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| Vietnam has approved a plan to implement the UNECE 1958 Agreement on road vehicles__Illustrative photo: VNA |
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision 77/QD-TTg dated January 12, 2026, approving a plan to implement the UNECE 1958 Agreement, aiming to maximize Vietnam’s benefits from the Vietnam–EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Vietnam–UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) through the mutual recognition of motor vehicle type approvals.
The UNECE 1958 Agreement provides a framework for adopting harmonized UN technical regulations for wheeled vehicles, their equipment and parts, and for the reciprocal recognition of approvals granted under these regulations, as administered by the UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29).
The plan is also designed to strengthen the management of technical safety and environmental protection for road vehicles, as well as for parts and equipment installed and used on such vehicles.
Under the plan, relevant ministries, sectors and competent authorities will step up communications and outreach on the UNECE 1958 Agreement to state management agencies and businesses. An information focal point on the Agreement will be established at the Ministry of Construction to provide guidance, clarify commitments and address related issues.
Training and capacity-building programs will be rolled out to enhance the expertise of officials involved in implementing the Agreement, while information will be disseminated to enterprises, organizations and individuals. Publications and research materials introducing the Agreement and Vietnam’s participation will also be developed and published.
Vietnam will also draw up plans and actively participate in General Assembly sessions and working party meetings under WP.29, along with other relevant forums. Cooperation with other contracting parties to the UNECE 1958 Agreement will be strengthened to further develop and refine the institutional arrangements required for effective implementation.
The organizational structure of the focal-point agency and coordinating units within ministries and sectors will be streamlined to ensure coordinated, consistent and efficient execution. Relevant data on the certification of road vehicles, parts and equipment will be managed, shared and utilized in line with the Agreement.
In addition, relevant authorities will review international treaties on road motor vehicles to which Vietnam is a party, and propose the issuance of legal documents where necessary to guide the mutual recognition of UN technical regulations (UNRs) once adopted. Existing national technical regulations (QCVNs) and standards (TCVNs) will also be reviewed, with timely proposals for revision, supplementation or new development in line with the principles and roadmap of the UNECE 1958 Agreement.- (VNA/VLLF)
