Effective from February 10, 2026, Decision 04/2026/QĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister marks an important turning point in perfecting the legal framework for oil spill response in Vietnam. This document not only replaces previous regulations (such as Decision 12/2021/QĐ-TTg and Decision 24/2025/QĐ-TTg) but also strongly emphasizes the proactive responsibility of all levels of government, enterprises, and communities in protecting the marine and island environment from oil spill risks — an increasingly urgent issue as Vietnam vigorously develops the oil & gas industry, maritime sector, and blue economy.
Based on fundamental laws such as the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the Law on Civil Defense 2023, and the Law on Vietnam’s Sea 2012, this Decision provides detailed regulations on scope, principles, response classification levels, and especially the requirement to prepare response materials and equipment in order to minimize damage caused by oil spill incidents.
Let’s dive deeper into the key points of this Decision and how Bignanotech’s comprehensive oil absorbent product line — a Vietnamese brand applying advanced nano technology — can be reasonably and effectively integrated as a practical solution to help facilities and localities comply fully and efficiently.
Let’s dive deeper into the key points of this Decision and how Bignanotech’s comprehensive oil absorbent product line — a Vietnamese brand applying advanced nano technology — can be reasonably and effectively integrated as a practical solution to help facilities and localities comply fully and efficiently.
Importance of Decision 04/2026: Strong Emphasis on Proactive Preparation and Response
Decision 04/2026/QĐ-TTg was promulgated on January 23, 2026 in Hanoi, with the main objective of building a synchronized oil spill response system from facility level to national level. The key highlights include:
- Scope of regulation and subjects of application (Articles 1 & 2): Applies to all oil-related activities on Vietnamese territory and in its sea areas — from exploration, exploitation, transportation, transshipment, storage, to trading and use. Any organization or individual causing or participating in oil spill response must comply, with particular emphasis on the liability of “the oil spill causer” for compensation of damage (Article 4, Clause 7).
- Definitions and response principles (Articles 3 & 4): Clearly defines “oil” (crude and refined), “particularly serious oil spill incident”, and concepts such as “priority protection areas” (mangrove forests, coral reefs, concentrated aquaculture zones). Core principles include proactive preparation (Clause 1), prioritizing human rescue and environmental protection (Clause 3), responding close to the source to limit spread (Clause 4), and ensuring safety & fire/explosion prevention (Clause 5).
- Response classification and incident severity levels (Articles 5 & 6): Divided into three levels — facility level (owner handles if within capacity), provincial level (urgent mobilization when exceeding facility capacity), and national level (particularly serious cases, may request international assistance). Incidents are classified as small (<20 m³), medium (20–500 m³), and large (>500 m³), requiring corresponding investment in materials and equipment.
- Preparation for response (Chapter II, Article 7): The most critical part. It requires the development of response plans at all levels, annual updates, and re-approval every 5 years. Large facilities (petroleum storage ≥50,000 m³, ports receiving vessels ≥50,000 DWT) must submit plans to the Office of the National Civil Defense Steering Committee. Appendix III specifies the minimum list of response equipment, including absorbent materials, containment tools, and post-spill remediation supplies.
This Decision strongly promotes the application of modern technology to enhance response capacity, protect sensitive areas, and minimize socio-economic damage — especially in the context of climate change increasing natural disaster risks.
Integrating Bignanotech’s Oil Spill Response Product Line: A Practical Solution Supporting Full Compliance
To effectively implement Decision 04/2026, facilities and localities must invest in response materials that meet Appendix III requirements. Bignanotech, utilizing nano-technology from Japan (polypropylene or cellulose fibers that selectively absorb oil without absorbing water), offers a comprehensive product suite that fills the gaps in preparation and response. These products are environmentally friendly, easy to integrate into response plans (Article 7), and directly support the principles of near-source response and priority area protection.
Below is a reasonable integration of each product aligned with specific provisions:
1.Oil Absorbent Pads (N-Fiber P) With absorption capacity of 20–50 times its own weight (e.g., absorbs up to 1.6 liters of oil per pad), this product is ideal for small-level incidents at facility level (Article 5, Clause 1). It directly supports “response close to the oil spill source” (Article 4, Clause 4) — such as collecting oil sheens on water surfaces or warehouse floors — thereby limiting spread into priority protection areas (Article 3, Clause 15).
N-Fiber Oil Absorbent Pad
2. Oil Absorbent Pillows (N-Fiber W) Flexible design for placement under continuously leaking machinery. This product supports continuous consequence remediation (Article 3, Clause 5) and is suitable for medium-level incidents at provincial level. It ensures fire/explosion safety by firmly retaining oil without re-release (Article 4, Clause 5).
N-Fiber Oil absorbent Pillow
3. Oil Absorbent Rolls (N-Fiber R) Long rolls (e.g., 50 m × 40 cm, absorbing up to 180 liters per roll) can cover large areas or create temporary barriers for large spills (Article 6 – large level). This product supports urgent mobilization at provincial level (Article 5, Clause 2), helping monitor and prevent shoreline contamination.
N-Fiber Oil absorbent roll
3. Oil Containment & Absorbent Booms (N-Fiber B) Combines containment and absorption (absorbs hundreds of liters depending on size). These booms directly protect restricted activity zones (Article 3, Clause 16) by encircling spills at sea. They are suitable for particularly serious incidents and support national-level coordination (Article 5, Clause 3).
N-Fiber Oil absorbent boom
3. Oil-Degrading Bioremediation Powder (N-BIO POWDER) Uses microorganisms that degrade up to 80% of oil within 1–4 months. This product focuses on “remediation of consequences and ecological restoration” (Article 3, Clause 5). Ideal for long-term treatment after large incidents, helping facilities fulfill compensation responsibilities and protect ecosystems.
Oil-Degrading Bioremediation Powder N-BIO POWDER
4. Oil Cleaning / Absorbent Powder N-SORBENTS) Powder form sprinkled directly to dry contaminated hard surfaces. This product enables rapid on-site cleaning (Article 3, Clause 8). It is suitable for facility-level incidents and ensures safety & effectiveness during regular training and drills (Article 32 in the full Regulation).
N-Sorbents Oil Absorbent Powder
The entire Bignanotech product suite not only meets the material investment requirements but is also cost-effective, easy to store, and manufactured in Vietnam — enabling petroleum storage facilities, ports, and other enterprises to smoothly update their annual response plans.
Conclusion: Act Now to Comply and Protect the Environment
Decision 04/2026/QĐ-TTg is not merely a legal document; it is a strong call for proactive action at every level to mitigate oil spill risks — a major threat to Vietnam’s environment and economy. By integrating the Bignanotech product line into your oil spill response plan, you can significantly improve response effectiveness from prevention to remediation while fully complying with the principles and classification system set out in the Decision.
If you are managing a facility in Hanoi or coastal provinces, contact Bignanotech today via bignanotech.com or their hotline for free consultation on how to incorporate these products into your oil spill response plan.
- Official Website: bignanotech.com
- Hotline: 0879 808 080/ 094 386 7099/ 0868 939 595
- Email: sales@bignanotech.com
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