Government to set new EV charging safety rules from July 2027
Luatvietnam.vn, 2 Oct '26
Vietnam is set to introduce new safety requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging piles and charging stations from July 2027, including provisions requiring stations facing structural instability to suspend operations or isolate affected areas until corrective measures are completed.
On September 29th, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT, accompanying the National Technical Regulation on EV charging piles and charging stations, designated as QCVN 32:2026/BCT. The Circular will come into effect on July 1st, 2027.
Under the new requirements, EV charging stations at risk of structural instability will be identified as posing a direct safety risk and must suspend operations or isolate affected areas for rectification from July 1st, 2027.
Specifically, under Clause 5, Article 2 of Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT, a direct risk is defined as a situation with the potential to cause immediate safety hazards if operations continue. Such risks can arise from electric shock, fire, explosion, structural instability, or damage to vehicles and the electrical system.
Structural instability at an EV charging station therefore constitutes one of the cases categorised as a direct risk under the Circular. Upon detecting such a risk, owners or station operators must issue warnings, cease operations or isolate the affected portion, and implement corrective measures.
Where the affected area cannot be safely isolated, the entire EV charging station must halt operations. The affected section may only resume operation once it has been rectified and inspected to ensure safety.
The procedure for handling direct risks also applies to EV charging stations that were operating before July 1st, 2027. Specifically, under Point b, Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular 61/2026/TT-BCT, these stations must complete the rectification of any aspects that fail to meet the Regulation's safety requirements within 24 months from the Circular's effective date.
For EV charging piles legally installed before July 1st, 2027, owners and operating units will likewise be responsible for maintaining safe operation, conducting inspections and maintenance, rectifying defects, and handling direct risks in accordance with the regulations.
