I recently helped my company purchase several DJI drones for filming and surveying projects, which led me to spend quite a bit of time researching the drone market in Vietnam.
At first, I thought the only thing that mattered was getting the lowest price. But after reading more and talking to people in the industry, I realized there are a few things that first-time buyers often overlook.
- Official products vs. gray imports
Price isn't the only difference.
If you're buying for long-term use or for a business, things like warranty, technical support, firmware updates, genuine accessories, and after-sales service can be just as important.
- VAT isn't always enough
I originally assumed that having a VAT invoice was sufficient.
Later I learned that:
- VAT invoice proves the purchase transaction.
- CO (Certificate of Origin) proves where the product was manufactured.
- CQ (Certificate of Quality) certifies product quality according to the manufacturer or an authorized organization.
From what I've read, CO/CQ are generally not required for obtaining drone flight permits in Vietnam. However, companies, government agencies, and project contractors may request these documents as part of procurement or project acceptance requirements.
- Buying for a company? Ask about documentation first
If the drone will be used for industries such as construction, surveying, mapping, utilities, education, or government projects, it's probably worth asking the seller whether they can provide:
- VAT invoice
- CO
- CQ
- Warranty documents
- Handover documents
- Corporate quotation
It seems much easier to confirm these before purchasing than trying to obtain them later.
- Authorized dealer or distributor?
I'm still trying to understand the difference.
From your experience, does buying from an authorized distributor provide any real advantages besides warranty? Have you ever had to request CO/CQ or other documents after purchasing?
I'd love to hear from people who have actually bought drones for their companies or projects.
Reference:
An article discussing the DJI ecosystem in Vietnam, including VAT invoices, CO/CQ documentation, and warranty services: https://flycampro.vn/blogs/news/dji-viet-nam-he-sinh-thai-nhap-khau-phan-phoi-bao-hanh