Vietnam Issues Updated Licensing Procedures for Transporting Dangerous Goods by Waterway and Rail

On 23 June 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Decision 1781/QD-BCT, introducing revised procedures for granting, amending, and re-granting licenses for the transport of dangerous goods by inland waterway and rail. The changes aim to strengthen regulatory transparency and enhance safety in hazardous goods transportation across Vietnam. 

The decision, which took effect on 1 July 2025, is part of broader administrative reforms issued under MOIT’s state management scope. It establishes a comprehensive legal framework to govern the transportation of high-risk substances, while clearly outlining agency responsibilities and dossier requirements for industry stakeholders. 

Scope of the New Licensing Procedures 

Issued in conjunction with Decree No. 65/2018/ND-CP and newly enacted regulations under Decrees No. 34/2024/ND-CP and 161/2024/ND-CP, the updated administrative procedures cover the following: 

A. Inland Waterway Transport of Dangerous Goods (Types 1, 2, 3, 4, 9): 

Applicants must submit a dossier as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 41 of Decree 65/2018/ND-CP and corresponding provisions of Decree 34/2024 or Decree 161/2024 to the designated licensing authority. 

Once a valid dossier is confirmed, the Department of Food Safety must issue a license—or formally reject the application with justification—within five working days, using the formats specified in Appendix VII or VIII of Decree 161/2024/ND-CP. 

B. Rail Transport of Dangerous Goods (Types 1, 2, 3, 4, 9): 

The entity transporting or contracting transport for dangerous goods must submit one dossier in accordance with Clause 1, Article 41 of Decree 65/2018/ND-CP. 

Pre-licensing Inspections for High-risk Shipments 

If the dossier contains inaccurate information, or the transport involves large volumes or highly hazardous goods, MOIT requires pre-licensing inspections by the Department of Food Safety under Decree 65/2018/ND-CP. In such cases, licensing must be completed within five working days of dossier receipt, including inspection and final decision. 

Regulatory Alignment and Administrative Streamlining 

Decision 1781/QD-BCT not only introduces new procedures but also amends and abolishes outdated ones, forming part of a broader move by the MOIT to streamline administrative processes and ensure consistency with current national and international transport safety standards. 

Implications for Industry Stakeholders 

By providing a more transparent and structured legal framework, the updated licensing process supports safer transportation practices while reducing administrative ambiguity for businesses operating in Vietnam’s hazardous goods supply chain.