Compulsory recycling rates for products, packaging specified

For batteries and accumulators, the compulsory recycling rates will be 12 per cent for lead-acid accumulators, 8 per cent for other types of accumulators and rechargeable batteries while the rate for lithium and nickel-metal hydride batteries for motor vehicles is zero per cent.

From May 25, manufacturers and importers of packaging, batteries and accumulators, lubricants, tyres and inner tubes, electrical and electronic devices, and road motor vehicles have to perform the recycling responsibility before selling them on the domestic market, according to Decree 110/2026/ND-CP.

Decree 110 detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Environmental Protection regarding the responsibility for recycling products and packaging and the responsibility for waste treatment of manufacturers and importers stipulates that for batteries and accumulators, the compulsory recycling rates will be 12 per cent for lead-acid accumulators and 8 per cent for other types of accumulators and rechargeable batteries while the rate for lithium and nickel-metal hydride batteries for motor vehicles will be zero per cent.

Regarding the packaging group, the decree specifies the compulsory recycling rate of the group of aluminium packaging and rigid PET packaging; carton paper packaging and iron and other metal packaging; and rigid HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PS packaging and glass packaging of 22 per cent, 20 per cent, and 15 per cent respectively.

Recycling rates will be specifically provided for each type of product or packaging and adjusted upwards every three years with each increase not exceeding 10 per cent and the first adjustment will be made in 2029.

The Decree also enumerates cases of determination of subjects required to perform the recycling responsibilities. Accordingly, for products and packaging of the same brand manufactured by different manufacturers, organisations or individuals in charge of goods labelling will have to perform recycling responsibilities.

However, there will be several cases where recycling is optional. Specifically, manufacturers and importers of products and packaging for export, temporary import for re-export, or for research, education, or testing purposes will not be subject to the recycling requirements.

Enterprises with total annual revenues from products subject to recycling worth under VND 30 billion may be exempted from the recycling responsibility. Meanwhile, manufacturers and importers of road motor vehicles will have to recycle vehicles that they manufacture or import and introduce to the market from January 1, 2027.

- (VLLF)