Vietnam has introduced new regulations amending and supplementing Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP, which provides the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and protection of the ozone layer, under Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP, Decree No. 83/2026/ND-CP and Decree No. 112/2026/ND-CP.
The government issued Decree 396/2026/ND-CP, which amends and supplements several articles of Decree 06/2022/ND-CP, originally enacted in January 2022. This decree is part of a series of legislative updates, including Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP, Decree No. 83/2026/ND-CP, and Decree No. 112/2026/ND-CP, aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s environmental protection framework.
National Registration System Updates
The decree outlines procedures for account registration on the National Registration System, catering to facilities eligible for greenhouse gas emission allowances and organizations participating in specific programs or projects. Notably, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shall grant accounts for projects covering forest areas within administrative boundaries of 02 or more provincial-level administrative units, while provincial-level authorities handle registrations for other projects. This decentralized approach ensures efficient processing based on project scope.
The identification and verification of organizations and individuals accessing the National Registration System adhere to the Law on Electronic Identification and Authentication, ensuring secure and reliable access.
Carbon Credit Exchange Mechanism
The updated regulations introduce a domestic mechanism for carbon credit exchange and offsetting, allowing agencies and organizations to register their projects by submitting dossiers. These dossiers must include project documentation, supervision plans, and sustainable development plans, all prepared according to specific forms outlined in Appendix V.
The process involves public consultation, appraisal, and approval by relevant authorities, with specific timelines for each step. For instance, the public consultation period lasts 22 working days, during which consulted provincial-level People’s Committees provide written responses based on the project’s alignment with local development plans.
Project owners can also apply for changes in participants, deregistration, and carbon credit grants, following similar procedures. The decree specifies the required forms and documentation for each process, ensuring a standardized approach. For example, applications for project deregistration must be made using Form No. 06, while carbon credit grant applications require Form No. 07A.
The new regulations will take effect on December 12, 2026, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment overseeing implementation. This ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Construction to guide provincial-level authorities in executing decentralized administrative procedures.
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Existing applications received before August 1, 2026, will be processed under the previous regulations, ensuring a smooth transition without requiring resubmission.
Project Registration and Adjustment Procedures
Agencies and organizations applying for project registration must submit dossiers to the appropriate provincial-level Public Administrative Service Center. This submission can be done via hand-delivery, online, or post, depending on the project’s administrative coverage.
Within 5 working days after receiving the dossier, the Chairperson of the provincial-level People’s Committee receiving the dossiers shall grant the account on the National Registration System and provide relevant information to the applying agency or organization; in case of refusal, it shall state the reason. Once valid, the dossier is published for public consultation, and relevant provincial-level People’s Committees are consulted.
After public consultation, the applicant has 60 days to submit a completed dossier, including an appraisal report, to the initial receiving center. The dossier is then sent to relevant agencies and organizations for consultation, who provide opinions within seven working days. The Chairperson of the provincial-level People’s Committee evaluates the project’s greenhouse gas mitigation measures, carbon credit generation methods, and supervision parameters within five working days. A decision on project registration or adjustment is issued and announced on the National Registration System.
Changes in Project Participants and Deregistration
Project owners can apply for changes in participants or deregistration by submitting specific forms to the relevant provincial-level Public Administrative Service Center. The Chairperson of the provincial-level People’s Committee processes these requests within seven and 22 working days, respectively, and announces the changes on the National Registration System. Project owners must fulfill their obligations toward related parties under the decisions for changes or deregistration, ensuring legal compliance and accountability.
Carbon Credit Grants and Forest Carbon Projects
The Chairperson of the provincial-level People’s Committee notifies the applicant of the dossier’s validity within three working days and collects opinions from relevant committees and agencies within ten working days.
Procedures for forest carbon projects follow Decree No. 180/2026/ND-CP on forest carbon sequestration and storage services, ensuring alignment with specialized regulations in this area.
