Vietnam Announces National Plan for Management and Elimination of Ozone-Depleting Substances

On June 11, 2024, Vietnam promulgated Decision No. 496/QD-TTg, establishing a national plan for the management and removal of restricted substances that deplete the ozone layer and greenhouse gases, which took effect immediately upon its announcement. 

Commitment to International Protocols 

The study of ozone levels is critical for human activities and manufacturing worldwide. Vietnam is preparing to approve its membership of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. This includes the implementation of the 19th Project, which focuses on substances that deplete ozone levels and their complete regulations, policies, phase-out and control. 

Classification and Regulation 

The Montreal Protocol classifies substances and compounds into two main categories:  

1. Products and substances, machinery and materials from the production, import, export and consumption, gathered, such as methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride (CTC), halon, hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), bromochloromethane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).  

2. Conditions of control and detergents. 

Only methyl bromide is imported for use in accordance with the licence; export goods' translation and sterilization; hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) substances are only imported in accordance with the quota distributed in accordance with ten regulations in 2024; hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) substances are only imported in accordance with strict quality standards, classified according to ten regulations, and used for import and export in 2040. 

Consumption Targets 

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): By December 31, 2024, national consumption will not exceed 2,600 tonnes per year, representing a 35 % decrease in consumption relative to the base consumption. 

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Between 2024 and 2029, the country's total consumption should not exceed 14.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent or the baseline consumption level. 

Objectives 

The objective is to make a good faith commitment to refrain from producing, importing, exporting, or using waste materials; goods and machinery made from or containing chemicals such as phenol chloroform, cyclohexane, halon, HBFC, methyl chloroform, HCFC 141 b, and HCFC-141 b in polyol products; import and export of other HCFC compounds not to exceed 2040. Methyl bromide should be used specifically for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory applications. Reduce HFC emissions by 20% by 2045 and keep the reduction going.