The Hanoi People's Council on July 10 approved a resolution on measures to reduce plastic waste across the city, pursuant to Clause 2, Article 28 of the Capital Law.

The resolution outlines specific actions to reduce plastic emissions in production, business, service, and daily activities throughout Hanoi.

Under the new rules, manufacturers using PE and PP plastic in packaging types specified in Clause 2, Article 77 of Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP, as amended by Decree No. 05/2025/ND-CP, are required to include at least 20% recycled plastic in such packaging by January 1, 2028. This minimum requirement will increase to 30% by January 1, 2030.

The city will gradually restrict the production and import of single-use plastic products, non-biodegradable plastic packaging, and items containing microplastics.

From January 1, 2031, Hanoi will ban the production and import of single-use plastic products (except those certified with the Vietnam Eco-label), non-biodegradable plastic packaging such as difficult-to-decompose plastic bags and styrofoam food containers, and products containing microplastics.

Exemptions will apply to items manufactured for export and non-biodegradable plastic packaging used for goods distributed to the market.

From January 1, 2027, markets and convenience stores will no longer be allowed to provide free non-biodegradable plastic bags.

Online retailers will be required to reduce the use of plastic packaging and shock-absorbing plastic materials, or to collect and recover these items to prevent them from polluting the environment.

From January 1, 2028, markets and convenience stores will also be prohibited from circulating or using single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic packaging, except for goods already packaged in such materials.

Hotels and tourist facilities will be banned from using single-use plastic items such as toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, shower caps, and plastic packaging for toiletries including toothpaste, shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner from January 1, 2026.

In public and administrative operations, agencies and organizations under Hanoi's local government will not be permitted to use single-use plastic products (unless certified with the Vietnam Eco-label) or non-biodegradable plastic packaging, including plastic bags and styrofoam containers.

By January 1, 2028, the use of non-biodegradable plastic packaging for containing or coming into direct contact with food will also be banned, with the exception of goods pre-packaged in such materials.

This resolution is part of Hanoi's broader effort to improve environmental sustainability and reduce the city's dependency on plastic products.