Vietnam: MoST Releases Draft EV Charging Station QCVN

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) issued draft QCVN xx:2025/BKHCN for EV charging stations on March 11, 2025, outlining safety requirements.

The proposed technical regulation establishes technical safety requirements for electric vehicle charging stations.

This Vietnam MoST technical standard applies not only to electric vehicle charging stations but also to electric vehicle power supply equipment powered by on-site energy storage systems.

Application scope of Vietnam MoST regulation (QCVN xx:2025/BKHCN)

This standard outlines the technical safety requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations used to charge EVs with a nominal supply voltage of up to 1,000V alternating current (AC) or up to 1,500V direct current (DC), and a nominal output voltage of up to 1,000V AC or 1,500V DC. It applies to electric vehicles that can be charged from an external power source.

Additionally, this technical standard covers electric vehicle power supply equipment that is powered by on-site energy storage systems.

This regulation applies to charging stations used for electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which obtain all or part of their energy from rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) installed on the vehicle.

Electric vehicle charging stations are classified under HS code 85044090 under Circular No. 31/2022/TT-BCT, issued on June 8, 2022, by the Minister of Finance, which outlines the list of goods for export and import in Vietnam.

Exemption Product

This regulation does not apply to wireless or wired electric vehicle charging stations designed for electric buses, trains, heavy trucks, or electric vehicles intended primarily for off-road use; on-board electric vehicle equipment; charging systems for RESS not installed on electric vehicles; DC power supply equipment for electric vehicles that rely on dual/reinforced power or class III protection against electric shock.

Additionally, the regulation does not cover grid infrastructure that supplies power to electric vehicle charging stations.

Why Are Safety Requirements Important for EV Charging Stations?

As the adoption of electric vehicles increases, EV charging stations are increasingly being installed in residential, commercial, and public locations. This is necessary to meet the charging needs of a large number of vehicles.

As the number of EV users continues to grow, appropriate regulations are needed to ensure charging infrastructure remains safe and reliable. This is an effort to ensure the safety and reliability of charging equipment, which is crucial for both users and infrastructure operators.

Technical safety requirements help reduce the risk of hazards that may arise during the charging process, such as electrical faults, overheating, or insulation failure.

In this regard, regulators have established clear safety criteria to promote consistent levels of protection and support the safe deployment of EV charging stations throughout Vietnam.

How Could the Draft Regulation Affect Manufacturers and Importers?

The proposed QCVN xx:2025/BKHCN will have implications for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations intended for the Vietnamese market. The most likely outcome is the implementation of new compliance requirements for these products.

Before marketing their products, companies should evaluate whether they meet the listed technical safety requirements. Affected companies may need to prepare technical documentation, product specifications, and supporting test reports to demonstrate compliance.

An early assessment of this product portfolio will help companies identify potential gaps between their products and the upcoming regulations. Additionally, this can reduce the risk of delays in distributing EV charging stations to the Vietnamese market once the regulations are officially enforced.

Roadmap for Application

According to the draft regulation, starting from June 15, 2025, all new electric vehicle charging stations manufactured, assembled, or imported under the scope of QCVN xx:2025/BKHCN would be required to comply with the specified requirements before being placed on the market.

If you require assistance with testing, certification, or regulatory compliance for EV charging stations, our team can help guide you through the applicable requirements.

How Can Companies Prepare for Future Compliance Requirements?

Draft regulations often provide an early indication of future compliance requirements, allowing companies to prepare before the final rules take effect. This makes it important for companies operating in the EV charging station sector to begin preparing for these regulations.

The first step is to review products based on the scope proposed in the regulations. Next, ensure that technical documentation, safety records, and test reports are in line with the latest regulations.

After that, companies can monitor future announcements from Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to stay up to date—particularly regarding the implementation schedule or any additional conformity assessment procedures introduced in the final regulations.

What Does This Mean for Vietnam’s EV Charging Infrastructure?

The implementation of specific technical requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is part of the Vietnamese government’s efforts to contribute to the development of the electric mobility ecosystem. The introduction of standardized technical requirements could help improve product quality and support the continued expansion of EV charging infrastructure across Vietnam. Additionally, user confidence in using these facilities is also growing.

A clear regulatory framework provides significant certainty for manufacturers, network operators, and other stakeholders. In the long term, these technical regulations can support the expansion of a safe and sustainable electric vehicle charging network throughout Vietnam.