EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD – Empowering International Brands to Navigate Vietnam’s Complex Regulatory Landscape with Precision, Innovation, and Trusted Expertise

In the tech-savvy world we live in, businesses face increasing complexities in meeting regulatory standards and gaining market access for their products. Successfully navigating this complicated terrain requires expertise, precision, and a deep understanding of the legal frameworks that govern product quality and compliance. This is where EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD stands as a trusted partner, empowering businesses worldwide to meet Vietnam's stringent regulations while saving time, effort, and costs.

Founded in 2015 by CEO Trần Thanh Phương, EXTENDMAX has become a leader in regulatory consulting for Vietnam’s information technology and electronics sectors. The company specializes in essential services like conformity certification, energy labeling, cryptographic licensing, network information security licensing, and import-export management for IT equipment.

EXTENDMAX has earned the trust of global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Lenovo, Panasonic, and Oppo by delivering solutions that save time, reduce costs, and ensure compliance. Committed to simplifying compliance and boosting product competitiveness, EXTENDMAX ensures businesses and consumers alike benefit from quality, certified products.

We at CIO Bulletin had the honor of interviewing Trần Thanh Phương, the visionary CEO of EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD. During our conversation, he shared invaluable insights into how his company has become the trusted partner for regulatory expertise, driving growth and unlocking opportunities for global brands to thrive in Vietnam's dynamic market and beyond.

Interview Highlights

Can you share the story behind the inception of EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD? What inspired you to establish the company in 2015?

EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO, LTD was founded in 2015 when I identified a significant gap in the market for professional consulting services in product conformity certification and import/export compliance. At that time, Vietnam's regulatory environment was becoming increasingly complex, especially for international businesses seeking to bring high-tech products into the market.

With many years of experience in business management, I recognized that Vietnam needed a professional and reliable partner to support global brands in overcoming these legal challenges. From this belief and a desire to create real value for customers and the community, I decided to establish EXTENDMAX with the mission of becoming a bridge to help international businesses succeed in Vietnam.

EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD specializes in ICT type approvals and cryptographic licensing. Can you provide a deeper insight into the key services you offer and their importance for your clients?

EXTENDMAX provides the following key services:

Market Access Consulting: Assisting clients in understanding legal requirements for product entry into Vietnam. EXTENDMAX advises on the roadmap and conditions for obtaining certifications and permits for smooth importation.

Product Conformity Certification: Ensuring ICT products comply with Vietnam's technical standards and regulations. This includes consulting on assessment, testing, and certification to make products market-ready.

Civil Cryptography Product Trading and Import Licenses: Supporting businesses in meeting the complex requirements for trading and importing civil cryptography products. EXTENDMAX evaluates current conditions, proposes solutions, and prepares essential documentation, including business and technical plans, for a seamless licensing process.

IOR/EOR Services: Acting as a legal importer/exporter for international clients without a local entity in Vietnam. EXTENDMAX manages customs clearance, tax declarations, and compliance. These services have supported major manufacturers like Cisco, HPE, Palo Alto, Arista, Nutanix, and F5 in completing supply chains, particularly for warranty and product replacement processes.

These services minimize risks, save costs and time, and ensure a smooth import process, allowing clients to focus on core business operations.

Serving renowned global brands like Microsoft, Amazon, and Samsung is an impressive feat. How does EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD maintain and strengthen its relationships with these industry leaders?

We maintain sustainable relationships with global partners through three core principles:

Customer-Centric Approach: We always listen to and understand the specific challenges of each client, providing solutions that align with their business goals.

Commitment to Quality: We ensure services are delivered accurately, on time, and to the highest standards, building trust with our clients.

Transparent Communication: We regularly update clients on regulatory changes, provide timely recommendations, and maintain transparency in all processes.

As a result, EXTENDMAX has become a trusted partner, consistently supporting clients in their journey to succeed in the Vietnamese market.

Innovation is one of your core values. Could you share a standout example of how EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD delivered a creative solution to a complex client challenge?

A standout example is the collaboration with LEGO. When LEGO built its largest and most modern factory in Vietnam, the project faced numerous challenges due to strict regulations on importing IT equipment, especially devices using cryptographic technology. LEGO lacked the legal infrastructure and experience in Vietnam to address these requirements.

EXTENDMAX took on the role of the legal importer (IOR) and directly handled the importation procedures for LEGO’s IT equipment. We:

• Classified the goods and IT devices to be imported and analyzed the relevant legal regulations.
• Advised LEGO on preparing and completing all necessary documentation to meet legal requirements.
• Worked closely with regulatory authorities to ensure the product conformity certification and licensing processes were completed accurately and promptly.

Thanks to this solution, we successfully helped LEGO import IT equipment worth tens of millions of USD, ensuring the progress of their $1.4 billion project.

EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD aspires to be a leading enterprise in the APAC region. What are the key strategies driving this vision forward?

We focus on three key strategies:

Expanding service scope: Meeting the increasingly diverse needs of clients, including comprehensive consulting on market access and foreign investment.

Innovating technology: Utilizing digital tools to optimize processes and deliver more efficient solutions.

Strengthening international partnerships: Building relationships with global partners to expand our network and enhance value for clients.

These strategies not only help us maintain our position in Vietnam but also expand our reach across the region and the world.

Can you give us a glimpse into some upcoming initiatives or projects that reflect EXTENDMAX VIETNAM CO., LTD's commitment to innovation and excellence?

In the near future, EXTENDMAX will implement several important initiatives:

Developing specialized training services: We are designing training programs for clients and potential partners to help them better understand the specific requirements for import/export and product conformity certification in Vietnam. This not only supports them in self-management but also enhances awareness of legal compliance.

Applying digital technology: EXTENDMAX is researching the implementation of an online management system that will allow clients to track the progress of their projects in real time. This system will improve transparency and efficiency in project management.

These initiatives not only reflect our commitment to innovation but also demonstrate our desire to deliver the highest value to clients and the community.

Trần Thanh Phương | In his Own Words

I am Trần Thanh Phương, the Founder and CEO of EXTENDMAX. I am a renowned legal expert with over 10 years of experience in import-export consulting and product conformity certification. With a strong foundation in business management from multinational corporations, I have built and led EXTENDMAX to become the leading consulting firm in Vietnam, serving top global technology corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Cisco, Lenovo, and Dell. I am also a Vietnamese entrepreneur who has received numerous international awards for my contributions and strategic vision in this field.

“By pioneering innovative solutions in product conformity certification and import/export compliance, we empower international companies to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic markets, creating lasting value for our clients and the community.”