The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations of 2025, effective from January 1, 2026, not only clearly defines the legal boundary between these two concepts but also creates a transparent legal framework for businesses and people to comply with and effectively utilize.
Distinguish clearly to avoid legal problems.
In practice, many businesses still confuse two seemingly familiar concepts: standards and technical regulations. According to the amended Law on Standards and Technical Regulations recently passed by the National Assembly , these are two completely different tools, in terms of nature, legal basis, and purpose of use.
Introducing products of the Electrical Equipment Joint Stock Company at the 18th International Exhibition on Electrical Technology and Equipment, July 2025.
Standards are technical guidelines issued by a standards organization or competent authority, and are voluntary. Businesses can choose to apply them to organize production, design, and quality control of products to meet technical requirements, improve productivity, and enhance brand image. A product may have multiple different standards corresponding to different export markets or target customer groups.
Meanwhile, technical regulations are legal documents issued by the State and mandated to be applied, specifying the safety, hygiene, and environmental limits that products, goods, and services must comply with when circulating in the market. These are crucial tools of state management for protecting consumers and society.
The confusion between these two concepts has led to many negative consequences. In the field of fire safety, many businesses have had their design appraisal or operating license applications rejected because they relied solely on national standards, ignoring the mandatory requirements of national regulations. For example, some businesses installed fire alarm systems that met standard 5738:2022 but did not meet regulation 06:2022/BXD on fire safety for buildings and structures, resulting in the entire design having to be revised, wasting time and money.
Specifically, from July 1, 2025, when the 2024 Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue comes into effect, management agencies will inspect design documents and conduct acceptance testing according to national standards, imposing heavy penalties if equipment and systems do not meet the standards…
In the field of electric vehicle charging stations, the Ministry of Science and Technology, in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has drafted a National Technical Standard for charging stations, strictly stipulating mandatory safety requirements. Previously, Vietnam had issued 23 national standards providing detailed technical guidance on structure, cables, sockets, power measurement, etc., helping businesses install them correctly. In the future, when the national standard for electric vehicle charging stations is issued, applying only the standard while ignoring the regulation may result in product rejection or penalties.
In short, regulations are "legal passports," while standards are "technical manuals." Understanding and correctly applying both helps businesses comply with the law while optimizing quality, reducing costs, and enhancing competitiveness.
Proactive businesses - Supported by the law.
According to experts, the essence of standards is to help businesses proactively produce products with consistent, easily verifiable quality, while regulations act as a "filter" for the State to remove unsafe products from the market. When properly understood and applied consistently, businesses will significantly reduce legal risks and produce safer products.
Mr. Pham Thanh Nghi, General Director of THIBIDI Electrical Equipment Joint Stock Company, shared: “Standards help standardize processes, save costs, reduce product defects, ensure consistent quality, and enhance reputation and competitiveness. With an export orientation, it is especially important to have internationally harmonized standards to build trust with partners and expand markets.”
From a management perspective, Mr. Trieu Viet Phuong, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Standards and Quality, emphasized: "Standards are not barriers, but levers. In the context of integration, a product that meets international standards domestically will easily penetrate the global market, reduce duplicate inspections, and save significant costs." He also proposed allowing businesses to participate in the standards-making process from the outset to accurately reflect market needs and product characteristics.
The 2025 amendment law addresses this need. For the first time, the law clearly defines the responsibilities and legal status of the National Standards Agency; allows businesses and associations to participate in standards development; and establishes a national database of standards and regulations for easy access by all parties. In particular, the "one product - one regulation" principle nationwide will eliminate overlaps, reduce costs, and minimize legal risks for businesses.
Distinguishing and correctly applying "standards" and "regulations" is fundamental to ensuring product safety, business stability, and deep integration. When businesses take the initiative and the government creates a transparent legal framework, consumers will benefit from quality products and a healthy market.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/tieu-chuan-va-quy-chuan-hieu-dung-de-canh-tranh-tranh-rui-ro-713563.html
![[Photo] General Secretary and President To Lam presides over a working session with the Central Policy and Strategy Committee on the development of the materials industry.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/21/1779359935432_a3-bnd-3129-1412-jpg.webp)
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