Hanoi set to impose motorcycle emissions standards in 2027
Vietnam currently has emission standards and inspection systems in place only for cars; motorcycles and mopeds are not yet subject to these requirements.
THE HANOI TIMES — Starting in 2027, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are expected to enforce national technical standards on motorcycle emissions. The remaining four subnational cities of Haiphong, Danang, Cantho, and Hue will follow a year later.
Motorcycle emission testing in Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Hiep/The Hanoi Times
The roadmap on applying national emission standards to motorcycles and mopeds in circulation is outlined in the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's draft regulation that is seeking for public comments.
The standards are scheduled to take effect nationwide on January 1, 2030. However, provincial authorities may choose to implement earlier based on local conditions.
Regarding emission thresholds, the ministry has proposed that motorcycles manufactured before 2008 must meet Level 1 standards, which specify the maximum allowable emissions limits for motorbikes and scooters in Vietnam. Those produced from 2008 to 2016 must comply with Level 2. Motorcycles produced from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2026, will adhere to Level 3. Level 4 will apply to vehicles produced after July 1, 2026.
For mopeds, Level 1 applies to those produced before 2016, Level 2 for those made between 2017 and June 30, 2027, and Level 4 for those manufactured after July 1, 2027.
In Hanoi, motorcycles and mopeds entering low-emission zones must adhere to additional regulations issued by the city under the Capital Law. Starting January 1, 2032, all motorcycles and mopeds operating in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are required to meet Level 2 emission standards at a minimum.
The Ministry of Construction will be responsible for testing and certifying motorcycles and mopeds for compliance with emission standards, as well as for overseeing emission testing facilities to ensure the proper enforcement of technical and environmental safety standards. The Ministries of Construction, Agriculture and the Environment, and Public Security will jointly conduct periodic and ad hoc inspections of emission testing operations for motorcycles and mopeds.
The Ministry of Science and Technology is asked to review and revise the national technical standards on fuel in order to align them with the phased implementation of emission standards. It will also assess the legal regulations related to the accreditation and designation of testing and calibration organizations for emission measurement equipment.
The Ministry of Public Security is expected to provide local police with guidance on how to inspect motorcycles and mopeds for compliance with emission regulations and how to penalize violations.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment previously conducted a public consultation on motorcycle emission standards. Two new indicators were introduced: carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC), both of which are divided into four levels.
From 2009 to 2023, the number of personal vehicles in Vietnam increased by an average of 10%-15% each year. As of December 2023, there were over 74.3 million motorcycles registered nationwide. New motorcycle registrations have remained high in recent years, reaching over 3.5 million in 2022 and 1.4 million in the first half of 2024.
