Vietnam has notified the WTO of draft amendments to three national technical regulations covering lead content in paints, mercury content in fluorescent lamps, and formaldehyde and aromatic amines derived from azo dyes in textile products. The draft amendments are proposed for adoption and entry into force on 1 July 2026, with comments open until 27 June 2026.

Key regulatory scope

The draft amendments apply to:

• paints, including architectural paints, industrial paints and decorative paints, subject to limits on lead content;
• fluorescent lamps containing mercury, including compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent tubes;
• textile products, including apparel, home textiles and technical textiles, subject to limits on formaldehyde and aromatic amines derived from azo colourants.

The amendments update three existing national technical regulations:

• QCVN 01:2017/BCT on formaldehyde and aromatic amines derived from azo dyes in textile products;
• QCVN 02A:2020/BCT on mercury content in fluorescent lamps;
• QCVN 08:2020/BCT on lead content in paints.

Main proposed changes

The draft mainly updates:

• labeling requirements;
• transportation requirements;
• conformity declaration procedures;
• conformity assessment procedures;
• use of conformity marks;
• registration of conformity declaration through Vietnam’s national standards, metrology and quality database.

The amendment to QCVN 02A:2020/BCT provides that imported mercury-containing fluorescent lamps must follow conformity assessment Method 1, while domestically manufactured mercury-containing fluorescent lamps must follow Method 5 under Circular No. 14/2026/TT-BKHCN.

Industry impact

The measure is relevant for manufacturers, importers and traders of paints, fluorescent lamps and textile products in Vietnam. Companies should review whether their products fall under the affected QCVNs and confirm conformity assessment routes, conformity declaration registration, product labeling, transport documentation and testing evidence before placing products on the Vietnamese market.

Paint suppliers should focus on lead limits and supporting test data. Lamp suppliers should confirm mercury content and conformity declaration obligations. Textile suppliers should review formaldehyde limits and restricted aromatic amines from azo colourants, especially for apparel, home textiles and technical textile products.