Implementing decrees and circulars: what changes for imported chemicals?

Guidance in force from 17 January 2026 brings a new control list, extra procedural steps and a requirement for compliant storage.

Alongside the 2025 Law on Chemicals comes a set of implementing documents: Decrees 24/2026/ND-CP, 25/2026/ND-CP and 26/2026/ND-CP, and Circulars 01/2026/TT-BCT and 02/2026/TT-BCT, applying from 17 January 2026. These contain the detailed rules businesses work with every day.

Five changes importers notice most

• A new list of controlled chemicals: some products previously imported routinely now fall under control.
• Additional procedural steps: many products need extra documents, confirmations or declarations before clearance.
• Higher importer qualifications: requirements for capability, safety staff and records are raised.
• Compliant storage required: where goods are kept after clearance is part of compliance.
• Longer licensing lead times: import plans need more buffer time.

Impact on import planning

Longer procedures make it more likely that shipments wait at port, incurring container detention and storage charges. Importers should prepare documents earlier, confirm the receiving warehouse in advance and agree suitable storage zones for each product group.

This list is TKT's summary from preparing the project. Document numbers, scope and details should be checked against the officially published texts.