On the morning of June 14, the National Assembly voted to pass the Law on Chemicals (amended) with 442/445 delegates participating in the vote (accounting for 92.47%).
Previously, the National Assembly listened to reports explaining, accepting and revising the draft Law.
Regarding the opinion of National Assembly deputies (NAs), it is recommended to study and supplement prohibited acts related to chemicals of unknown origin, smuggled chemicals, chemicals imported and exported that do not comply with the provisions of law.
Regarding this issue, the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) believes that Clause 1, Article 3 of the draft Law strictly prohibits the acts of illegal production, trading, transportation, storage, use, purchase, sale, and exchange of chemicals, which includes the acts mentioned by the National Assembly Delegate. Therefore, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly would like to not add this content to the draft Law.
In addition, the provisions of Clause 1, Article 3 are sufficient to strictly handle acts of illegal dangerous chemical supply, regardless of whether such acts are made by direct purchase and sale or through the electronic environment (digital platform, social networks or electronic trading floors...).
Clause 3, Article 3 also stipulates that the act of not providing or intentionally providing incomplete, untimely, and incorrect information about the dangerous properties of chemicals; products and goods containing dangerous chemicals... is a prohibited act.
Regarding chemical trading, there are opinions suggesting to clarify the legal value of the Chemical Purchase and sale Control Certificate and study appropriate management options (such as solutions applying information technology), ensuring strictness and convenience in addition to control.
The National Assembly Standing Committee believes that the draft Law stipulates the responsibility for issuing a Control Certificate for the purchase and sale of chemicals that need to be specifically controlled, which is one of the measures to strengthen post-inspection work.
With this regulation, buyers and sellers of chemicals that need special control must be responsible for monitoring and managing chemicals. In case the buyer or seller does not prepare a Control Form, they will be punished according to the provisions of the law on handling administrative violations.
According to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, the draft Law currently has a suitable management plan for chemicals that need special control, ensuring strictness and convenience.
Regarding chemical advertising, there are opinions suggesting clearly defining prohibited acts and specific sanctions for acts of false advertising or misunderstanding about the nature and uses of chemicals.
In addition, it is necessary to focus on controlling forms of online advertising, advertising through celebrities, through social networks that are developing strongly but lack clear sanctions.
Regarding this content, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly believes that, to avoid duplication in the system of legal documents, the draft Law does not stipulate violations and sanctions for acts of false advertising, causing misunderstanding.
There are opinions suggesting building, supporting and developing the chemical industry towards green chemicals and a circular economy.
Regarding this content, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly said that the draft Law has stipulated the application of green chemistry principles, including 12 principles to minimize the impact of chemicals on the environment and human health.
The application of the green chemistry principle is necessary to move towards sustainable development goals, contributing to the implementation of Conclusion No. 81-KL/TW dated June 4, 2024 of the Politburo to promote the implementation of green transformation and a circular economy.
According to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, currently, some principles of green chemistry have been applied by many projects (such as energy saving, incident prevention, etc.). The application of the green chemistry principle will be regulated by the Government, with specific instructions according to the provisions of Clause 5, Article 5 of the draft Law.
