To support the implementation of this law, the Vietnamese government issued three government Decrees and two ministerial Circulars on January 17, 2026. these documents systematically restructure the processes, declaration scopes, and compliance requirements for imported chemicals.
Key policy changes for chemical imports are as follows:
1. Comprehensive Expansion of Import Declaration Scope
Abolishment of the "Positive List": The previous system, which only required declarations for substances on a specific list, has been replaced by a "Broad Coverage Principle."
Mandatory Declaration: All imported materials classified under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals) and Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) of the Vietnam Nomenclature of Exports and Imports must now be declared through the "National Single Window," regardless of whether they are on specific control lists.
Exemptions: Only rare exceptions apply (e.g., import quantities of less than 10kg per invoice or less than 1kg for laboratory use).
2. Reclassification: From "Restricted" to "Chemicals Requiring Special Control"
System Change: The category of "Restricted Chemicals" has been replaced by "Chemicals Requiring Special Control."
Permit Requirements: In addition to an operating license, importers of these chemicals must now apply for an individual "Import/Export Permit" for every single invoice.
Validity: These permits are generally valid for six months and may only be extended once.
3. Market Access Mechanism for "New Chemical Substances"
Definition: Any substance not currently included in the Vietnam National Chemical Inventory (NCI) is considered a "New Chemical."
Access Procedure: Before entering the Vietnamese market, importers must submit written documentation and a third-party risk assessment report. Importation is only permitted after passing a national-level technical evaluation.
Monitoring Period: Once approved, the substance will be placed under a dynamic monitoring system for a period of five years.
4. Enhanced Disclosure of Hazardous Substances in Products
Downstream Responsibility: The new policy regulates not only pure chemicals but also strengthens oversight of "products containing hazardous chemicals."
Information Disclosure: Importers must disclose the composition and content of hazardous substances within their products in the National Chemical Database before the products can be launched on the market.
Action Required: We strongly advise all manufacturers and exporters planning to ship chemicals to Vietnam to review these regulatory changes immediately. Please engage in detailed consultations with your logistics partners and importers to ensure full compliance and avoid customs clearance failures upon arrival in Vietnam.
For further consultation, please contact our dedicated hotline:
