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Articles

Vol. 60 No. 1 (2026): Prawo i Więź

Towards Sustainable Development: Responses of Vietnam to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36128/7f6j4y05
Submitted
2 December 2025
Published
19-02-2026

Abstract

Vietnam acceded to the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes in 1995 and has since undertaken substantial efforts to harmonize its domestic policies with international standards on hazardous wastes management. The country maintains stringent controls over the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, not only through strict regulatory oversight but also by imposing a complete ban on the import of hazardous waste for any purpose. In alignment with international obligations and to deter environmental violations, Vietnam has also criminalized the illegal importation of such waste, incorporating specific penalties and sanctions within its legal framework. These measures reflect the country's commitment to safeguarding environmental and public health while fulfilling its responsibilities as a party to the Basel Convention. To ensure alignment with the Convention’s provisions, Vietnam has incorporated its core principles into the Law on Environmental Protection – specifically through the versions enacted in 2005, 2014, and 2020 – as well as into other relevant legal and regulatory frameworks governing hazardous waste management. This paper examines Vietnam’s legislative and institutional implementation of the Basel Convention, highlighting the country’s adherence to international commitments aimed at mitigating the environmental and health impacts associated with hazardous wastes and its transboundary movement. In particular, the paper analyzes Vietnam’s compliance with key obligations under the Convention, including the Prior Informed Consent procedure and the submission of annual national reports. Additionally, we also explore Vietnam’s participation in international and regional cooperation initiatives aimed at controlling hazardous wastes and mitigating its environmental and health impacts. While these efforts reflect Vietnam’s commitment to contributing to global sustainable development, several challenges remain. Notably, limitations in enforcement mechanisms hinder full compliance with international and regional regulatory frameworks. Accordingly, the paper proposes strategic orientations tailored to Vietnam’s current context, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of hazardous wastes management and minimizing its adverse impacts nationwide.

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