Vietnam: Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha issued a product roadmap to ban the use of inefficient energy


On May 24, 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha issued Decision No. 14/2023/QD-TTg, announcing the list and roadmap for phasing out inefficient vehicles, equipment, and inefficient generating units that are no longer built.

This decision applies to state organs, enterprises, organizations and individuals engaged in the import, production and trade of specific goods. The decision does not apply to products that are only temporarily sold in Vietnam, such as those intended for re-export.

The decision stipulates that the following categories of products specified in Appendix I will not be allowed to be imported, produced and traded if they do not meet the minimum energy efficiency levels set out in the applicable national standards (TCVNs). These items include, but are not limited to, designated products in the following categories:

Household appliances (compact fluorescent lamps, electronic ballasts for
  • fluorescent lamps, electromagnetic ballasts for fluorescent lamps, straight tube fluorescent lamps, electric fans, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners without air ducts, washing machines, rice cookers, water heaters, commercial refrigerators, electric motors, transformers and boilers, etc.);
  • Office and commercial products (including monitors, copiers, printers, desktops, laptops, etc.);
  • Industrial products (LED street and street lighting, boilers for industrial plants, transformers).

The list and specific restrictions on the coal-fired and gas-fired power generation components of inefficient thermal power plants that are not allowed to be built are set out in Annex II of the decision.

This decision entered into force on 15 July 2023 and replaces Decision 24/2018/QD-TTg. The mandatory date for the new standards for desktops and laptops is April 1, 2025.

Click this link to view the original text of decision 14/2023/QD-TTg.