QCVN 32:2026/BCT – New technical regulation on electric vehicle charging pillars and stations officially issued
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT dated September 29, 2026, incorporating QCVN 32:2026/BCT – the National Technical Regulation on electric vehicle charging pillars and stations.
The new regulation establishes requirements regarding electrical safety, technical compatibility, charging equipment, power supply and distribution systems, installation, control, and the operational management of charging stations.
The Circular takes effect on July 1, 2027.
1. To which products and subjects does QCVN 32:2026/BCT apply?
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs);
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs);
Similar electric road vehicles equipped with on-board rechargeable energy storage systems.
The regulation applies to charging stations installed in public areas, centralized parking facilities, rest stops, and similar locations.
The specified voltage range extends up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC on the supply side, with a rated output voltage of up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC.
Cases excluded from the scope of QCVN 32:2026/BCT
The regulation does not apply to certain cases, such as:
– Charging stations located inside buildings or structures, including basements, garages, indoor parking areas, etc.;
– Wireless charging equipment;
– On-board charging equipment;
– IC-CPD (In-Cable Control and Protection Device) used for Mode 2 charging;
– Power supply equipment for energy storage systems not installed on the vehicle; – Charging equipment dedicated to railway vehicles or specialized non-road vehicles;
– Charging pillars/stations intended solely for testing, research, display, or internal training purposes;
– Charging stations intended solely for internal use, without providing commercial charging services.
Enterprises must accurately determine the scope of application for their project or product before proceeding with testing, certification, or installation.
2. Key technical requirements for charging pillars
3. Must manufactured and imported charging pillars undergo a declaration of conformity?
According to QCVN 32:2026/BCT: Domestically manufactured or assembled electric vehicle charging pillars and imported charging pillars must undergo a declaration of conformity and bear the conformity mark before being placed on the market.
The declaration of conformity must be based on conformity certification results issued by a designated certification body in accordance with regulations.
For charging pillars, conformity certification is conducted using Method 5 or Method 7, as prescribed by the referenced technical regulation (QCVN).
Testing for certification purposes must be performed by a testing organization that is designated or recognized in accordance with regulations.
4. Transitional provisions: what should enterprises with existing charging stations note?
This is a crucial matter for charging stations deployed prior to July 1, 2027.
According to Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT: Charging stations legally installed before the effective date of the technical regulation may continue to be used.
However, owners or operators must ensure safe operation, conduct inspections and maintenance, and remediate any safety hazards.
Charging stations operational before July 1, 2027
Investors, owners, or operators must:
- Review compliance with safety requirements within 06 months of the Circular’s effective date;
- Rectify any non-compliant aspects within 24 months;
- Immediately address any risks posing an immediate safety hazard.
Charging stations under construction but not yet accepted/commissioned
Unconstructed sections must be reviewed, and designs updated to meet QCVN standards.
Constructed sections must be evaluated based on design documentation, construction records, and relevant technical evidence. The station may only undergo acceptance and enter operation upon meeting the conditions specified in the Technical Regulation.
5. Interlink Vietnam supports EV charging station testing and certification
Advisory on the scope of application for QCVN 32:2026/BCT;
Review of charging station models and configurations;
Advisory on safety and EMC testing requirements;
Support for test implementation;
Advisory on certification and declaration of conformity;
Assistance in finalizing conformity assessment documentation;
Advisory on requirements for installing charging stations at sites.
If your business manufactures, imports, or plans to deploy EV charging stations in Vietnam, please proactively review QCVN 32:2026/BCT prior to the official effective date of the Technical Regulation.
