Vietnam’s Decision 49/2026/QĐ-TTg sets procedures for identifying investment projects using outdated technology, posing pollution risks or consuming resources intensively. The Government News described a process combining investor submissions, environmental and sectoral input, and additional expert assessment where necessary.
Submission and consultation stages
Investors submit one dossier online, in person or by post to the competent agency. Authenticated or digitally signed online documents, or information available through state systems, do not require corresponding paper resubmission.
For incomplete postal or online dossiers, the agency must notify the investor within two working days, specifying required corrections, reasons, completion time and the handling contact.
Within three working days after receiving a complete, valid dossier, it seeks environmental and sectoral opinions. Consulted bodies have five working days to respond. Independent organisations or specialists may be consulted where needed.
Complex projects require a different assessment path
For large, technologically complex projects, the procedure allows an advisory council, site survey and meeting within the specified 20-working-day stage. The lead agency then has five working days after receiving relevant opinions to issue its written technology determination.
Valid lawful inspection results on safety, energy efficiency or environmental protection may be referenced to avoid unnecessary reassessment. Appraisal certificates are valid for 12 months from issue.
The next step in an individual file depends on completeness and assessment needs; the separate periods should not be added into a guaranteed universal deadline. The report does not specify the decision’s effective date, so publication timing does not establish when application begins.