Vietnam: Proposed regulations on mandatory product recycling under new draft decree implementing the new law on environmental protection

In brief

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) released a draft decree implementing Law No. 72/2020/QH14 on Environmental Protection (“Draft Decree“), which introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Alongside the introduction of a framework for the recycling of packaging waste (available here), the Draft Decree also proposes a mandatory recycling framework for products (“Recycling Obligations“).¹

Under the Draft Decree, producers and importers subject to product Recycling Obligations will need to do either of the following:

1. Recycle or arrange for the recycling of products according to the mandatory recycling rate and specifications.
2. Make a financial contribution to the Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund.

The Draft Decree subjects producers and importers of products in the following categories to Recycling Obligations:

• Electronics – including light bulbs, computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, cameras, video recorders, televisions, household appliances, and solar panels (recycling obligations enforced from 01/01/2024)
• Batteries (recycling obligations enforced from 01/01/2024)
• Oils and greases (recycling obligations enforced from 01/01/2023)
• Inner tubes and tires (recycling obligations enforced from 01/01/2023)
• Vehicles, Motorbikes and Heavy Equipment (recycling obligations enforced from 01/01/2025)

This alert will highlight the following topics:

• Recycling obligations in detail
• Product-specific recycling requirements
• Penalties for noncompliance

 Click here to access the full alert.

1 Draft Decree implementing Law No. 72/2020/QH14 on Environmental Protection, Art. 87(2).