No. Open burning in Vietnam is prohibited under national environmental laws, with exceptions only permitted under strict local authority approvals. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) enforces these rules, while provincial Departments of Natural Resources and Environment (DONREs) issue permits for controlled agricultural or disaster-related burns. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize digital tracking of burn permits via the National Environmental Monitoring System, reducing unauthorized practices.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Vietnam
- National Bans: Decree 45/2022/ND-CP and Law 72/2020/QH14 prohibit open burning of household waste, plastic, and agricultural residues nationwide, with penalties up to VND 1 billion (≈$42,000) for violations.
- Permitted Exceptions: Controlled burns require prior approval from provincial DONREs, limited to agricultural waste (post-harvest rice straw) or emergency situations (e.g., forest fire prevention), with mandatory buffer zones and firebreaks.
- Local Enforcement: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s environmental departments mandate real-time reporting of burn activities via the Environmental Incident Reporting App, while rural provinces enforce seasonal restrictions during dry months (November–April).