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Legality of Windows OEM (COA_NSLP / DM) pre-installed in imported industrial CNC machinery

Sơn Dương 20 Reputation points
2026-05-26T02:35:48.2666667+00:00

Hello Microsoft Support and Community,

We are a subsidiary company based in Vietnam. Our parent company in South Korea purchased an industrial CNC machine from Supplier C.

This CNC machine integrates a built-in PC running Windows OEM_COA_NSLP and Windows OEM_DM to control the equipment. The machine was then transferred to our factory in Vietnam. We have completed all customs clearance procedures legally. However, on the official Customs Declaration form, the commodity is only listed as "CNC Machine" as a whole, without detailing the inner components or the pre-installed Windows operating system.

We would like to clarify the following points regarding Microsoft's licensing compliance:

Is the pre-installed Windows OEM license considered valid and compliant for use in Vietnam under this transfer scenario?

Since the Customs Declaration only states "CNC Machine" (with no specific mention of the Windows OS), is it sufficient to prove the legality of the software during a Microsoft license audit?

What specific documents or proofs do we need to retain from Supplier C or our Parent Company (e.g., original invoices, physical COA stickers, digital product keys, or transfer certificates) to ensure we satisfy Microsoft’s compliance requirements?

Thank you for your support!

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Licensing and activation
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Answer accepted by question author

HLBui 6,590 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-05-26T03:33:38.03+00:00

Good day Doan Chi Binh

First off, the OEM Windows license that comes pre-installed on the CNC machine is tied to the hardware itself. Since the machine was legally imported and cleared through customs, the OEM license remains valid for use in Vietnam. You don’t need to re-purchase or re-register Windows separately just because the machine crossed borders.

On the Customs Declaration part it’s normal that the OS isn’t listed separately. Microsoft doesn’t expect customs paperwork to detail software components; what matters is that the CNC machine was imported legally and the OS was bundled by the supplier. So yes, that’s sufficient from a compliance standpoint.

For proof of compliance during an audit, here’s what you’ll want to keep handy:

  • Original invoices from Supplier C or your parent company showing the purchase.
  • Physical COA stickers on the machine (if applicable).
  • Digital product keys or system documentation that came with the CNC.
  • Transfer certificates or any official paperwork from Supplier C confirming the machine was sold with Windows OEM.

In short: as long as you retain those documents, you’re covered. Microsoft’s audit team mainly checks that the OEM license is genuine and tied to the hardware, not whether customs listed “Windows” separately.

Don't forget to share your experience with "Accept the answer" . That others in community with similar issues can benefit from the guidance if you need more information, feel free to leave a message. We are happy to help!

Thank you!

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