Starting July 1, 2025, the Law on Fire Prevention, Firefighting, and Rescue 2024 will officially come into force. This law introduces a new regulatory framework for managing the quality of goods related to fire prevention and firefighting.
A major change affecting manufacturing, importing, and trading businesses is the introduction of Permits for Circulation for fire-resistant and fire-preventive materials and components. These permits replace previous requirements for product inspection and conformity declarations with technical standards.
This article by LawPlus explains the key updates businesses need to know. With this information, enterprises can ensure compliance and adapt their strategies to fit the new regulations.
Table of Contents/Mục lục
1. Entities Required to Obtain a Permit for Circulation of Fire-Resistant and Fire-Preventive Materials and Components
Under the new regulations, companies can only trade and use fire-resistant and fire-preventive materials and components in construction once they have obtained a Permit for Circulation. The issuance of such permit ensures that the products comply with applicable standards and technical regulations.
Compared to the previous regime, this represents a significant shift in regulatory approach. Previously, businesses only needed to declare their products’ conformity to applicable standards. Now, they must go through a pre-market licensing process. Accordingly, regulatory authorities are able to exercise quality control over fire prevention and firefighting products from the initial stage.
Pursuant to Appendix V issued together with Decree No. 105/2025/NĐ-CP, the following materials and components are required to obtain a Permit for Circulation prior to being placed on the market or used in construction works:
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Fire-resistant and fire-preventive materials;
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Fire-rated doors and fire partitions;
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Fire curtains and fire-resistant curtains.
These components play a direct role in ensuring fire resistance limits and preventing the spread of fire. Products not included in this list shall remain subject to general regulations on quality management and goods labeling.
2. Authority to Issue Permits for Circulation of Fire-Resistant and Fire-Preventive Materials and Components
A new aspect that enterprises should pay attention to is the allocation of authority for issuing Permits for Circulation. Pursuant to Decree No. 105/2025/NĐ-CP and as guided by Circular No. 63/2025/TT-BXD, the receipt and processing of applications for such permits fall under the responsibility of specialized construction authorities.
Accordingly, the People’s Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities shall organize the implementation of the issuance of Permits for Circulation within their respective jurisdictions, and assign local specialized construction authorities (typically the Departments of Construction) to receive application dossiers, conduct appraisal, and issue permits within their competence. This approach is intended to enhance consistency in the quality management of fire-resistant and fire-preventive materials and components throughout their circulation and use in construction works.
3. Application Dossier for a Permit for Circulation of Fire-Resistant and Fire-Preventive Materials and Components
Enterprises may submit application dossiers directly, via postal services, or through online public service portals. The dossiers are categorized as follows:
For domestically manufactured and assembled products, the dossier includes:
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An application for a Permit for Circulation (Form No. PC20);
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Test results demonstrating conformity with the declared applicable standards or relevant technical regulations;
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Certificate of factory release and relevant technical documents (if any).
For imported products, the dossier includes:
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An application for a Permit for Circulation (Form No. PC20);
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Quality certificates and test results issued by foreign organizations accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025;
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Certificate of Origin (C/O) and technical documentation of the product.
In cases where international test results are not available, enterprises may use test results issued by competent conformity assessment bodies in Vietnam.
4. Processing Time and Validity of the Permit
Within five (05) working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the specialized construction authority shall review and issue the Permit for Circulation. In the event that the application does not satisfy the requirements, the competent authority must respond in writing, clearly stating the reasons.
Additionally, the authorities issue the Permit for Circulation on a per-product model basis. Therefore, if subsequent consignments share the same name, function, trademark, type, and technical specifications, and the same entity produces or imports them, enterprises do not need to re-apply for the permit.
5. Responsibilities of Enterprises After Obtaining the Permit
Upon being granted the Permit for Circulation, enterprises are required to:
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Properly label goods, clearly indicating the Permit number and the name of the issuing authority;
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Declare product information (including name, model code, technical specifications, quantity, year of manufacture, etc.) on the database system of the competent specialized authority prior to placing the products on the market.
Enterprises shall bear full responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of the declared information.
6. Transitional Provisions to Be Noted
In order to avoid disruption to business operations, the law permits the continued use of inspection certificates and inspection stamps issued under previous regulations, including Decree No. 136/2020/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 50/2024/NĐ-CP, until the end of June 30, 2026.
Accordingly, certificates issued prior to July 1, 2025 shall remain valid and may continue to be used until their stated expiry dates.
7. Conclusion and Recommendations
Compliance with regulations on Permits for Circulation becomes mandatory from 2025. This also serves as a “license” enabling enterprises to demonstrate the quality and credibility of their products in construction works with stringent fire safety requirements.
The transitional provisions are temporary in nature. Therefore, enterprises should proactively update and adjust their practices to ensure stable production and business operations in the field of fire prevention and firefighting materials and components.
