Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment recently proposed to tighten vehicle emission standards in its major cities. The new standards will be applied mostly to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from 2027 onwards.
NEW RULES
Starting January 2027, vehicles will be required to meet Vietnam’s Level 4 vehicle emission standards. Level 4 refers to a limit of 0.5 per cent CO by volume in emissions from a petrol vehicle. This new rule will apply to vehicles manufactured in 2017 to 2021.
On the other hand, vehicles manufactured from 2022 onwards have different requirements. Starting from 2026, these vehicles will be required to meet Level 4 standards and Level 5 by 2030. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, however, they are required to meet level 5 by 2028.
“Priority must be given to Hanoi and HCM City,” said Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh. Both cities are a concern for air pollution and citizen health. Earlier this year, Hanoi was named “World’s Most Polluted City” by IQAir.
For these two cities, all vehicles must meet at least Level 2 emissions standards by 2030. This will be applied to all operating vehicles regardless of manufacturing year.
According to online publication Xinhua, the proposal “assigns ministries to ensure fuel quality, update inspection protocols, and enforce compliance, while granting local governments the right to adopt stricter timelines if needed.”
CO LEVELS
The levels previously mentioned in the article fall under Vietnam’s National Technical Regulations on Emissions of Automobiles Participating in Road Traffic. This circular was published in 2025 and outlines emissions standards for vehicles to improve air quality.
Petrol-powered cars that fall under Level 1 are limited to 4.5 per cent CO by volume. For cars that fall under Level 2, only up to 3.5 per cent CO by volume is permitted. Level 3 is not far off, allowing only up to 3 per cent exactly.
GOV’T SUPPORT
The ministry is aware that the proposal will not be enough to solve Vietnam’s air pollution problem. “It must be combined with policies to promote clean transport, phase out outdated vehicles, and encourage people to switch to electric cars, hybrids and other green technologies,” wrote VietnamPlus.
The proposal also mentions the Ministries of Construction and Finance who have their own duties to fulfil. The Ministry of Construction will be responsible for the certification of vehicles and their compliance with the set standards.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance recommended offering tax and fee reductions to help drivers replace older vehicles.
According to the article, the proposal will be adjusted stemming from real conditions and submitted to the Prime Minister accordingly. Meanwhile, local authorities can impose stricter regulations depending on their area’s needs. Adjusted regulations, however, must still comply with Vietnam’s Law on Environmental Protection and Law on Traffic Safety.
Did you find this article helpful? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!
