You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

March 11, 2025

Vietnam Plans Amendment of Law on Atomic Energy

Subscribe to Updates

The Vietnamese government is in the process of amending the Law on Atomic Energy, originally issued in 2008, to harmonize with several newly enacted laws, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework governing nuclear energy in Vietnam, and serve as a legal basis to foster the implementation of ongoing and future nuclear projects in the country.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has been assigned to lead the drafting of the amended Law on Atomic Energy. The second draft of the amended law (the “Draft”) was released in late February 2025 for public consultation to gather feedback from the community and stakeholders.

Key Points

The Draft introduces new regulations to ensure high standards of safe and secure use of nuclear materials, radioactive sources, medical and industrial irradiation, mining and processing of radioactive ores, and radioactive waste management, as well as requirements for enhancing capacity to prepare for and respond to radiation incidents and nuclear incidents. In addition, the Draft emphasizes environmental protection, public health in nuclear energy projects, and support for development and advancing nuclear technology capabilities in Vietnam together with enhancing international cooperation in this field.

Below are some key points of the Draft:

  • Approval and licensing requirements for nuclear facilities: The Draft requires investors or owners of nuclear facilities to obtain several permits and approvals as regulated by the government before implementation of construction or operation.
  • Reporting obligations: In addition to periodic reports on operations, safety measures, and compliance with regulations, nuclear facilities are required to make, maintain, and update a number of their regular records related to radiation and nuclear safety for ad hoc reports when required by the competent authorities. In this respect, any incidents or deviations from standard procedures must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities.
  • Training and certification: Personnel working in nuclear facilities as described by the law must undergo rigorous training and obtain certification to ensure they are qualified to handle nuclear materials and equipment. In addition, continuous professional development and training programs are required to maintain certification.
  • Environmental protection: The Draft emphasizes the importance of minimizing the environmental impact of nuclear energy projects. Facilities must implement measures including environmental impact assessment and environmental radiation monitoring around nuclear facilities to manage and dispose of nuclear waste safely and sustainably.
  • New regulations on nuclear safeguards: In addition to the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS), which is the national focal point for inspection and examination of nuclear activities, an international inspector appointed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can be approved to implement the inspection to verify compliance with international treaties on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear safeguards to which Vietnam is a party.
  • Consistent level of compensation for nuclear damage: The total compensation amount for nuclear damage is regulated to be consistent with the provisions of international treaties on civil liability for nuclear damage to which Vietnam is a party.

Outlook

The Draft is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for comments at its 9th session in May 2025. Given the strict requirements and conditions for nuclear facilities regarding safety, environmental protection, and public health, comprehensive and detailed guidance will need to be clearly defined in subordinate legislation, including decrees and circulars, after the Draft is revised, passed, and approved for promulgation.

Stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector should review the Draft and provide feedback during the consultation process. It is essential to stay informed about the new legal requirements and ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

Related Professionals

Industries

Energy

Location

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

July 18, 2025
Vietnam’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strong wave of new legislation, strategic plans, and government incentives. The government’s clear commitment to electrification is attracting foreign investment, supporting advanced production, and reducing reliance on internal combustion engine (ICE) imports. Recent national strategies, sector regulations, and technical standards demonstrate a rare level of regulatory momentum in Southeast Asia, positioning Vietnam as a competitive player in the global EV supply chain and an attractive market for foreign investors. An overview of legal developments for the EV sector in Vietnam is presented below. National Action Program for Green Transportation A key driver of Vietnam’s EV growth has been the National Action Program for Green Transportation through 2050 stipulated in Decision No. 876/QD-TTg of the prime minister dated July 22, 2022. The National Action Program sets a detailed roadmap for the green energy transition in road transport. For the period 2022–2030, the focus is on promoting the manufacturing, assembly, import, and conversion of road motor vehicles to electric power, expanding the use of 100% E5 gasoline for road vehicles, developing charging infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and businesses, and encouraging both new and existing bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria. For the period 2031–2050, the roadmap aims to gradually restrict and ultimately cease by 2040 the manufacturing, assembly, and import of fossil fuel-powered cars, motorcycles, and mopeds for domestic use. By 2050, the goal is for 100% of road motor vehicles and construction vehicles participating in traffic to use electricity or green energy, for all bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria, and for all machinery and equipment for loading and unloading to transition from fossil fuels to electricity or green energy. The program also calls for the completion of nationwide
Read More
July 16, 2025
On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam officially passed the amended Law on Atomic Energy, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. This legislative milestone follows the release of the fourth draft in June 2025, which was circulated for public consultation and builds upon earlier drafts from February, April, and early June. (See our previous article on the draft version here), Many provisions have been retained or refined to ensure greater specificity and alignment with Vietnam’s current legal framework. Once in force, the amended law will replace the 2008 Law on Atomic Energy (No. 18/2008/QH12), marking a significant step forward in modernizing Vietnam’s legal infrastructure for nuclear energy. The new law aims to harmonize with international standards, promote the safe and sustainable development of nuclear power, and facilitate future nuclear projects in the country. Noteworthy Updates in the Final Legislation Definition of National Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (NRNSA): The law introduces a clear definition of the NRNSA, outlining its roles and responsibilities in line with IAEA standards. Currently, this function is performed by the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Digital Transformation Requirements: New provisions mandate the development of an integrated digital platform for data management, administrative procedures, and safety oversight, enhancing transparency and security. Policy Support for Training and Privatization: The law sets out principles for workforce incentives and sector privatization, with detailed regulations to be issued by the government. Dedicated Safety and Security Mechanism: A new section outlines inspection, supervision, violation handling, and enforcement procedures in the field of atomic energy, particularly for nuclear power plants. The NRNSA is empowered to conduct unscheduled inspections, suspend operations, and recommend license revocation when safety risks are identified. Key Provisions Retained or Clarified from the Draft Licensing
Read More
July 2, 2025
The second in a three-part series on the recent European blackout and its implications for Thailand, this article assesses the likelihood of a similar event occurring in Thailand, considering the country’s current energy infrastructure and its increasing reliance on renewables.
Read More