Vietnam is intensifying regulatory controls over the handling of refrigerants—specifically HFCs and HCFCs—to uphold international environmental commitments and safeguard public health. For businesses and technicians in the HVAC sector, compliance transcends a legal requirement—it is a strategic opportunity to demonstrate leadership and build trust.

A Hidden Threat

Refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs are not only destructive to the ozone layer but are also among the most potent greenhouse gases. Proper recovery is necessary, but not sufficient. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), appropriately destroying refrigerants using approved methods permanently eliminates climate risk. Research estimates that preventing leaks and fully destroying refrigerants can avert an astounding 57.15 gigatons of CO₂-equivalent emissions over the next 30 years.

Exposure to refrigerants presents serious health hazards—ranging from respiratory irritation and skin or eye damage, to asphyxiation. Some newer refrigerants are flammable, adding fire risk to the equation. Complete destruction not only contains these risks but also eliminates them for technicians and end-users alike.

Vietnam's Legal Imperative: Key Rules to Know

On May 30, 2024, Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) introduced a National Technical Regulation governing the entire refrigerant life cycle—from retrieval to disposal. Businesses must comply with these key requirements:

• Standard Equipment: Recovery must be conducted using certified equipment—vacuum pumps, leak detectors, labeled recovery tanks—and technicians must hold proper certifications.
• Safe Storage: Storage facilities must ensure ventilation, fire safety, zoning, and leak detection, especially for flammable refrigerants.
• Recycling vs. Destruction: Refrigerant that meets quality standards may be reused. Anything substandard must be destroyed according to hazardous waste regulations.
• Certification & Reporting: Facilities must register once, report annually, and ensure technicians are certified. Non-compliance may result in fines, suspension, or liability for remediation.

Transform Compliance into Competitive Advantage

Regulatory Risk Management

Avoid fines—from 10 to 20 million VND, operational suspension, and reputational damage—by aligning with regulations.

Brand Integrity & Trust

Demonstrating lawful refrigerant practices signals environmental stewardship and builds trust with partners and clients.

Access to Green Opportunities

Compliance opens doors to eco-conscious supply chains and supports project eligibility under sustainable development frameworks.

Safety as a Standard

Prioritizing recovery and destruction safeguards worker and community health—becoming part of your operational excellence.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Vietnam's evolving regulatory landscape is more than a compliance checklist—it offers an opportunity. Recovery, combined with proper destruction of refrigerants, reduces environmental impact, protects community health, and reinforces operational excellence.

For businesses and technicians in the HVAC sector: don't just meet legal requirements—make them your competitive edge.

Why Partner with CoolImpact?

• Deep expertise: 15+ years in clean energy and climate technology.
• Full compliance: Updated with the latest refrigerant and GHG regulations.
• Trusted partner: Supporting companies beyond recovery - with reporting, reduction, and carbon neutrality strategies.