Mandatory Fire Safety Regulations for Businesses Under Vietnamese Law

Fire safety rules and instruction boards must be posted at business premises to help employees strictly adhere to regulations and respond promptly in the event of a fire or explosion.

1. Legal Context and Goals for Tightening Fire Prevention and Fighting (FPF) Safety

In recent years, the Government has promoted administrative reform in the field of Fire Prevention and Fighting (FPF) to reduce the burden on businesses while maintaining a strict legal framework. The key legal foundations include the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting 2001 (amended and supplemented in 2013), Decree 136/2020/ND-CP detailing its implementation, and Decree 50/2024/ND-CP on sanctioning administrative violations in the field of FPF.

Under these regulations, the head of the enterprise must organize the implementation and maintenance of FPF safety conditions, develop firefighting plans, conduct professional training, and perform periodic self-inspections. Simultaneously, businesses must comply with Vietnamese Standards (TCVN) and National Technical Regulations (QCVN) on fire and explosion safety in the design, construction, and operation of their facilities.

Thus, reforming procedures does not mean loosening standards. The responsibility for self-inspection, self-assessment, and legal liability in FPF is still clearly defined, with strict penalties applied for violations.

2. Mandatory FPF Regulations Businesses Must Comply With

2.1. Fire Safety Design Approval and Acceptance

According to current regulations, construction projects listed as having high fire and explosion risks must:

• Obtain FPF design approval prior to construction.

• Pass an FPF acceptance inspection before being put into operation.

• Ensure that fire alarm, firefighting, and escape systems meet technical standards.

• Note: Some small-scale projects may be decentralized to local authorities to shorten processing times, but they must still ensure strict FPF safety standards.

2.2. Certificate of FPF Eligibility

Businesses operating in conditional sectors must:

• Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for FPF.

• Maintain complete FPF management records.

• Update documents and periodic inspection minutes.

  Note: Licensing times have been shortened for transparency and public access, but facilities failing to meet the conditions may face suspension of operations.

2.3. Periodic Inspection and Maintenance of FPF Systems

Under the new regulations effective from July 1, 2025, businesses must:

• Periodically inspect automatic fire alarm and firefighting systems.

• Maintain and service FPF equipment according to the correct procedures.

• Draft recording minutes and archive the records.

  Note: Unannounced inspections will target facilities with high risks, repeated violations, or signs of safety hazards.

2.4. Responsibilities of the Head of the Enterprise

A critical tightening point in the FPF safety regulations is the personal responsibility of the facility's head. The manager must:

• Take direct responsibility for FPF activities.

• Organize periodic training and drills for employees.

• Arrange escape routes that meet standard technical requirements.

• Ensure emergency doors are never locked and escape routes are never obstructed.

  Note: Severe violations can lead to heavy administrative fines or criminal prosecution.

3. Notable Changes from July 1, 2025

The new 2025 regulations on FPF and rescue operations focus on:

• Specifying the responsibilities of individuals and organizations.

• Tightening the standards for fire-resistant materials.

• Increasing mandatory training and drills.

• Elevating the requirements for FPF documentation and archiving.

Businesses must pay special attention to renovation and expansion projects, all of which require a reassessment of FPF safety conditions before operation.

4. What Must Businesses Do to Ensure FPF Safety Compliance?

To fully comply with FPF legal requirements, businesses should:

• Regularly update legal documents: Monitor new Decrees and Circulars issued by the Government and the Ministry of Public Security.

• Proactively conduct internal self-inspections: Establish routine inspection procedures for electrical systems, firefighting systems, and escape routes.

• Conduct FPF training and drills: Organize practical training for employees to ensure effective handling of fire and explosion scenarios.

• Collaborate with professional units: Choose suppliers of standard-compliant fire-resistant materials and equipment with full certification to expedite the approval and acceptance process.

5. The Role of Standard-Compliant FPF Materials and Equipment

A decisive factor in meeting FPF safety regulations is the quality of materials and technical systems, including:

• Fire-resistant boards for ventilation ducts and partitions.

• Standard-compliant fire dampers.

• Fire-resistant roller doors.

• Pressurization and smoke extraction fan systems.

Using standard-compliant materials ensures Fire Integrity (EI) and facilitates a smoother inspection and acceptance process.

The reduction of administrative procedures in the FPF sector is a positive step to support businesses. However, the requirements for Fire Prevention and Fighting Safety are becoming increasingly strict and professional.

Businesses need to proactively stay updated on new regulations, enhance internal inspections, and invest adequately in their FPF systems. Strict compliance with the law not only helps avoid the risk of penalties but also protects assets, human lives, and brand reputation in the long term.