Which Authority Is Responsible for Environmental Permit Applications When District-Level People's Committees Are Abolished?

24/06/2025

From July 1, 2025, the authority to issue district-level environmental permits is transferred to provincial-level People’s Committees under Decree 131/2025/ND-CP.

Nanoen According to Resolution No. 60-NQ/TW of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly of Vietnam on the rearrangement of provincial administrative divisions, Vietnam’s provincial-level administrative units will be reduced to 34, comprising 06 centrally run cities and 28 provinces, effective June 12, 2025. The newly formed local administrations officially operate from July 1, 2025.

Provincial mergers and eliminating district-level government aim to streamline the organization of the political system, reducing intermediate levels and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of leadership and management.

How does that amendment affect the environmental dossier processes?

Previously, according to the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 (hereinafter referred to as “LEP 2020”), environmental licenses were assessed at 3 levels corresponding to 3 authorities: the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment/Ministry of National Defense/Ministry of Public Security, the Provincial People's Committee, and the District-level People’s Committees.

From July 1, 2025, when Decree No. 131/2025/ND-CP takes effect, the district people's committee, which was previously authorized to issue environmental licenses, will no longer exist.

After phasing out district level, which agency will take over the authority of the district-level people’s committees for the issuance of environmental licenses?

Investment project

Types of dossier

The competent authority

According to Article 41 LEP 2020, environmental license is issued by the district-level People’s Committee

The one specified in Clause 1 Article 26 Decree 131/2025/NĐ-CP

Environmental license

Chairman of the provincial-level people’s committees

 

Environmental registration

Chairman of the commune-level people’s committees

Which Projects Previously Under District-Level Environmental Permitting Authority Are Now Subject to Environmental Registration Received by the Chairperson of the Commune-level People’s Committee?Infographic illustrating changes in environmental permit issuing authority after the removal of district-level People’s Committees under Decree No. 131/2025/ND-CP

The Chairperson of the Commune-level People’s Committee is responsible for receiving environmental registration applications for projects and facilities that were previously subject to environmental permitting by the District-level People’s Committees under the Law on Environmental Protection, and which do NOT fall under the cases where environmental permits are issued by the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee.

The reallocation of authority in environmental permitting and registration helps make the implementation process clearer, more centralized, and more efficient. However, to accurately determine the competent authority, prepare complete dossiers, and ensure compliance with the latest regulatory requirements, enterprises are strongly advised to seek professional environmental consulting services.

Nanoen Accompanies Enterprises Throughout the Environmental Compliance Process

Nanoen is committed to providing comprehensive support in addressing issues related to procedural implementation, dossier preparation, and coordination with inspection teams and appraisal councils. At the same time, we propose optimal solutions to help clients effectively manage environmental issues, tailored to the specific characteristics of each industry.

In addition, Nanoen offers further support services for enterprises, including:

  • Updating and supplementing missing documentation such as stormwater and wastewater pipeline layout drawings;

  • Consulting, inspection, and assessment of wastewater treatment systems and environmental treatment facilities in accordance with applicable regulations.

Contact Nanoen today via hotline 0941 777 519 – 0907 803 678 – 0901 229 798 to receive a FREE consultation.

Nanoen


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