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Vietnam’s new Law on Chemicals No. 69/2025/QH15 officially took effect on January 1, 2026. According to the Vietnam Chemicals Agency (Vinachemia) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the Law on Chemicals 2025 is a strategic pivot aimed at transforming the sector into a modern, foundational industry that supports the nation’s goal of self-reliance and economic autonomy.
Strategic Vision and "Green" Growth
One of the most significant pillars of the new law is the formalization of a Chemical Industry Development Strategy. The law mandates that new chemical projects must prioritize high-tech equipment and eco-friendly technologies. To encourage this, the government has introduced "special investment incentives" for various key chemical industry sectors, including basic chemical products (as defined by Government Decrees), petrochemical products, pharmaceutical products, rubber products, high-nutrient fertilizers, hydrogen and ammonia produced by renewable energy, etc. Investments in specialized industrial parks, complexes, chemical projects are also eligible for the special incentives.
Tightening the "Lifecycle" Control
The Law on Chemicals 2025 introduces a more rigorous, "cradle-to-grave" management system. It covers everything from production and trade to import/export, transport, storage, and waste disposal. Key highlights are as follows:
A key highlight is the introduction of a stricter category for "Chemicals Requiring Special Control” in place of “Restricted Chemicals”. Organizations and individuals trading these substances are now required to maintain detailed purchase records and verify the identity of buyers. Furthermore, users of these chemicals must publicly declare their intended purpose. All the above shall be carried out through the National Chemical Database, ensuring full traceability from the factory to the end-user.
In addition, the authority is now mandating a declaration for all imported chemicals, except for the already licensed "Chemicals Requiring Special Control", "Restricted Chemicals" and other exemptions granted by the government.
Manage Chemicals in Products
For the first time, Vietnam has established a clear legal framework for managing hazardous chemicals in products. Manufacturers and importers are now legally obligated to disclose information regarding hazardous chemical content in their goods on the National Chemical Database. A specific list of products containing hazardous chemicals requiring declaration is set to be issued via government decrees.
Digital Transformation and Decentralization
Reflecting the government's push for "Digital Transformation", the new law emphasizes the use of the National Chemical Database as the core infrastructure and promoting the digitization of chemical management processes (declarations, licensing, reporting) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and interconnectedness among agencies and with businesses.
Additionally, the law decentralizes more power to local authorities. Provincial People's Committees are now empowered as the local licensing authority for conditional chemicals, establish their own own chemical incident prevention and response plans, perform on-the-ground inspection duties on the the management of hazardous chemicals in products and goods within their jurisdiction.
The previous Law on Chemicals No.06/2007/QH12 (and its amendments) expires from the effective date of this new Law, except for the except for the transitional cases specified in Article 48.
As the law takes effect this week, MoIT is expected to continue issuing detailed decrees and circulars to help domestic and international enterprises transition smoothly to the new regulatory standards. The draft implementation decrees and circulars are available here.
