamese-format declarations are separately required for the Vietnam market.GB 9237 — Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements GB/T 7725 — Room air conditioners (nameplate and refrigerant declaration)	Heat pumps and air conditioners sold in Vietnam must carry a nameplate or label declaring the refrigerant type, charge amount (in kg or g), and relevant safety information in Vietnamese. R-32 and R-410A (HFC refrigerants preferred under the HCFC phasedown programme) are not ODS-quota-restricted but are subject to general environmental and safety labelling obligations under Vietnamese regulations. Technicians handling refrigerants during installation or servicing may be subject to competency or certification requirements under environmental protection regulations.Law on Environmental Protection No. 72/2020/QH14 (Vietnam) — refrigerant labelling and handling provisions Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP — greenhouse gas and ozone layer provisions TCVN / IEC 60335-2-40 — nameplate and refrigerant marking requirements for heat pump appliances	Chinese-language refrigerant labels and Chinese-format declarations do not satisfy Vietnamese labelling obligations. Exporters must ensure nameplates and accompanying documentation declare the refrigerant type and charge in Vietnamese language and in the format required by MONRE and TCVN standards. For R-32 or R-410A products, no ODS permit is needed but labelling and technician handling rules still apply.[INFORMATIONAL] Minor-to-moderate gap for R-32/R-410A products on labelling language and format; R-22 products face major ODS permit and quota restrictions — refrigerant transition to R-32 or R-410A recommended.	Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Vietnam2026-06-17 · reference
Electrical Safety — TCVN / IEC 60335-2-40 for Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners (STAMEQ / QUATEST)	China's safety standard for heat pumps and air conditioners, GB 4706.32, adopts IEC 60335-2-40 with Chinese national deviations. CCC testing is conducted at CNCA-designated laboratories to GB 4706.32. While the underlying IEC standard is the same, Chinese national deviations, laboratory accreditation, and test report format differ from Vietnam's TCVN requirements. CCC test reports are not automatically accepted as TCVN conformity evidence in Vietnam.GB 4706.32 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances: heat pumps, air conditioners and dehumidifiers (adopts IEC 60335-2-40 with deviations) GB 4706.1 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances: General requirements (IEC 60335-1 equivalent) CCC mandatory certification under CNCA	Vietnam adopts IEC safety standards as TCVN national standards for household and commercial electrical appliances. Heat pumps and air conditioners with heat pump mode are subject to TCVN equivalent of IEC 60335-2-40 (Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers), along with the general safety standard TCVN equivalent of IEC 60335-1. Conformity testing must be conducted at STAMEQ (Vietnam's national standardisation and quality authority) or a QUATEST accredited testing laboratory. Test reports from Chinese CCC testing laboratories are generally not accepted as direct evidence for Vietnamese TCVN conformity unless the laboratory holds specific recognition under Vietnamese authority.TCVN equivalent of IEC 60335-2-40 — Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers TCVN equivalent of IEC 60335-1 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances: General requirements STAMEQ / QUATEST accreditation for conformity testing in Vietnam QCVN framework requiring TCVN-based testing for mandatory conformity declaration	Although both Vietnam's TCVN and China's GB 4706.32 derive from IEC 60335-2-40, Chinese CCC test reports are not automatically accepted as TCVN conformity evidence. Exporters must arrange re-testing or documentary alignment at STAMEQ or a QUATEST accredited laboratory to support the Vietnamese mandatory QCVN conformity declaration. Confirm with STAMEQ whether IEC CB Scheme test reports issued by a CB testing laboratory may be accepted to reduce re-test scope.[INFORMATIONAL] Moderate gap — TCVN/IEC 60335-2-40 re-testing or documentary alignment at STAMEQ/QUATEST is required; Chinese CCC test reports (GB 4706.32) are not automatically accepted; IEC CB Scheme reports may reduce re-test scope — verify with STAMEQ.	Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ), Vietnam2026-06-17 · reference

INFORMATIONAL ONLY

Informational only / not a certification conclusion

AI-compiled, not human-verified. This comparison is generated and cross-checked by multiple AI models from public official sources; it has not been reviewed by a named human expert and may contain errors or out-of-date items. Confirm every requirement directly with the official regulator or standards body and a qualified professional before relying on it. Nothing here is legal, certification, customs, or market-access advice.

This page is an informational comparison aid, not a certification decision, legal opinion, conformity assessment body decision, MOIT filing, MONRE permit, QCVN conformity declaration, energy-label application, customs determination, or market-access approval. Exporters, importers, distributors, and installers should verify current QCVN scope, energy-label requirements, refrigerant ODS permit status, TCVN editions, STAMEQ/QUATEST accreditation routes, and Vietnamese-language labelling requirements with qualified professionals before shipment, sale, or installation.

E-E-A-T

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Official regulator, standards body, notified body, customs, or primary legal source preferred. Local PDFs are not accepted.

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SOURCES

Official-source register.

Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Vietnam · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 2 rows
Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 1 rows
General Department of Vietnam Customs · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 1 rows
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Vietnam · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 2 rows
Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ), Vietnam · accessed 2026-06-17 · reference · used in 1 rows