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Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has proposed a new green e-commerce law in response to growing environmental concerns, particularly the alarming projection of 800,000 tons of plastic waste by 2030. The rapid expansion of Vietnam’s e-commerce sector has led to significant ecological challenges, especially in packaging, order fulfillment, and online food delivery waste.
The Need for a Green E-commerce Law
A 2024 survey by the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM) highlighted the pressing environmental issues associated with the industry’s growth. The MoIT’s draft proposal for the Law on E-commerce is set to be included in the National Assembly’s legislative development program in 2025. The law will be presented for parliamentary review in October 2025, with final approval anticipated in May 2026.
Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is currently governed by Decree 52/2013/ND-CP and Decree 85/2021/ND-CP, which provide a foundational legal framework. However, these regulations require updates to align with sustainable e-commerce practices, ensuring long-term development.
The Environmental Impact of E-commerce
The statistics paint a concerning picture of the industry’s environmental footprint. In 2024, Vietnam’s online shopping and food delivery markets reached $22 billion and $1 billion, respectively. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the sector consumed approximately 160,000 cardboard boxes and 171,000 tons of plastic, most of which was single-use.
The e-commerce industry alone generated over 7,600 tons of plastic waste for every $1 billion in sales, while food delivery services contributed nearly 18,600 tons. With Vietnam’s e-commerce market projected to reach $40 billion in 2025 and nearly $100 billion by 2030, the scale of waste production is expected to surge unless regulatory measures are implemented.
Since 2019, unsustainable practices in Vietnam’s e-commerce industry have become increasingly apparent. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the sector’s growth but also magnified its negative environmental impact, particularly due to the excessive use of plastic and packaging materials. If left unaddressed, plastic waste from e-commerce could reach an alarming 800,000 tons by 2030.
Proposed Measures for Sustainable E-commerce
Recognizing the urgent need for change, MoIT’s proposal emphasizes green standards and sustainable business practices in e-commerce. The proposed law aims to:
- Develop environmentally friendly e-commerce infrastructure.
- Encourage businesses to adopt green technology and sustainable packaging.
- Raise consumer awareness about eco-friendly consumption.
- Integrate emission reduction solutions and promote green supply chains.
These measures not only support environmental protection but also enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
The MoIT acknowledges that transitioning to sustainable e-commerce will have economic implications. The government will need to allocate resources at both central and local levels to promote green e-commerce initiatives. Businesses will have to invest in new technologies and innovate their processes to comply with emerging environmental standards. Consumers may also face higher product prices due to increased costs associated with sustainable practices and infrastructure improvements.
Despite these challenges, MoIT believes that the long-term benefits of a green e-commerce policy outweigh the costs. The move towards sustainable e-commerce is expected to generate significant economic and social advantages, including reduced environmental degradation and enhanced international trade opportunities.
The MoIT’s proposal for a green e-commerce law underscores Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable economic development. By integrating environmentally responsible practices into the fast-growing digital marketplace, the country aims to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of e-commerce.
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