Experts analyze aspects of Vietnam’s draft chemicals law at national workshop

On August 1, the Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment held a workshop at the National Assembly Office Headquarters, to provide input on the updated draft Law on Chemicals. Le Quang Huy, the Committee Chairman, presided over the workshop. As a result, a wealth of information was provided, including how the chemical industry is developed, managed, and used to ensure compliance with existing laws and standards. 

Conference Participants 

The workshop was attended by members of many National Assembly committees, as well as representatives of the Nationality Council and the Committee on Science, Technology, and the Environment.. Mr. Phung Manh Ngoc, Director of the Chemical Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), delegates, specialists, and scientists, as well as representatives from several other key ministries and branches, were present on the side of the drafting agency of the Chemical Law project. 

Scope of the Updated Law 

The updated Law on Chemicals covers agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in chemical activities within the borders of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Vietnamese organizations and individuals; foreign organizations and individuals involved in chemical activities; and individuals investing in and building chemical projects. 

Key Objectives  

Based on political, legal, and practical considerations, the Government suggests to amend the 2007 Law on Chemicals in order to: ensure legal consistency; comply with international treaties to which Vietnam is a party; overcome obstacles and shortcomings in the implementation of the 2007 Law on Chemicals; and concretize the Party’s guidelines on the development of the chemical industry as a fundamental industry that meets the demand for basic manufacturing supplies of the economy and serves industrialization and modernization of the nation. 

The 89 articles that make up the updated draft Law on Chemicals are divided into 10 chapters. The regulatory scope of the Law covers chemical activities, industry development, items containing hazardous chemicals, chemical activity safety, rights and obligations of organizations and individuals engaged in chemical activities, and state administration of chemicals.