From the reality of serious cases related to toxic chemicals, many opinions of the National Assembly Standing Committee suggest that there should be strict regulations on control at all stages of purchase, sale and circulation.
Continuing the 37th Session, on the morning of September 12, at the National Assembly House, the National Assembly Standing Committee gave opinions on the draft Law on Chemicals (amended).
According to the Government's Proposal, the promulgation of the law aims to build a legal basis to promote the development of the chemical industry in accordance with the Party's policies and orientations; improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management of the development of the chemical industry, chemical management, and minimize the risks of chemical activities to people's health, the environment, property, society, etc.
In addition, harmonizing the legal system on chemical management with the regulations of countries around the world, contributing to creating an open environment, attracting investment from multinational corporations, large chemical corporations with modern technology, management systems, high-value products in the world to expand operations in Vietnam, at the same time creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises in international trade, investing in the production of essential chemical products, contributing to building an independent and self-reliant economy.
The Draft Law consists of 89 Articles and 10 Chapters; regulating chemical activities, development of the chemical industry, hazardous chemicals in products, safety in chemical activities, rights and obligations of organizations and individuals participating in chemical activities, and state management of chemicals.
According to the Preliminary Review Report of the Law Project presented by the Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, Le Quang Huy, the Standing Committee of the Committee agrees with the necessity of promulgating the Law on Chemicals (amended). The time for submitting the Law project dossier ensures compliance with regulations; sufficient conditions for submission to the National Assembly for consideration and comments at the 8th Session (October 2024).
Regarding the name and scope of regulation (Article 1), application of law (Article 3), and interpretation of terms (Article 4), the Standing Committee of the Committee agrees with the name of the Law on Chemicals (amended) to ensure the inheritance and development of the current Law on Chemicals.
However, it is recommended that the drafting agency review the scope of regulation to avoid cases where the provisions are too broad or the listing is incomplete, ensuring that there are no overlaps or conflicts with other laws.
Regarding the development of the chemical industry (Chapter II), there are opinions that the draft Law has only 6 Articles regulating the development of the chemical industry, which is not sufficient. It is recommended to study and appropriately supplement some provisions such as investment in technical infrastructure, market, raw materials, human resources, application of science and technology... in the chemical industry.
Through discussion, members of the National Assembly Standing Committee highly appreciated the process of preparing the draft Law dossier as well as the Preliminary Review Report of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment.
Speaking at the meeting, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized the need to continue reviewing and institutionalizing the policy of developing and implementing a roadmap to ban the use of toxic chemicals that pollute water sources as stated in Conclusion No. 36-KL/TW dated June 23, 2022 of the Politburo; Conclusion No. 81-KL/TW dated June 4, 2024 of the Politburo on continuing to implement Resolution No. 7 of the 11th Central Committee on proactively responding to climate change and strengthening environmental resource management.
This is an important conclusion, requiring the acceleration of green transformation, circular economy, and equitable energy transition.
Comparing the chapters, articles and clauses of the draft Law, the National Assembly Chairman found that these policies have not been clearly expressed, therefore, he requested the drafting committee to carefully review and specify them in the law.
Regarding the issue of chemical management and use, it is necessary to encourage businesses to improve processes and technology, switch to less hazardous chemicals or reduce the use of hazardous chemicals; strengthen control and traceability of chemicals, especially imported chemicals; raise awareness of education, and strengthen communication about the harmful effects and safety of chemicals for the community.
In addition, strengthen sanctions against chemical regulations; apply higher penalties for serious violations that cause adverse consequences to human health and the environment.
From the reality of serious cases that have occurred recently related to the widespread use of toxic chemicals, many opinions of the National Assembly Standing Committee suggest that there should be regulations and sanctions to specifically and strictly control the stages of buying, selling and circulating.
Considering that the current situation of buying and selling chemicals is easy and management is not strict because the buying and selling is ordered via social networks, so it is easy to slip through the management process, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Security, Lieutenant General Le Tan Toi, proposed to study more regulations on the management of especially dangerous chemicals, typically cyanide./.
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