East Asia and Pacific Region: MARINE PLASTICS SERIES Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam POLICY BRIEF: REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN VIETNAM VIETNAM’S PLASTIC LITTER CHALLENGE V ietnam is one of the top five plastic polluters of the world’s oceans. Every year, an estimated 2.8 to 3.1 million tons of plastic waste are discharged on land in Vietnam, and at least 10 percent of this goes into the ocean.1 Imports, production, use, and mismanagement of plastics are rapidly rising in Vietnam, and all are expected to worsen plastic pollution on land and in the ocean. According to a 2018 study by the World Bank, Vietnam’s overall waste generation rate is projected to double from 27 million tons in 2018 to 54 million tons by 2030.2 Under a business-as-usual scenario, the National Plastics Action Partnership Vietnam (NPAP-Vietnam) estimates that plastic leakage into Vietnam’s waterways could more than double by 2030 if the country’s current inadequate waste collection, recycling, and treatment rates are maintained.3 Therefore, it is crucial for Vietnam to take proactive actions now to reduce plastic pollution. In Vietnam’s National Action Plan for Management of Marine Plastic Litter by 2030, the country sets bold targets for reversing its plastic waste trajectory. Achieving these goals will require implementing the three-pillar pathway set out in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Action Plan for Combatting Marine Debris. Pillar 1: Reduce Inputs into the System, promotes reducing single-use, low-value plastics and encouraging the use of reusable or recyclable alternatives. Pillar 2: Improve Collection and Minimize Leakage, promotes improving solid waste management systems and establishing extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. Pillar 3: Create Value for Waste Reuse, promotes developing markets for plastics recycling and reuse. The World Bank’s report, Toward a National Single-use Plastics Roadmap in Vietnam: Strategic Options for Reducing Priority Single-use Plastics,4 recommends upstream policy options that contribute to addressing Pillar 1. The policy options for the coming five years (2022–2026), which are recommended in this report, and summarized in this brief, are based on international good practices, they are suitable for Vietnam’s context, and they target the single-use plastics (SUPs) that are most prevalent in Vietnam’s environment. 1 Jambeck, Jenna R., Roland Geyer, Chris Wilcox, Theodore R. Siegler, Miriam Perryman, Anthony Andrady, Ramani Narayan and Kara Lavender Law. 2015. “Plastic Waste Inputs from Land into the Ocean,” Science 347(6223): 768–771. https://science.science- mag.org/ content/347/6223/768 2 van den Berg, Katelijn, Duong Cam Thuy, Joan Maj Nielsen, Carsten Skov, Gerard Simonis, Nguyen Thi, Kim Thai, Leu Tho Bach, and Bui Quynh Nga. 2018. “Solid and Industrial Hazardous Waste Management Assessment: Options and Action Area to Imple- ment the National Strategy.” Washington, DC: World Bank. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/352371563196189492/ pdf/Solid-and-industrial-hazardous-waste-management-assessment-options-and-actions-areas.pdf. 3 NPAP (National Plastic Action Partnership) Vietnam. n.d. “Radically Reducing Plastic Leakage in Vietnam: Action Roadmap.” Draft under development. For more information contact: National Plastic Action Partnership Vietnam. vietnam@globalplasticaction.org. 4 World Bank. Toward a National Single-use Plastics Roadmap in Vietnam: Strategic Options for Reducing Priority Single-use Plas- tics. Washington, D.C: World Bank (forthcoming). Vietnam is one of the world’s major plastic litter polluters; every year an estimated 280,000 to 310,000 tons of plastic leak into the ocean. To inform the development of these policy options, in their findings may not be nationally representative, July 2020 and April 2021, the World Bank conducted as they did not account for seasonal variability in field surveys to identify the top 10 plastic items polluting the use and distribution of plastic items. However, Vietnam’s waterways, and found that the majority of in accordance with Pillar 1 of the ASEAN Action Plan these were single-use, low-value plastic items (See Box for Combatting Marine Debris (Reduce Inputs into 1 and Figure 1). These surveys were conducted at 38 the System), the studies do provide valuable data sites in 10 locations in Vietnam. Along with counting for identifying which priority items Vietnam’s plastics and weighing the plastics found at 24 riverbank and reduction policies should target. 14 coastal sites, the World Bank team used remote If the policy options recommended in this report are sensing and net trawl surveys to monitor the plastic carried out, they should contribute significantly to waste in, and alongside, Vietnam’s waterways. The Vietnam’s goal of reducing SUPs on land, in waterways, World Bank also conducted a study to identify which and leaking into the ocean. The National Plastics single and multi-use alternatives for the country’s top Action Partnership Vietnam estimates that reducing polluting plastic items were available in the market SUP products through their elimination, reuse, and in Vietnam. replacement with suitable alternatives could reduce It should be noted that although the field studies the amount of plastic waste produced annually in investigated a number of locations across Vietnam, Vietnam by 1.66 million tons, and cut 22 percent from BOX 1. TOP 10 POLLUTING PLASTIC ITEMS IN VIETNAM’S WATERWAYS Plastic waste accounted for most of the suspended waste collected in the studied waterways (around 94 percent in number; and around 71 percent in weight) Single-use plastic items accounted for 62 percent of the total plastic waste (in number) and 58 percent (in weight) Take-away food related waste was the most abundant source of plastic waste (44 percent in number and 35 percent in weight). This was followed by fisheries-related waste (33 percent in number and 31 percent in weight), and household-related waste (22 percent in number and 23 percent in weight) OVERALL TOP 10 PLASTIC ITEMS (BY NUMBER) 20.0% 18.0% 17.4% 16.6% 16.0% 14.0% 13.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.4% 8.0% 7.4% 6.1% 6.0% 4.6% 4.0% 3.2% 3.2% 3.1% 2.0% 0.0% Soft plastic Fishing Fishing Plastic bags Styrofoam Hard plastic Straws Other food Other Crisp/sweet fragments gear 1 gear 2 size 1 food fragments wrappers plastic packages containers Vietnam’s Plastic Litter Challenge | 3 The government of Vietnam has committed to banning the production and importing of plastic bags by 2026 and most single-use plastic products by 2031. the amount of plastic waste that was estimated to be plan also commits the government to eliminating leaking into Vietnam’s waterways in 2018.5 single-use plastics from coastal tourism destinations and protected marine areas by 2030. Additionally, the VIETNAM’S INTENTIONS TO COMBAT government’s Decree 08/2022/ND-CP, which was issued MARINE PLASTIC LITTER in January 2022 to implement articles in the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, bans the production In its National Action Plan for Management of and importing of non-biodegradable plastic bags for Marine Plastic Litter by 2030, Vietnam’s government domestic consumption, starting in 2026. These bags has committed to cutting marine plastic litter by 50 are ones that are smaller than 50 cm x 50 cm, and percent by 2025, and by 75 percent by 2030. This action have a thickness of less than 50 microns. The decree BOX 2. VIETNAM’S POLICY AND REGULATORY LANDSCAPE CONCERNING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS Law on Environmental Protection No. 72/2020/QH14: Expanded to regulate land and marine Circular No. Resolution No. plastic waste, and use of 159/2012/TT-BTC: 579/2018/UBTVQH14 on environmentally harmful non-biodegradable, taxable Environmental Taxes: goods plastic bags are character- Speci es tax rates for plastic National Action Plan on ized according to their bags Sustainable Production and composition National Strategy on Solid Consumption for 2021-2030 Circular No. Waste Management to has speci c targets related 07/2012/TT-BTNMT: 2025 (with a vision to to plastic waste Decree Law on Environmental MONRE details what 2050): Targets full use of Directive No. 33/CT-TTG: 08/2022/NÐ-CP Protection Tax (LEPT) constitutes an environmen- environmentally friendly details the govt’s role in guides application No. 57/2010/QH12: tally friendly plastic bag, plastic bags in the retail strengthening management, of selected non-biodegradable and stipulates plastic bag sector, and ends production reuse, recycling, treatment articles in the Law plastic bags are among manufacturers’ full and imports of other plastic and reduction of plastic on Environmental the taxable items compliance with the LEP bags waste Protection 2020 2011 2014 2019 2021 2010 2012 2018 2020 2022 Decree No. Law on Environmental National Action Plan for Decision 67/2011/ND-CP details the Protection (LEP) No. Management of Marine No.1316/QD-TTG on tax, taxable items, and 55/2014/QH13: Includes Plastic Litter by 2030: Sets strengthening management payment procedures under regulations on producers targets for SUP and of plastic wastes in Vietnam the LEPT and importers of plastic non-biodegradable plastic Circular No. bags bag usage 152/2011/TT-BTC: Directive No. 08/CT-BCT: provides instructions for the Details the govt’s role in implementation of Decree reducing plastic waste in No. 67/2011/ND-CP the industry, trade, and healthcare sectors 5 NPAP (National Plastic Action Partnership) Vietnam. n.d. “Radically Reducing Plastic Leakage in Vietnam: Action Roadmap.” Draft under development. For more information contact: National Plastic Action Partnership Vietnam. vietnam@globalplasticaction.org. 4 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam BOX 3. GAPS IN VIETNAM’S LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK THAT SUPPORTS THE REDUCTION OF SUP CONSUMPTION 1. While Decree 8/2022 identified and defined SUPs based on Vietnam’s Law on Environmental Protection 2020, some polluting SUPs were not identified for reduction. 2. Other than the bans included in Decree 8/2022, policy instruments to reduce SUP consumption have not been identified and included, yet, in any legislation. 3. The tax levied on the producers and importers of non-degradable plastic bags does not appear to be effective in reducing plastic bag consumption. also requires gradual reduction of the production and Management of Marine Plastic Litter by 2030. A phased importing of other SUPs,6 until their eventual ban in approach in implementing plastics reduction policies 2031. Finally, the decree directs Vietnam’s Provincial is recommended here to prevent negative impacts on People’s Committees to restrict the distribution and stakeholders, including the producers and users of use of SUPs in commercial centers, supermarkets, SUPs, who may not have a voice in high-level policy hotels, and tourism areas, starting in 2025. debates, and could lose their jobs/livelihoods as a The government of Vietnam’s recent plans and result of the planned restrictions and bans. regulations emphasize its commitment to reducing The following three questions were used in selecting marine plastic litter. Also, as highlighted in Box 2, which SUPs to target in order to achieve maximum the government has begun to provide an enabling impact in protecting Vietnam’s environment: environment for managing plastic wastes and reducing • Does the SUP have a significant environmental the use of SUPs. presence in Vietnam? At the national level, Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural • Does the SUP have reasonably priced alternatives Resources and Environment (MONRE) is responsible for and have these alternatives been successfully used? coordinating solid waste management, in general, and • Can the SUP be effectively addressed by reduction plastic waste management, in particular. In the areas policies? under their jurisdiction, the Provincial and City People’s Committees play a central role in waste management For top 10 most polluting plastic items, which the and enforcing waste-related regulations. World Bank field studies identified in Vietnam in 2020 and 2021, these three questions identified IDENTIFYING POLICY OPTIONS TO non-degradable plastic bags, expanded polystyrene REDUCE AND PHASE-OUT SINGLE-USE (EPS) food containers, and plastic straws as the key PLASTICS IN VIETNAM’S ENVIRONMENT items to target with plastic waste reduction policies. The field studies found that these items comprise Based on international best practices, the following 38 percent of the top 10 plastic items in Vietnam’s policy options propose a phased/gradual approach environment (by number). in reducing the use of SUP items. These policies, which are discussed in detail in the World Bank report, In addition, some SUPs were not among the top 10 Toward a National Single-use Plastics Roadmap in polluting items, but should be targeted because they Vietnam: Strategic Options for Reducing Priority have readily available alternatives in Vietnam. Based Single-Use Plastics, aim to ensure the success of the on international good practices, these additional SUPs bans and other measures to reduce SUPs that are have been included in the roadmap of policy options, listed in Decree 08/2022/ND-CP, and to contribute which is presented in Table 1 at the end of this brief, to the targets in Vietnam’s National Action Plan for as targeting them will strengthen the impact of the 6 Decree 08/2022/ND-CP defines these single-use plastic products as trays, food containers, bowls, chopsticks, glasses, cups, knives, spoons, forks, straws, other eating utensils with plastic components that are designed and marketed with the intention of one use before they are discarded. Identifying Policy Options to Reduce and Phase-Out Single-Use Plastics in Vietnam’s Environment | 5 The roadmap focuses on reducing the SUPs polluting Vietnam’s environment such as non-degradable plastic bags; EPS food containers; plastic straws, cutlery, cups, lids, and drink stirrers; and shampoo and other toiletry bottles. proposed measures. These additional items are plastic also stimulate the market for environmentally-friendly cutlery, cups, lids, and drink stirrers, as well as the alternatives. Conversely, a total ban would ensure toiletry bottles that hotels and other accommodation that, ultimately, the target SUPs are removed from providers give to their guests. The elimination of all circulation. the SUPs discussed in the roadmap should generate Within each of the following policy options, where financial benefits from reducing waste removal costs; relevant, this brief recommends phased implementation achieve cleaner seas for fisheries, ports, and tourism; that could, for example, target larger establishments benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas first, and initially exclude street vendors, or piloting (GHG) emissions; and create jobs producing and implementation in coastal cities and provinces with supplying alternative products. high tourism revenue such as Quang Ninh, Da Nang, The roadmap of policy options in Table 1 at the end Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa, and Ba-Ria-Vung Tau, and of this brief is based on the principle that a gradual marine protected areas. A phased approach is crucial transition is required for Vietnam to achieve (or even to ensure that the measures do not have negative bring forward) Decree 08/2022’s forthcoming ban of consequences for the tourism industry, which is just SUPs in 2031. The policy options proposed here and beginning to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 the timeline for their implementation are designed pandemic. A phased approach would also gradually to gradually mobilize administrative capacity and increase the confidence and technical know-how of increase funding for monitoring and enforcement the authorities responsible for implementation, and so that the authorities concerned are well prepared develop public awareness before scaling the measures to implement the upcoming ban. up, nationwide. In the subsequent section of this brief, and in the roadmap table, the proposed measures are listed PROPOSED POLICY OPTIONS in order, starting with the measures that will least AND ROADMAP affect consumers, retailers, and other stakeholders, Restriction Policies and ending with fees and bans that apply to all market Restrict the distribution of SUP straws players. A total ban of a single-use plastic item is the strictest policy measure to implement, but, currently, Recommended action: Restrict the distribution, Vietnam has no examples of complete bans of any sale, and the unprompted giveaway of SUP straws plastic item. All of the policy options proposed here in selected establishments such as restaurants and require less administrative effort by government than fast-food outlets. This restriction should be possible would be the case with enforcing a ban. This reflects because alternative straws made of metal, glass, the prioritization of measures based on their ease of bamboo, rice, grass, and paper are readily available. implementation, and all of the measures proposed Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required here are more easily implemented than a total ban. regulations, accompanied by actions such as allocating Without such a gradation of policy options that a budget for enforcement, and assigning enforcement introduces relatively more stringent measures over to relevant local authorities; (ii) Inform restaurants, time, the obligated retailers and establishments would fast-food outlets, and similar establishments about the not be fully identified for control purposes, and the new regulations, when the restrictions will commence, ban would be very difficult to implement. and the availability of alternatives; (iii) Educate the Under a phased transition, fees and restrictions would employees of restaurants, fast-food outlets, and be imposed gradually before progressing to bans, similar establishments, as well as their consumers, and restrictions and fees would promote the adoption about the negative environmental impact of SUPs, the of environmentally friendly consumer behavior, and importance of eliminating their use, and the availability 6 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam Photo: Shutterstock / Evgenii Mitroshin. of alternatives; and (iv) Design and conduct targeted Through a voluntary agreement, reduce online food awareness-raising campaigns to inform the public delivery platforms’ provision of plastic cutlery about the restriction, the availability of alternatives, Recommended action: Build on the progress that and the environmental benefits of reducing plastic some online food delivery platforms have already pollution. made in reducing their provision of plastic cutlery, by Restrict the use of certain SUPs for on-site consumption making voluntary agreements with all of the major in food establishments online food delivery platforms to add an opt-in/opt-out Recommended action: Restrict the use of expanded choice for disposable plastic cutlery to their menu’s polystyrene (EPS) food containers, SUP straws, and ordering form. other single-use items such as plastic bottles, cups, Implementation measures: (i) Gain the cooperation glasses, and cutlery for onsite consumption in full-service of online food delivery platforms so they voluntarily restaurants. agree to implement the opt-out option as the default Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required on their menus; (ii) Gain the cooperation of individual regulation, accompanied by actions such as allocating restaurants, and their employees to discourage a budget for enforcement, and assigning enforcement customers from requesting disposable plastic cutlery; to relevant local authorities; (ii) Inform restaurants, (iii) Design materials for online platforms to use in fast-food outlets, and other food providers to stop informing their customers about the “no cutlery” giving away or selling SUP items such as straws, cutlery, option, and the environmental benefits of reducing cups, drink stirrers, and take-away containers, and about plastic pollution; (iv) Support businesses that import, the availability of alternatives; (iii) Mandate training distribute, or produce alternatives to disposable plastic for restaurant employees who are the key people cutlery; (v) Explore the potential for online food delivery to implement the regulation; (iv) Grant the affected platforms to voluntarily stop using SUP packaging; and establishments a transition period (for example, one (vi) Design and conduct awareness-raising campaigns year) before enforcing the regulations; and (v) Design to inform the public about the need to restrict the and conduct awareness-raising campaigns to inform use of cutlery and other SUPs with their online food the public about the restriction, and the environmental orders, and the environmental benefits of reducing benefits of reducing plastic pollution. plastic pollution. Proposed Policy Options and Roadmap | 7 Restrict the distribution of SUP toiletry products in where a pristine environment is crucial for wildlife, hotels as well as for attracting visitors. Recommended action: Restrict hotels and other Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required accommodation providers from giving their guests regulation, accompanied by actions such as allocating personal care products such as shampoo and body a budget for enforcement, and assigning enforcement wash in disposable, single-use plastic bottles. to relevant local authorities; (ii) Identify the tourist areas Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required where the restriction will be applied and enforced; (iii) regulation, allocate a budget for enforcement, and Educate the businesses and vendors operating in the assign enforcement to relevant local authorities; (ii) designated areas about the restriction, exemptions, Inform accommodation providers about the regulation, penalties, and available alternatives; (iv) Conduct market and the alternative—refillable toiletry dispensers; (iii) surveillance and inspections regularly; (v) Bar tourists, Provide exemptions and transitional measures (such businesses, and vendors from entering the designated as starting restrictions with four and five-star hotels destinations if they are carrying, selling, or providing before applying them to all hotels); (iv) Design and SUPs; (vi) Issue warnings and impose penalties; and conduct awareness-raising campaigns to inform the (vii) Design and conduct awareness-raising campaigns public about the restriction, and the environmental to inform the public about the restriction, and the benefits of reducing plastic pollution; and (v) Enforce environmental benefits of reducing plastic pollution. the regulations through inspections, warnings, and fines. Pricing Policies Restrict the use of SUPs in tourist establishments and Fees for consumers of non-biodegradable plastic bags areas (SUP-free areas) Recommended action: As a transitional measure Recommended action: Restrict the use of SUPs such prior to the ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags, as non-degradable plastic bags, EPS food containers, which Decree 08/2022/ND-CP requires starting in 2026, and plastic straws, packaging, plates, and cups in introduce a fee for consumers who request non-bio- tourist establishments and tourist areas. In particular, degradable plastic bags. Ideally, this measure should this measure should be applied in tourist areas that include an exemption for very lightweight plastic bags are within, or close to, parks and nature preserves, with a thickness of less than 15 microns, which are Photo: Shutterstock / Busurmanov. 8 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam required to wrap food for hygienic purposes and Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required prevent wastage. regulations, accompanied by allocating a budget for Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required enforcement, and assigning enforcement to relevant regulations, accompanied by actions such as allocating local authorities; (ii) Identify importers, manufacturers, a budget for enforcement, and assigning enforcement retailers, food services, bars, and other businesses to relevant local authorities; (ii) Identify the producers/ that provide plastic straws and drink stirrers, and importers, distributors, retailers, and vendors who educate these about the ban, and the penalties for provide non-biodegradable plastic bags; (iii) Design failure to comply; (iii) Conduct market surveillance and conduct information campaigns to educate the and inspections; and (iv) Design and conduct aware- producers/importers, distributors, retailers, and ness-raising campaigns to inform the public about vendors who provide non-biodegradable plastic bags; the ban, and the environmental benefits of reducing (iv) Conduct market surveillance, inspections, issue plastic pollution. warnings, and impose penalties; and (v) Design and Market ban (through a ban on sales or production and conduct awareness-raising campaigns to inform the imports) of non-biodegradable plastic bags public about the restriction, and the environmental benefits of reducing plastic pollution. Recommended action: Introduce a ban on imports and production or sales/provision of non-biodegrad- Fees for consumers of plastic coffee-to-go cups able plastic bags to end-users. As Decree 08/2022/ Recommended action: To avoid strong resistance from ND-CP already requires a ban on imports and the consumers who find coffee-to-go cups very convenient, production of plastic bags, which begins in 2026, this instead of banning these cups completely, initially use ban needs no additional legislation, and could start with transitional measures such as charging consumers a preparing guidelines to support the implementation fee for each cup, and restricting their use in SUP-free and monitoring of the ban. An additional exception zones, such as parks and nature preserves. Only after to those listed in the decree should be considered applying these transitional measures for several years for the very lightweight plastic bags (of less than 15 would the cups be banned, nationwide. microns) that are required for packaging loose food Implementation measures: (i) Determine the relevant for hygienic purposes and the prevention of food establishments, the fee they must charge for each waste. Efforts to reduce the use non-biodegradable coffee-to-go cup, and the penalties and interest, which plastic bags are currently underway in Vietnam through the local authority will impose if the fees collected do taxing producers and importers, but international not match establishments’ sales; (ii) Design and conduct experience shows that charging consumers a fee for information campaigns to educate manufacturers, several years before enacting a ban is more effective retailers, and other relevant establishments about the (see recommendation above). fee; (iii) Allocate a budget for control and inspection; (iv) Appoint the local authority responsible for collecting Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required the fees, and transferring them to the designated regulations, accompanied by allocating a budget for government fund; (v) Conduct market surveillance enforcement, and assigning enforcement to relevant and inspections, including checking whether the fees local authorities; (ii) Identify producers, importers, establishments collect match their sales; and (vi) Design retailers, and other relevant establishments that are and conduct awareness-raising campaigns to inform involved in providing non-biodegradable plastic bags the public about the restriction, and the environmental to consumers; (iii) Design and conduct information benefits of reducing plastic pollution. campaigns to educate producers, importers, retailers, and other relevant establishments about the ban, Bans and the penalties for failure to comply; (iv) Conduct Market Ban (through a ban on sales or production market surveillance and inspections; and (v) Design and and imports) of plastic straws conduct awareness-raising campaigns to inform the public about the ban, and the environmental benefits Recommended action: Given the availability of of reducing plastic pollution. single-use and multi-use alternatives, ban the use of plastic straws and drink stirrers, except for persons Market ban (through a ban on sales or production with disabilities, and in hospitals and care facilities. and imports) of EPS food containers Proposed Policy Options and Roadmap | 9 To successfully implement the roadmap, a phased approach, and consultation with, and coordination among all the key stakeholders is imperative. Recommended action: After implementing transitional i. Authorities responsible for developing and measures such restrictions on the use of expanded adopting the policies. The key authorities polystyrene food containers in restaurants and other are the Ministry of Natural Resources and food service establishments, as well as in tourist areas, Environment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of in the medium term, after allowing adequate time for Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Culture, businesses to adapt, EPS food containers could be Sports, and Tourism, and the Provincial and City banned. As EPS food containers are currently widely People’s Committees, which are responsible used, these transitional measures are needed because for enacting policies at the local level. an immediate ban on sales or production and imports ii. Implementation and Enforcement could negatively impact small businesses and poor Stakeholders: These groups have the communities. responsibility to implement the policies, carry Implementation measures: (i) Adopt the required out enforcement, and monitor the results. regulations, accompanied by allocating a budget for They comprise the implementing ministries enforcement, and assigning enforcement to relevant and their relevant departments at the national, local authorities; (ii) Identify producers, importers, provincial, and local levels, plus the Provincial retailers, and other relevant establishments; (iii) and City People’s Committees. Conduct information campaigns to educate these iii. Affected Stakeholders: These are groups producers, importers, retailers, and other relevant that are affected by enforcement of the establishments about the ban, and the penalties for measures, and/or able to contribute to effective failure to comply; (iv) Conduct market surveillance implementation of the measures. Examples and inspections; and (v) Design and conduct aware- include online food platforms, restaurants and ness-raising campaigns to inform the public about similar establishments, street vendors, hotels, the ban, and the environmental benefits of reducing and other businesses operating in tourist areas, plastic pollution. and the retailers who use plastic packaging and bags to sell their products. These groups IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP also include stakeholders across the value Successful implementation and enforcement of the chain that are responsible for importing and recommended policies is dependent on two factors: producing plastic products. 1. Prior to introducing stricter bans, implement Background information and other relevant details a phased approach that prioritizes the policies on these policy options can be found in the report that are cheaper to implement, and that do not Toward a National Single-use Plastics Roadmap in significantly disrupt the market. A roadmap for Vietnam: Strategic Options for Reducing Priority a phased approach for implementing the policies Single-use Plastics.7 Table 1, below, summarizes the is recommended below in Table 1. proposed roadmap of policy options, the proposed implementation arrangements, and the recommended 2. Ensure effective consultation with, and timeline for these. coordination among the following three key groups of stakeholders, as well as the other groups that could be affected by the policies. 7 World Bank. Toward a National Single-use Plastics Roadmap in Vietnam: Strategic Options for Reducing Priority Single-use Plastics. Washing- ton, D.C: World Bank (forthcoming). 10 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam Table 1. PROPOSED ROADMAP OF POLICY OPTIONS Policy Policy development steps Responsible Supporting Targeted Year Authority Authorities sector Restrict the Organize stakeholder meeting(s) with the MONRE MOIT Restaurants 2022 distribution targeted actors and similar of plastic establishments straws Formulate and adopt the legislation, 2022 identify exemptions, define the transition period for street vendors, and appoint local authorities to carry out inspections and impose fines Prepare a guidance document to inform MOIT – MONRE, PPC/ 2022 businesses (e.g., restaurants) about Department CPC, and their the regulation, exemptions from the of Energy supporting unit regulation, and the penalties for failure to Efficiency and (DOIT) comply Sustainable Development Allocate a budget for regular, random PPC/CPC and - 2023 inspections by the appointed authority their supporting unit (DOIT) Implement a mechanism for inspections, and impose fines Include street vendors and unlicensed MOIT - Street vendors 2023 actors and unlicensed activities Restrict Organize stakeholder meeting(s) with the MONRE MOIT Full-service, 2022 the use targeted actors big and of certain medium-sized SUPs for Formulate and adopt the legislation, 2022 restaurants consumption identify exemptions, define the transition in period for smaller restaurants, and restaurants, appoint local authorities to carry out cafeterias, inspections, and impose and collect fines etc. Prepare a guidance document to inform MOIT – MONRE, PPC/ 2022 businesses (e.g., restaurants) about Department CPC, and DOIT the regulation, exemptions from the of Energy regulation, and the penalties for failure to Efficiency and comply Sustainable Development Allocate of a budget for regular, random PPC/CPC and 2023 inspections by the appointed authority, DOIT implement a mechanism for inspections (e.g., a registry of operating restaurants), and for imposing and collecting fines Include all licensed restaurants MONRE - All licensed, 2023 full-service restaurants Restrict the Seek a voluntary agreement with online MONRE MOIT Online food 2022 provision food platforms platforms of plastic cutlery Formulate a document to be signed and with food endorsed by the platforms, including the Restaurants deliveries type of commitment to be implemented and similar (voluntary (opt-in or opt-out option) establishments agreement) Self-monitor the adoption of the DOIT PPC/CPC Online food 2023 agreement, and voluntarily report the platforms results Implementation Roadmap | 11 Policy Policy development steps Responsible Supporting Targeted Year Authority Authorities sector Restrict Organize at least two stakeholder MONRE Ministry of 4 and 5 star 2022 hotels’ meetings with the targeted actors Culture, Sports, hotels distribution and Tourism of detergent Formulate and adopt the required and toiletry legislation and regulations products in Identify the hotels that are subject to the SUP bottles regulation (e.g., based on their size) Prepare a guidance document for the Ministry of PPC/CPC, and 2022 businesses that must apply the regulation, Culture, Sports, the Department which includes the exemptions, and the and Tourism of Tourism, penalties for failure to comply Culture, and Sport Allocate a budget for inspections by PPC/CPC 2023 the appointed authority Implement Department a mechanism for regular, random of Tourism, inspections, and imposing and collecting Culture, and fines Sport Include all hotels Ministry of Remaining 2023 Culture, Sports, hotels and Tourism Restrict Organize at least two stakeholder MONRE Ministry of Tourist areas 2023 the use meetings with the targeted actors Culture, Sports, of certain and Tourism SUPs in Formulate and adopt the required tourist legislation and regulations zones Identify the tourist areas that are subject to the regulations Prepare a guidance document for the Ministry of PPC/CPC – 2023 businesses that must apply the regulation, Culture, Sports, Department of which includes the exemptions, and the and Tourism Tourism, Culture, penalties for failure to comply and Sport Allocate a budget for inspections by PPC/CPC Vietnam Forest 2024 the appointed authority Implement Department Rangers a mechanism for regular, random of Tourism, inspections, and imposing and collecting Culture, and fines Sport Charge a Organize at least two meetings with MOF MONRE Retailers 2022- fee for each stakeholders in the retail sector 2023 plastic bag Formulate and adopt amendments to the respective legislation Make announcements in newspapers, Ministry of 2022- radio, TV, and social media about the fee, Industry 2023 and how it will be implemented and Trade, Department Publish the regulations on application of 2022- of Domestic the fee 2023 Markets 12 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam Policy Policy development steps Responsible Supporting Targeted Year Authority Authorities sector The system for charging and monitoring Ministry of PPC/CPC, DOF, 2023 the fees: Finance, and the General List the establishments that are required Department Department of to impose the fee of Domestic Taxation Markets Identify a system for charging consumers fees, and the penalties for failure to collect the fees Ensure cooperation and agreement among the authorities responsible for inspections and collecting the fees Organize awareness-raising campaigns PPC/CPC Department 2023- about alternatives to SUP plastic bags of Domestic 2025 Markets Charge fee Organize at least two stakeholder MOF MONRE Restaurants, 2025 for each meetings with the restaurant/cafeteria Coffee Shops plastic sector coffee cup Formulate and adopt amendments to the respective legislation Announce the fee and how it will be implemented Publish the regulations on application of the fee Identify the system for monitoring MOF, General DOF, PPC/CPC, 2026 collection of the fee Department of Department Taxation of Domestic Identify the establishments required to Markets collect the fee Identify the system for collection of the 2026 fees and imposing penalties Identify the establishments required to impose the fee Market ban Organize of at least two stakeholder MONRE MOIT Retailers, 2024 of plastic meetings with the targeted actors Restaurants straws (through Formulate and adopt the legislation and MOIT, MONRE PPC/CPC 2024 a ban on exemptions sales or Prepare a guidance document for the production businesses that must apply the regulation, and which includes the exemptions, and the imports) penalties for failure to comply Identify retailers and other establishments MOIT/DOIT PPC/CPC 2025 that provide plastic straws Organize market surveillance Allocate a budget for inspections and collecting fines Implementation Roadmap | 13 Policy Policy development steps Responsible Supporting Targeted Year Authority Authorities sector Market Organize at least two stakeholder MONRE MOIT Retailers 2025 ban of meetings with the targeted actors plastic bags (through Formulate and adopt the legislation and a ban on exemptions sales or Prepare a guidance document for the MOIT, MONRE PPC/CPC 2025 production businesses that must apply the regulation, and which includes the exemptions, and the imports) penalties for failure to comply Implement a system for monitoring and MOIT, MONRE PPC/CPC, DOIT 2026 collection of fines: • Identify producers/importers, retailers, and other establishments that provide plastic bags • Organize market surveillance, inspections, and collection of fines Market ban Organize at least two stakeholder MONRE MOIT Restaurants, 2026 of EPS food meetings with the targeted actors Retailers containers (through Formulate and adopt the legislation and a ban on exemptions sales or Prepare a guidance document for the production businesses that must apply the regulation, and which includes the exemptions, and the imports) penalties for failure to comply Implement a system for monitoring and MOIT, MONRE PPC/CPC, DOIT 2026 collection of fines: Identify producers/importers, retailers, and other establishments that use EPS food containers (business-to-business) Organize market surveillance, inspections, and the collection of fines 14 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use Plastics in Vietnam Photo: Shutterstock / David Bokuchava. Implementation Roadmap | 15 APRIL 2022 16 | Policy Brief: Reduction of Single-use PlasticsCover photo: Shutterstock / Kosol Phunjui. in Vietnam