Vietnam Issues the List of Approved Companies for Product and Packaging EPR Recycling

On August 14, 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) in Vietnam released Announcement No. 460/TB-BTNMT on the publication of the list of product and packaging recycling units. Accordingly, 28 more recycling units of products and packaging have been announced.

Impacts on Enterprises

Businesses in Vietnam are required to abide with the Environmental Protection Law’s and its implementing rules’ EPR standards. The recycling and treatment duties are the two main requirements for EPR that are established and detailed in these laws. 

More precisely,

• Manufacturers and exporters of specific items will be required to handle trash starting on January 1, 2022. Products like single-use batteries, non-biodegradable bags, and disposable shampoo are among those involved.
• Beginning on January 1, 2024, companies and people engaged in the production or importation of particular goods and packaging will be held accountable for recycling, adhering to the required recycling rates and requirements. Tires, commercial packaging, and other items and packaging are involved.

There are two main ways to carry out your recycling responsibilities: (1) organizing recycling on your own, and (2) contributing money to the Vietnam Environment Protection Fund. Under the self-organization approach, businesses can fulfill their recycling obligations with the support of PRO Vietnam and VAMM. In order to streamline the recycling process, this kind of company connects with recycling units as a third-party middleman. They support the organization, reporting, and planning of recycling initiatives.