Vietnam Plans to Modify the Laws on Hazardous Substances

Vietnam wants to change the labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and reporting requirements for chemicals subject to restrictions on use. The related consultation runs until June 26.

The draft (Vietnamese only) published at the end of April by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) calls for updating the chemicals law (Regulation No. 113/2017/ND-CP) and the Guidelines for implementing the law (No. 32/2017/TT-BCT). As soon as the draft is accepted, manufacturers and importers active in the Vietnamese market must observe the following requirements:

• In the future, SDSs must be provided for hazardous substances. Such substances can be brought to the market only when a corresponding SDS is available. Appendix 9 of the Law defines the information that the SDS must contain.
• The annual reports from industry on chemicals-related activities must specify the hazardous contents of mixtures when the concentration exceeds 0.1%. The regulation does not apply to chemicals listed in Annex II (list of banned substances).
• The validity of manufacturing and trade licenses for restricted chemicals is limited to five years from the date of issue.
• Classification of chemicals must correspond to the regulations in effect.
• When hazardous goods are transported, the hazardous goods label must follow the regulations that apply to the transport of hazardous goods.

We are familiar with the SDS requirements that apply in Vietnam. Feel free to contact us with your questions at sales@kft.de.