Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment proposes fees for single-use plastics

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has proposed a new draft decree to regulate the use of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable plastic bags in Vietnam. Instead of an immediate total ban, the proposal suggests transitioning to a model of restriction and fee-based usage.

Under the draft, shopping centers, supermarkets, hotels, and tourist areas would be prohibited from providing free non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products. Consumers who wish to use these items, such as food trays, bowls, chopsticks, cups, straws, and cutlery, would be required to pay for them.

The proposal aims to manage the entire product lifecycle, increasing responsibility from production to consumption. The Ministry recommends halting the production and import of certain items, including straws, knives, spoons, forks, and foam food containers, by 2031. Additionally, the production and import of thin, non-biodegradable plastic bags would also be phased out by 2031.