Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Vietnam to Ban imports of secondhand electronics

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Vietnam to Ban imports of secondhand electronics

Vietnam to ban imports of secondhand electronic devices

Last Updated: Sunday, July 22, 2012 02:00:00

The import of secondhand phones will be banned in September

Vietnam will ban the import of secondhand electronic and telecom devices including mobile phones, laptops and cameras this September, news website VnExpress reported, citing a new regulation.

Many other products such as speakers, printers and hard drives will not be allowed if they have already been used before, according to the regulation announced by the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications last week.

The regulation, however, does not ban factory refurbished products as long as they are properly labelled.

It will also allow local companies to import used products for refurbishing and re-exporting later. These companies have to either dispose of electronic waste generated during the process in according with environmental regulations or ship the waste together with the refurbished devices.

Old products sent overseas for repair are not subject to the new rule.

The ministry also said traders in electronic devices will have to report their imports and inventory annually.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.