Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has published for public consultation a draft amendment of the Law on Donation, Recovery, and Transplantation of Human Tissues and Organs and Donation and Retrieval of Cadavers, a law which has been in effect since 2007. Among its changes, the draft amendment notably includes new provisions on stem cells, a hot-button topic with social, legal, and ethical ramifications extending beyond the medical field. There are currently no specific regulations on stem cells under Vietnamese law—only the MOH’s technical guidance—leaving many controversial issues unsettled. Key points related to stem cells that may impact the activities of researchers and institutions in Vietnam and abroad are highlighted below. Requirements for Stem Cells Under the draft amendment, stem cells are defined as cells naturally occurring in the body, having the ability to divide and differentiate into various types of cells. The draft amendment outlines conditions for stem cell donation, establishes requirements for medical facilities authorized to receive stem cell donations, and specifies the rights of stem cell donors. Under the draft amendment, it is prohibited to receive, screen, or produce stem cells at facilities that do not satisfy conditions. Establishment of Private Stem Cell Banks In addition to state-owned stem cell banks, the draft amendment also addresses independent stem cell banks established by private investors. In general, the stem cell banks (whether public or private) must obtain an operation license by meeting various conditions on personnel, equipment, facilities, and management systems to be further guided by the government. Notably, stem cell banks will have the right to cooperate with foreign entities in exchanging stem cells for treatment, education, and research purposes. Prohibition on Creating Embryos for Stem Cell Research or Therapy Considering the ethical concerns over the use and destruction of embryos, the draft amendment expressly prohibits the

On March 3, 2025, the government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 57/2025/ND-CP, regulating the direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) mechanism between renewable energy generators and large electricity consumers (“Decree 57”). Decree 57 took immediate effect and replaces Decree No. 80/2024/ND-CP on the same subject. The new regulations enable investors to kickstart their investment plans for DPPAs in Vietnam. Below are the key changes and provisions of Decree 57. Participants in On-Grid DPPAs Decree 57 expands the eligibility criteria for participating in DPPAs via the national grid (on-grid DPPAs): Sellers: In addition to wind and solar power generators, biomass energy generators with a capacity of 10 MW or more can now participate. Buyers: Electric vehicle charging businesses are now eligible to participate, broadening the scope beyond just production businesses. Large Electricity Consumers Instead of setting definite criteria at the government decree level, Decree 57 defines large electricity consumers based on average electricity consumption as set out in wholesale electricity market regulations to be issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT). Although the threshold for DPPA participation remains for now at 200,000 kWh per month, Decree 57 will allow the MOIT to adjust this threshold as deemed necessary. Decree 57 also provides specific guidance for large electricity consumers based on their consumption period. To participate in both private off-grid DPPA (selling electricity directly via a grid system separate from the national grid) and on-grid DPPA models, large electricity consumers must meet the minimum threshold for electricity consumption set by the MOIT under the Vietnam wholesale electricity market regulations (“Minimum Consumption Threshold”). Consumers with a consumption history of at least 12 months must have already met the Minimum Consumption Threshold at the time of registration or notification, while those whose consumption period is less than 12 months must commit to

On March 24, 2021, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Decision No. 12/2021/QD-TTg issuing regulations on oil spill response. One of the more notable changes is the introduction of templates for oil spill response plans.

The latest edition of Practical Law Company’s Doing Business in … Global Guide includes a chapter on Vietnam written by lawyers from Tilleke & Gibbins’ Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offices. The popular guide, produced in association with Lex Mundi, the world’s largest network of independent law firms, provides the ins and outs of establishing and operating a business in more than 50 jurisdictions worldwide.The Vietnam chapter covers the following main topics: