New industrial wastewater standards take effect in Sept. 2025

As from September 1, 2025, all industrial facilities discharging industrial wastewater will be required to ensure that pollution parameters remain within the permissible limits set by the newly issued national technical standard on industrial wastewater—QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT.

The new regulation has been issued under Circular No.06/2025/TT-BTNMT,  dated February 28, 2025, of the Ministry of National Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment)   

The regulation specifies the allowable pollution parameter values for industrial wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies. However, it does not apply to water extracted from offshore oil and gas facilities, livestock wastewater, domestic wastewater, or urban and centralized residential wastewater.

The regulation applies to State agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the discharge of industrial wastewater into receiving water bodies. It provides a clear framework to ensure compliance and accountability in wastewater management.

Facilities already in operation, or investment projects that have obtained approval for their environmental impact assessment report, environmental permit, or environmental registration from a competent state agency prior to September 1, 2025, can continue to follow the existing national technical regulations on wastewater until December 31, 2031. This includes compliance with local regulations, such as local technical standards on wastewater, based on the specific type of production, business, or service.

Additionally, if competent State agencies issue regulations that change the functional use of a receiving water body, affected parties must comply with the updated requirements according to the roadmap set by the agency.