In public spaces such as shopping malls, hospitals, and office buildings, hand dryers are gradually becoming familiar equipment thanks to their convenience and hygiene advantages. However, as electrical devices that operate directly with users, safety and quality are always important concerns.

To ensure products meet technical requirements and comply with current regulations, conformity assessment and certification for hand dryers according to QCVN 4 is an issue many businesses are interested in during the manufacturing, importation, and distribution process.

Let’s explore the conformity certification process for hand dryers according to QCVN 4 with the ISSQ Quality Institute in the article below.

What is a Hand Dryer?

A hand dryer is an electrical hygiene device that uses electricity to dry hands after washing by blowing hot air or high-speed airflow. This equipment is usually wall-mounted and operates automatically through sensors, replacing traditional hand-drying methods such as paper towels or cloth towels.

In practice, hand dryers are increasingly used in areas with high user density such as public restrooms, shopping centers, offices, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals thanks to their convenience and ability to support hygiene maintenance.

Features and Operating Principles

• Uses infrared sensors to detect users’ hands
• When hands are placed within the sensing area, the fan system and heating element operate
• After a few seconds, the device automatically stops when the user removes their hands

Benefits of Use

• Convenient & hygienic: minimizes contact and reduces the risk of bacterial transmission compared to towels
• Cost-saving: eliminates expenses for paper towels and waste collection
• Environmentally friendly: reduces paper waste during use

Due to being electrical equipment that directly interacts with users in public environments, hand dryers need to be strictly controlled for safety and quality through conformity certification under QCVN 4 regarding the safety of electrical and electronic equipment.

Why Do Hand Dryers Require Conformity Certification Under QCVN 4?

Hand dryers are electrical appliances commonly used in shopping centers, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, and many other public areas. Because they operate continuously, directly interact with users, and are often installed in humid environments, these devices need strict control over electrical safety and quality before being placed on the market.

If products are not properly assessed and controlled, businesses may face many risks during business operations and actual use, such as:

• Electric leakage, short circuits, or insufficient insulation affecting user safety;
• Excessive heat generation during continuous operation, creating risks of overheating or fire;
• Inconsistent component quality and stability, leading to operational failures;
• Increased complaints, warranty claims, or negative impacts on brand reputation when incidents occur;
• Difficulties in circulation, distribution, or cooperation with partners and projects requiring complete product quality documentation.

In addition, hand dryers belong to Group 2 electrical and electronic equipment under the management scope of QCVN 4 concerning safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. Conducting conformity certification helps businesses prove that products have been assessed in accordance with current technical requirements.

Through conformity certification activities, businesses can also better control product quality from the manufacturing or import stage, thereby enhancing brand reputation and creating competitive advantages in the market.

What is QCVN 4?

QCVN 4 is the National Technical Regulation specifying safety and management requirements for electrical and electronic equipment listed in the Appendix of this regulation.

The list of electrical and electronic equipment required to comply with labor safety requirements under QCVN 4 includes:

1. Instantaneous electric water heaters
2. Electric water heating and hot water storage appliances
3. Hair dryers and other hair care appliances
4. Electric kettles
5. Rice cookers
6. Electric fans
7. Electric irons
8. Microwave ovens
9. Portable electric ovens and electric grills
10. Electrical wires and cables
11. Immersion-type electric water heaters
12. Tea or coffee makers
13. Hand dryers

Among them, hand dryers must comply with TCVN 5699-2-23:2013 (IEC 60335-2-23:2012) Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-23: Particular requirements for appliances for skin or hair care.

Benefits of Conformity Certification for Hand Dryers According to QCVN 4

Ensuring Electrical Safety for Users

Hand dryers are frequently used electrical devices in public restrooms, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, etc. Conformity certification helps control electrical safety factors such as leakage prevention, overheating, and fire risks, thereby protecting users during operation.

Meeting Legal Requirements for Product Distribution

Products under the scope of QCVN 4 must undergo conformity certification and conformity declaration before being placed on the market. Compliance with these requirements helps businesses operate more smoothly in manufacturing, importing, and trading while minimizing risks related to market inspections.

Enhancing Reputation and Customer Trust

Products that have obtained conformity certification and bear the CR mark demonstrate compliance with technical safety requirements. This helps customers, partners, and users feel more confident when choosing products.

Supporting Distribution Network Expansion

Many supermarkets, shopping centers, construction projects, and public projects prioritize products with complete conformity documents and quality certificates. This creates advantages for businesses in expanding markets and improving competitiveness.

Minimizing Quality and After-Sales Risks

The conformity assessment process helps businesses better control product quality, thereby reducing technical errors, customer complaints, and warranty or product recall costs if incidents occur.

Implementing conformity certification for hand dryers according to QCVN 4 is not only a necessary requirement for electrical and electronic products but also a solution that helps businesses improve quality, brand reputation, and sustainable market development.

Documentation for Conformity Certification of Hand Dryers According to QCVN 4

Depending on the certification method and product origin (domestically manufactured or imported), businesses need to prepare appropriate documents for the conformity certification process.

Documentation Under Method 5

For hand dryers assessed under Method 5 “testing of typical samples combined with assessment of the production process and surveillance through testing samples taken at the production site or on the market together with production process assessment,” required documents include:

• Business Registration Certificate and Certification Registration containing complete manufacturer information;
• Production site documents (manufacturing contracts, factory lease agreements, etc.);
• Trademark documents (if any);
• ISO 9001 certificate, document list, internal audit records, management review records;
• Product list with full information including product name, trademark, and model;
• Product descriptions and images of products and components;
• Catalogues/User installation and operation manuals (if any);
• Quality management system certificates (if any);
• Production control records and design-related documents;
• Production process documents and specific contents related to the product type;
• Typical sample test results or component test results (if any);
• Certificates of conformity with standards/regulations for typical samples (if any);
• Other related technical documents and information (if any).

Documentation Under Method 7

For hand dryers assessed under Method 7 “testing and assessment of batches of products and goods,” documentation includes:

For Imported Products

• Business Registration Certificate and Certification Registration Form;
• Product list including product name, trademark, model, and quantity;
• Import shipment documents (sales contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, customs declarations, CO/CQ, catalogues/user manuals, etc.);
• Registration for State Inspection of Imported Goods Quality;
• Other quality-related documents (if any):
  • Test and assessment results for typical samples
  • Certificates of conformity

For Domestically Manufactured Products

Required documents include:

• Business Registration Certificate and Certification Registration Form;
• Product list including product name, trademark, model, and quantity;
• Product descriptions and images of products and components (if any);
• Catalogues/User installation and operation manuals (if any);
• Production orders/orders and related shipment decisions;
• Typical sample test results or component test results (if any);
• Certificates of conformity with standards/regulations for typical samples (if any);
• Other related technical documents and information (if any).

Preparing complete documentation from the beginning helps the conformity certification process proceed smoothly, saves processing time, and minimizes issues during document appraisal.

Conformity Certification Process for Hand Dryers According to QCVN 4

To legally distribute hand dryers on the market, businesses need to carry out conformity certification according to QCVN 4 requirements for electrical and electronic equipment.

The certification process generally includes the following steps:

Step 1: Receive certification registration documents

Step 2: Sign scientific and technological service contracts

Step 3: Conduct surveys and assessments

Step 4: Complete documentation after assessment

Step 5: Appraise documents and issue certification certificates (if compliant)

Step 6: Conduct surveillance assessments at least once every 12 months

Step 7: Conduct recertification assessments (certificate validity: 3 years)

Hand dryers are electrical devices widely used in many public spaces; therefore, ensuring product safety and quality is extremely important during manufacturing, importation, and business operations. Conducting conformity certification for hand dryers according to QCVN 4 not only helps businesses comply with technical requirements but also contributes to improving brand reputation, increasing customer trust, and minimizing risks during product distribution.

In addition, preparing complete documentation and following the correct certification process will help businesses optimize processing time and facilitate long-term distribution and product development activities.

If your company requires conformity assessment and certification services for hand dryers according to QCVN 4, please contact the ISSQ Quality Institute via hotline: (+84) 981851111 or email: vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn for support.

Publication Date: 11/05/2026