English report link: Click here.

Vietnamese report link: Click here.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy widely implemented worldwide, whereby producers and importers are responsible for their products after disposal. The primary goal of EPR is to increase recycling rates, reduce waste, and shift the burden from local governments and taxpayers to enterprises.

Vietnam began regulating EPR in 2005 to address producers’ responsibility for waste from product use. By 2020, the Law on Environmental Protection issued detailed regulations on implementation procedures, requiring producers and importers of batteries, accumulators, lubricants, tyres, and commercial packaging to recycle their products and packaging from January 1, 2024. The methods for fulfilling EPR obligations include direct recycling, authorisation to intermediaries, hiring independent recyclers, or contributing recycling costs.

Implementing EPR as a compulsory obligation poses legal and financial challenges for businesses in complying with regulations. The DEPOCEN research group’s policy discussion in June 2024 aims to provide key information, including:

• Overview of EPR regulations: Specific regulations and the development history of EPR in Vietnam and globally.

• Recycling responsibilities of businesses: Mandatory recycling rates and standards.

• Waste treatment support responsibilities of businesses: Financial contribution methods and implementation processes.