Roadmap is needed for new emission standard

From 2017, Euro 4 emission standards will be put on new cars – but a support infrastructure is still needed

In light of the prime ministerial Decision No.49/2011/QD-TTg, from January 1, 2017 newly manufactured, assembled, and imported cars are obliged to meet European emission level 4 standards (Euro 4) to be eligible to register for circulation in Vietnam.

Decision 49 provides a roadmap for the application of these exhaust emission standards.

The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA) has continued to propose the prime minister and authorised management agencies that the organisation present the Euro 4 standards and provide the roadmap.

VAMA’s first application of the same content was sent to the government this May, but it has not received any feedback.

“Euro 4 fuel has yet to be supplied to the Vietnamese market. VAMA is particularly concerned that Euro 4 engine cars are still using Euro 2 fuel – this could seriously affect the engine operation and durability, the car user benefits, and harm the environment,” VAMA said in a statement.

In its latest proposal, VAMA asked not to change the content regulated in Decision 49, which states that petrol-fueled cars must meet Euro 4 standards from January 1, 2017. The timeline for diesel engine cars will be one year later, starting January 1, 2018.

VAMA also proposed that the government ensure a nationwide supply of Euro 4 fuel prior to implementing the new standards.

VAMA chairman Yoshihisa Maruta suggested converting from the usage of Euro 2 to Euro 4 fuel to avoid fraud during the fuel supply process.

Management agencies are also concerned about the fast-approaching milestone. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently met relevant management agencies, the oil and gas sector’s management authorities, and relevant business associations and enterprises to review the implementation of Decision 49.

The MoIT has proposed diverse measures to ensure a balance in interests between oil and gas producers and traders, and auto and motorbike importers and traders.

The measures also aim to ensure the production, import, and supply of fuel to meet the actual requirements for implementing the new exhaust emission standards roadmap.

Car firm representatives commented that they would not face any difficulties in the application of Euro 4 emission standards.

After January 1, 2017, domestic carmakers will begin to place orders for the production of Euro 4-compliant engines from abroad. They will then modify them locally, with corresponding components and control software.