Vietnam and Thailand updates emission standards for in-use vehicles

Clean Air Asia and UNEP arranged a study visit between key representatives from the Ministry of Transport – Vietnam and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment – Thailand to create a space for peer-to-peer learning among regulators on the process of developing standards for in-use diesel vehicles. The study visit, held from 18-19 February 2014, is a follow-up activity from the regional dialogue organized by Clean Air Asia in November 2013 bringing ASEAN governments together to discuss strategies to promote cleaner fuels and more efficient motor vehicles.

The Ministry of Transport of Vietnam has initiated the process of tightening the emissions standards for in-use vehicles. Emission limits for in-use diesel vehicles, both light-duty and heavy-duty, in Vietnam was set at 72 HSU to suit the vehicle fleet in 2005 when the regulation was passed. Over the years, the structure of vehicle fleet in Vietnam has changed significantly with many vehicles imported and manufactured having advanced emissions control technologies. Data from the Vietnam Register have shown that almost all diesel vehicles undergoing the annual technical inspection pass the standards, which renders the inspection an ineffective tool for pollution control. The government of Vietnam is addressing this by assigning the University of Transport Technology to carry out study for proposing updated standards for in-use diesel vehicles expected to be completed by end of 2014. This updated standards for in-use vehicles also corresponds to the move to Euro 4 emissions standards for new vehicles starting 2017.

Clean Air Asia is supporting the Ministry of Transport – Vietnam in this process of developing emissions standards for in-use diesel vehicles with assistance from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). About 0.8 million light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles were registered in Vietnam by the end of last year. Studies indicate that Vietnam’s vehicle fleet has grown consistently at an average of 16% per annum from 2000-2012, and growth in cars is highest at 18% during the same period.

In the same vein, the Government of Thailand has also started consultations among their stakeholders last year in a bid to develop more stringent regulations on emissions standard for in-use diesel vehicles. Led by the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand has enforced Euro 4 emission standards for new vehicles since December 2012. The black smoke limit for in-use diesel vehicles in Thailand is currently pegged at 50% on filter method.