Vietnam Revises Licensing for Firefighting Vehicles

In response to ongoing concerns about delays in licensing, Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has introduced measures to simplify the inspection and licensing of firefighting and rescue vehicles.

As part of these new rules, organizations and businesses can select between an inspection certificate or a circulation license for their firefighting and rescue vehicles from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026. Post this transition period, only circulation licenses will be available.

This initiative follows complaints from companies in the fire prevention sector regarding substantial delays in obtaining necessary approvals for their projects. Where approvals used to take approximately a month, they are now extending to three or four months, attributed to a limited number of functioning inspection units.

A representative from Ho Chi Minh City noted that insufficient authorized inspection bodies have resulted in prolonged waiting times, thus hampering project progress. Business leaders have urged the authorities to enhance the approval system to ensure uninterrupted operations.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, firefighting and rescue vehicles with internationally recognized quality certifications compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 standards may now straightforwardly apply for circulation permits. This move aims to alleviate the burden on local inspection bodies and expedite the approval process.

Additionally, officials have indicated that more organizations are being certified to carry out testing for firefighting and rescue equipment. A number of testing units in Hanoi have recently been granted approval to assess equipment such as fire pumps, alarm systems, emergency lighting systems, sprinkler heads, and extinguishers. More testing centers are also in the process of obtaining formal recognition.

Authorities are optimistic that expanding testing organizations and offering flexible licensing options will contribute to mitigating application backlogs and enhancing efficiency in fire safety operations. However, it remains imperative for all equipment and vehicles to comply with national safety standards and technical specifications before they can circulate.

The Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department has released comprehensive guidance on circulation permits and inspection procedures on its official site. Companies handling firefighting equipment and rescue vehicles are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and adhere to the necessary processes throughout the transition phase.