OneStepVietnam presents
Monthly Newsletter of May 2025
ECONOMIC NEWS
At the Government’s regular press conference for May 2025, held on June 4, officials reported continued positive momentum in Vietnam’s socioeconomic performance, with steady month-over-month improvements.
In the first five months of the year, the economy performed strongly across agriculture, industry, and services. Agricultural output remained stable, while the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose by 8.8% year-on-year, including a 9.4% spike in May.
Retail sales and service revenues grew by 10.2% in May, contributing to a 9.7% rise overall. Inflation was kept in check, with the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing 3.21%. State budget revenue reached nearly VND 1.14 quadrillion, 58% of the year’s target and up 24.5% year-on-year.
Trade activity remained robust. Exports rose 17% in May, while imports climbed 14.1%. For the five-month period, Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of USD 4.67 billion. Labor market supply and demand remained stable.
Source: Online Newspaper of the Government
NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Circular No. 19/2024/TT-BCT on Promulgation of Amendment 1:2024 QCVN 05A:2020/BCT National Technical Regulation on Safety in Production, Commerce, Use, Storage and Transportation of Hazardous Chemicals
A new Circular governing the management of hazardous chemicals will officially take effect on April 15, 2025. Under the regulation, all factories and warehouses storing hazardous chemicals that were already in operation before this date must comply with the updated requirements specified in Amendment 1:2024 to QCVN 05A:2020/BCT no later than April 15, 2026.
Key updates in the regulation include:
– Each factory or warehouse containing hazardous chemicals must have a length or width of 3m (≥ 3m) or more and at least two doors, including an entrance door and an exit door. The exit door must not be installed on the same side as the entrance door, can be opened from the inside and must have an “Exit” sign.
For any factory or warehouse having a length and width of less than 3m, the exit door is not required.
– Factories and warehouses containing hazardous chemicals must be equipped with mobile eyewash equipment or emergency eyewash and shower equipment, except for the case specified in the second paragraph of this point.
Factories and warehouses containing corrosive chemicals must be equipped with emergency eyewash and shower equipment within a maximum range of 17m from the storage area.
– Chemicals in a warehouse shall be placed to meet the following specifications:
+ Bagged chemicals must be placed on pedestals or racks, at least 0.5m from the wall;
+ Water reactive chemicals must be placed on pedestals or racks at least 0.3m above the ground;
+ Chemicals must be placed at least 1.5m from the warehouse ceiling;
+ Paths in factories and warehouses must be at least 0.75m wide. In case forklifts are used, the paths must be at least 2m wide.
– Factories and warehouses having corrosive, toxic chemicals in liquid form must have a chemical collection system. The minimum capacity of the collection system must be at least 110% of the capacity of the largest container.
ONESTEPVIETNAM NEWS
On May 14 – 15, 2025 we have participated in Cascale Forum hosted by Sumerra in Ho Chi Minh City, which is the largest and most impactful event yet, uniting manufacturers, brands, retailers, and solution providers to tackle key industry challenges and drive sustainable solutions for the consumer goods industry. Besides, we are doing our best to continuously provide the services to our valued customers with audits, and verifications that are in compliance with brands’ requirements and Vietnam regulation.
OneStepVietnam team – May 2025