On the morning of November 25, Tuoi Tre Newspaper and the Department of Environment (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) jointly organized a seminar titled “Improving Urban Air Quality.”
Mr. Le Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
According to Mr. Le Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MARD), in the final months of 2024, Hanoi experienced four prolonged periods of air pollution. Monitoring results revealed that fine particulate matter (PM) levels in 2024 exceeded the standard by approximately twofold, with a significant number of days recording poor air quality.
Ho Chi Minh City and several neighboring provinces also witnessed instances where PM levels surpassed daily average standards.
The primary sources of air pollution include industrial sectors, transportation, agricultural emissions, and construction activities.
Monitoring data indicates that vehicle emissions contribute approximately 12-15% to PM levels. Additionally, transportation activities generate road dust, accounting for 20-30% of air pollution.
Proposed Roadmap for Vehicle Emission Standards
Recently, MARD submitted a draft regulation to the Prime Minister outlining a roadmap for implementing national technical standards for vehicle emissions in Vietnam. The roadmap tightens emission standards for vehicles with five levels. Currently, Vietnam applies only levels 1 and 2.
Under the draft, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will adopt the roadmap earlier and more rigorously.
Specifically, vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2021 must comply with level 4 standards from January 1, 2027. Furthermore, vehicles produced after 2022 will need to meet level 5 standards starting January 1, 2028.
Similarly, MARD has submitted a draft roadmap for emission standards applicable to motorcycles and scooters in Vietnam, comprising four levels. The draft proposes stricter standards for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Implementation in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will begin on July 1, 2027, with other provinces and cities following gradually.
The standards range from level 1 to level 4, based on the vehicle’s manufacturing year. For Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, MARD suggests that all motorcycles and scooters must meet at least level 2 standards from January 1, 2028, to progressively reduce high-emission vehicles.
To achieve this, MARD emphasizes the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in supplying suitable fuels corresponding to emission standards. This remains a challenging issue.
“Although motorcycles and scooters will need to comply with higher standards (levels 4-5), the available fuels in the market primarily meet levels 2-3, with higher-quality options being scarce,” Mr. Nam noted.
New Proposal Directly Affecting Millions of Vehicles to Take Effect Next Year
The implementation of Level 4 standards for vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2021 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is a notable concern, as nearly 16% of these vehicles fail to meet the required criteria.
Motorcycle Emission Testing Roadmap in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Beyond: What You Need to Know
Motorcycle emission testing is a crucial measure designed to effectively monitor and reduce vehicle emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Motorcycle Emission Testing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Starting July 1, 2027
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proposed mandatory emission testing for motorcycles and scooters in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, effective July 1, 2027.
Greening the Textile Industry: Rising Above the Manufacturing Trap
In the textile industry, green initiatives are being implemented with unprecedented vigor and stringent oversight, compelling a comprehensive transformation across the entire lifecycle of products—from design and manufacturing to end-of-life disposal.
National Steering Committee Proposal to Combat Air Pollution
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh, the Ministry is advising the Prime Minister to establish a National Steering Committee on Air Pollution Control, particularly in the Capital Region. This initiative aims to strengthen and maximize the effectiveness of the entire political system in addressing this challenging yet urgent and essential task.
