The future of Vietnam’s recycling and waste management took center stage on Thursday, 4 April, 2024, as industry leaders and government officials convened at the Vietnam International Trade Fair (VIETNAM EXPO 2024). The seminar, titled “Extended Producer Responsibility: From Policy to Implementation,” organized by the Vietnam News Agency, highlighted the collective push towards a more sustainable and circular economy, drawing significant participation, including EuroCham Vietnam.

At the heart of the discussions was an announcement by Mr. Nguyen Thi, a Senior Officer from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). He detailed the forthcoming amendments to Decree 08/2022/ND-CP that promise to ease the compliance burden on businesses. With the Environmental Protection Law evolving since 2005, the latest adjustments represent Vietnam’s commitment to international environmental standards and trade agreements. The revised EPR regulations, simplifying administrative procedures and setting clear guidelines for recycling fees (Fs) will “motivate manufacturers and exporters to design products to be more environmentally friendly and easier to collect and recycle.”

Deputy General Director of Vietnam News Agency, Ms. Doan Thi Tuyet Nhung, emphasized EPR’s role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting the synergy between government policy and industry action as crucial for success.

Representing EuroCham’s Wine and Spirits Sector Committee, Ms. Giang Trinh, advocated for practical fees and enhanced support for companies to efficiently enact the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines in Vietnam.  While paying fees may be easier for businesses, Ms. Giang emphasized that this approach does not align with the goal of producing environmentally friendly packaging. Instead, the chamber advocated for extending the implementation time to further research models, initiatives, and operations rather than solely implementing EPR to comply with state regulations. EuroCham called for detailed regulations and instructions to provide a clear legal basis for reporting and declaration guidance, as businesses have recently compiled information hastily due to time constraints; an extension of the implementation time to research models, initiatives, and operations further, given the limited recycling infrastructure; and guidelines on fund use to ensure transparency and effectiveness, recommending that part of the fund be used to support businesses in implementing recycling initiatives.

EuroCham has been actively collaborating with MONRE and related parties from the beginning in building regulations, engaging in dialogue, and providing trainings on EPR. Numerous EuroCham member companies have already begun incorporating recycled materials into their products, showcasing their commitment to environmental preservation.