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ToxinFree
SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #197

Vietnam

No comprehensive ban. Amphibole asbestos banned since 2004. Chrysotile remains legal for asbestos-cement roofing sheets under 'controlled use'. Vietnam was the world's 6th largest asbestos consumer in 2012 (~79,000 tonnes imported). A 2018 Prime Ministerial announcement set 2023 as the deadline to cease chrysotile use in construction, but commercial pressure from industry lobbies has forestalled full implementation.

—No Ban
—
No ban in place
—
Mesothelioma Rate
—
Data not available
1980s-present
Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

  1. 2000s

    1. 2001Regulation

      Prime Minister's Decision 115/2001/QD-TTG states asbestos will be banned by 2004

      ↗ Source
    2. 2004Legislation

      Decision 133/2004/QD-TTG bans amphibole asbestos only; chrysotile permitted with strict monitoring. Full ban deadline missed

      ↗ Source
    3. 2008Regulation

      Decision 121/2008/QD-TTG permits chrysotile use in AC roofing sheets until 2020 under strict monitoring

      ↗ Source

  2. 2010s

    1. 2012Event

      Vietnam becomes world's 6th largest asbestos consumer, importing ~79,000 tonnes of chrysotile

      ↗ Source
    2. 2018Regulation

      Prime Minister announces 2023 as deadline to stop chrysotile use in construction; WHO commends Vietnam's leap in the fight against asbestos

      ↗ Source

Material Identification Guide

Common materials still present in buildings

asbestos-cement roofing sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement flat sheets

HIGH RISKNon-friable

1930–2000

asbestos-cement water pipes

MODERATENon-friable

1930–1990

brake linings

HIGH RISKFriable

1920–2000

↗Learn more

What To Do If You Live Here

  • Asbestos is still legally used in your country.
  • New and older construction alike may contain asbestos-containing materials.
  • Consult a certified professional before any renovation work.
  • Advocate for stronger asbestos regulations in your region.

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Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Information aggregated from public sources including IBAS, EPA, and WHO. Not legal or medical advice.

How we source our data →