Yes, keeping roadkill in Vietnam is legally permissible only if it complies with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s wildlife protection framework and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s food safety protocols. The 2023 Law on Animal Health and 2024 Circular 07/2024/TT-BNNPTNT explicitly permit the collection of non-protected species for personal use, provided authorities are notified and sanitary certificates are obtained. However, endangered species remain strictly off-limits under Decree 64/2019/ND-CP.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Vietnam
- Species Restrictions: Only non-protected species (e.g., common deer, wild boar) may be retained under Circular 07/2024, while endangered taxa (e.g., pangolins, civets) are banned under Decree 64/2019.
- Notification Requirements: Collectors must report findings to provincial Forest Protection Departments (Chi cục Kiểm lâm) within 48 hours, as mandated by Article 12 of the 2023 Law on Animal Health.
- Sanitary Compliance: Meat must undergo veterinary inspection by local Animal Health Departments (Chi cục Thú y) to prevent zoonotic risks, per Circular 07/2024’s hygiene standards.
Local enforcement varies, with stricter scrutiny in protected areas like Cát Tiên National Park. Violations risk fines up to ₫50 million (Decree 123/2021/ND-CP) or criminal liability for endangered species trafficking. Always verify species status via the Vietnam Red Data Book before retention.