Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card

Drone Batteries (LiPo) → Vietnam

Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25

RESTRICTED

Drone Batteries (LiPo) may require documentation or declaration

Details

Drone Batteries (LiPo) may require documentation or declaration. Quantity guidance for Vietnam: ≤100 Wh in carry-on; 101-160 Wh with airline approval; CAAV follows IATA DGR. Documentation: Airline approval for 101-160 Wh batteries; Ministry of Defence permit for drone operations in Vietnam. Enforcement in Vietnam carries fines from VND 1,000,000 to VND 100,000,000 under Customs Law 2014; Government Decree 128/2020; Criminal Code Art. 188 (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

Quantity limit

≤100 Wh in carry-on; 101-160 Wh with airline approval; CAAV follows IATA DGR

Documentation required

Airline approval for 101-160 Wh batteries
Ministry of Defence permit for drone operations in Vietnam

Leaving with this item

Spare drone batteries may be taken out of Vietnam freely but must travel in cabin baggage under lithium-battery aviation rules.

IATA dangerous goods

Drone Batteries (LiPo) is classified under Class 9 — Miscellaneous dangerous goods. Cabin and checked-baggage limits apply on top of customs rules.

Practical advice

Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.

Customs authority

General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) · https://www.customs.gov.vn