New restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) have been suggested by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to conform with the directives of the EU. The discussion on the draft regulation will continue until 17 October 2022.

On 19 August 2022 a National Technical Regulation on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) was published by the MoIT. Four phthalates: Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate, Benzyl butyl phthalate, Dibutyl phthalate, and Diisobutyl phthalate would be added to Vietnam’s list of restricted substances in EEE.

According to the regulation draft-

• 0.1% or 1000 mg/kg will be the maximum use limit for every new substance in EEE.
• A certificate of conformity with three years validity will be necessary.
• The certificate must be obtained from a registered testing organization before placing certain EEE on the market.

Inclusion of the four phthalates would align the hazardous substance restrictions for EEE of Vietnam with the EUs RoHS Directives.

On 1 January 2026 the regulation will come into effect after getting approval. It would replace Vietnam’s existing RoHS regulation, Circular 30/2011/TT-BCT.