Hanoi passes resolution phasing out single-use plastic bags, foam boxes

The Hanoi People’s Council passed a resolution aimed at significantly reducing plastic waste across the capital at a sitting on Thursday.

Accordingly, the use of plastic in production, business, service, and daily activities throughout the capital city will be phased out.

Starting January 1, 2027, traditional markets and convenience stores in Hanoi will no longer be allowed to provide non-biodegradable plastic bags for free.

From January 1, 2028, the use and circulation of single-use plastic bags and non-biodegradable packaging, including foam food containers, will be prohibited entirely from these locations.

Besides, hotels and tourist destinations across Hanoi will be banned from using single-use plastic items, such as toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, shower caps, and plastic containers for toiletries like toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion from January 1, 2026.

Online retailers will also be required to minimize the use of plastic packaging and cushioning materials, or implement programs to recover such packaging and prevent it from polluting the environment.

As per the new resolution, manufacturing firms that use polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics shall be required to incorporate at least 20 percent recycled plastic into their products starting January 1, 2028.

By January 1, 2030, this threshold will rise to a minimum of 30 percent.

Additionally, the resolution mandates a gradual reduction of the production and import of single-use plastic items, non-biodegradable packaging, and products containing microplastics.

A complete halt to producing and importing single-use plastic items, except those certified with the Vietnam eco-label, will take effect on January 1, 2031.

All agencies, organizations, and units under the city’s jurisdiction will be required to eliminate the use of single-use plastics and non-biodegradable plastic packaging in their daily operations.

By January 1, 2028, the use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging in direct contact with food will be fully prohibited across the city.