ROHS Compliance

Decree No. 25/2026/ND-CP, "Detailing Regulations on the Development of the Chemical Industry and the Safety and Security of Chemical Substances under the Law on Chemicals," was issued by the Vietnamese government. On the day of promulgation, the decree becomes operative. It lays down standards that are primarily pertinent to manufacturing sites, such as green chemistry, chemical industry development strategies, chemical safety training, safety when handling chemicals, and the prevention and reaction to chemical accidaents.  

The structure of the decree is as follows: 

Chapter 

Title 

Articles 

Summary 

I 

General Provisions 

1–4 

Scope, subjects of application, and responsibilities 

II 

Chemical Industry Development Strategy 

5–10 

General provisions on activities related to chemical industry development 

III 

Chemical Projects 

 

11–14 

Principles of green chemistry and criteria for project selection 

IV 

 

Chemical Consulting 

 

15–24 

 

Requirements for organizations and individuals providing chemical‑related consulting and procedures 

V 

 

Ensuring Safety and Security in Handling Chemical Substances 

25–28 

 

Handling, safe transport, and safety distances for chemical facilities 

VI 

Specialized Safety Training on Chemical Substances 

29–31 

 

Handling, safe transport, and safety distances for chemical facilities 

VII 

Prevention and Response to Chemical Accidents 

33–39 

 

Plans/measures for accident prevention and response, and treatment of wartime residual toxic substances 

VIII 

Implementation Provisions 

 

40–41 

 

Grace periods and implementation rules 

This document explains the following topics: 

  • Ensuring safety and security in handling chemical substances 

  • Professional requirements for handling chemical substances 

  • Chemical safety training 

  • Chemical accident prevention and response plans/measures 

 

Under the new decree issued pursuant to the Law on Chemicals, Vietnam has clarified comprehensive requirements on safety, professional qualifications, and training for entities handling chemical substances. 

Ensuring Safety and Security of Chemical Substances 

Facilities and Technology 

The decree sets specific standards for fixed infrastructure (e.g., factories and warehouses) and mobile equipment (e.g., containers and storage tanks). All infrastructure and technologies must comply with national technical regulations (QCVN) and be appropriate to the characteristics, production scale, and technological processes of each chemical substance. 

Transport of Chemical Substances 

Transport vehicles, tanks, containers, packaging, instruments, and personal protective equipment must be suitable for the properties of each chemical and meet applicable QCVN and TCVN standards. Safety must be ensured before, during, and after transport. Entities involved in transportation must comply with legal provisions governing dangerous goods. 

Safety Distances 

Projects must maintain prescribed safety distances from surrounding facilities. Except for designated cases, construction within these safety zones is prohibited. Competent construction authorities will issue technical standards on safety distances for facilities manufacturing or storing hazardous chemicals. 

Professional Requirements for Handling Chemical Substances 

  • Chemical manufacturing: A responsible person must be appointed with at least a university-level qualification in a chemical-related field. 

  • Trading, storage, use, treatment, or disposal: A responsible person must have at least a secondary-level technical qualification in the chemical field. 

Annex III specifies eligible disciplines and corresponding education codes across secondary, higher education, university, and postgraduate (master’s and doctoral) levels for personnel engaged in chemical management activities. 

 

Chemical Safety Training Requirements 

Training Subjects 

Group 1: 

  • Heads of organizations/facilities handling chemicals 

  • Department, division, or factory supervisors 

  • Deputies responsible for chemical management 

Group 2: 

  • Chemical safety officers 

  • Direct workplace safety supervisors 

  • Warehouse personnel handling chemicals 

Group 3: 

  • Workers directly handling chemicals 

  • On-site medical personnel (if applicable) 

Training Frequency 

  • Regular training: Once every two years 

  • Retraining required when: 

  • Chemical substances or technologies change 

  • Workplace changes 

  • Two failed examinations occur 

  • The two-year validity period expires 

Training Duration 

  • Initial training: Minimum 8 hours (including examination) for all groups 

  • Refresher training: 50% of the initial training duration 

Trainer Qualifications 

In-house trainers must have: 

  • A university degree or higher in a chemical field 

  • At least three years of practical chemical safety experience 

  • Qualifications compliant with occupational safety and health training regulations 

External consultants must: 

  • Meet chemical safety consultant criteria specified in Article 19 

 

Examinations and Recordkeeping 

Examinations: 

  • Maximum duration of 2 hours 

  • Must reflect training content 

  • Passing score: at least average 

Record Retention (minimum three years): 

  • Training materials/content 

  • List of trainees 

  • Trainer details 

  • Examination content and results 

  • Certificates issued 

Overall, the decree strengthens governance, competency, and accountability requirements for chemical safety management across manufacturing, storage, trade, and handling activities. 

Chemical Accident Prevention and Reaction 

The decree lays down specifications for plans and actions pertaining to the response and prevention of chemical accidents.