The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) is currently drafting amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Environmental Protection, aiming at reforming administrative procedures—particularly regarding Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and environmental permits—to ensure effective control over projects and facilities with a high risk of pollution while simplifying procedures to promote socio-economic development.

The draft law introduces several new prohibited acts, including the import of used sea vessels for dismantling and recycling. This measure is intended to limit the risk of environmental pollution from old ships, prevent the influx of outdated technology and equipment into Vietnam, and mitigate risks associated with the dismantling and disposal of waste generated from end-of-life vessels. Additionally, the discharge of controlled substances contained in discarded equipment and products into the environment will also be prohibited to strengthen pollution control.

Specifically, the draft lists the illegal import of used vehicles, machinery, and equipment for scrapping, as well as the import of used sea vessels for dismantling and recycling, as prohibited activities in environmental protection.

According to the MAE’s analysis, the dismantling of imported used ships in Vietnam poses significant environmental threats due to hazardous materials and pollutants, such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), Cadmium and its compounds, Chromium (VI) and its compounds, and Mercury and its compounds, among others.

The ministry noted that these hazardous materials are subject to strict controls under Annex 1 of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MEPC.379(80), which provides updated guidelines for the development and management of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) under the Hong Kong Convention. The Hong Kong International Convention focuses on controlling the IHM during the construction, repair, and modification of ships, as well as ensuring safety and environmental protection during the dismantling process at ship-breaking facilities.

The MAE further emphasized that banning the import of used sea vessels for dismantling will not affect the supply of materials for Vietnam’s domestic shipbuilding and repair industry.