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04/12/2025
The Ministry of Science and Technology is currently seeking public feedback on the draft amended Atomic Energy Law, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive and complete legal foundation within the regulatory framework governing atomic energy.
Chinhphu.VN – February 23, 2025
The Atomic Energy Law (Law No. 18/2008/QH12) was approved by the 12th National Assembly at its 3rd session on June 3, 2008, and took effect on January 1, 2009. Over more than 15 years of implementation, the 2008 Law has played a significant role in promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy and strengthening state management over related activities.
However, alongside its positive contributions, many provisions of the 2008 Atomic Energy Law have revealed limitations: management requirements have evolved; several provisions are inconsistent with newer laws; and the law has not fully met international treaty obligations in the nuclear field to which Viet Nam is a party. Overlaps in the management functions of ministries and sectors have arisen; some regulations lack feasibility; and others fail to keep pace with rapid advances in nuclear science, radiation technology, and nuclear engineering. Provisions governing safety, security, nuclear safeguards, and state management of nuclear facilities (including nuclear power plants and research reactor facilities) also contain gaps and inadequacies.
Therefore, amendments and supplements to the 2008 Atomic Energy Law are necessary.
The Ministry of Science and Technology stated that the purpose of issuing the amended Atomic Energy Law is to institutionalize the Party’s orientations and the State’s policies on atomic energy; ensure consistency with other relevant legal documents; meet practical requirements; and build a comprehensive and complete legal framework for atomic energy management.
The amended law aims to enhance the effectiveness of radiation safety, nuclear safety and security; ensure the sustainable development of atomic energy applications; fulfill Viet Nam’s international commitments and obligations; and strengthen international cooperation.
The draft amended Atomic Energy Law consists of 13 chapters with 75 articles:
Chapter I: General Provisions (Articles 1–11)
Chapter II: Development of Atomic Energy Applications (Articles 12–15)
Chapter III: Radiation Safety, Radiation Protection, and Security of Radioactive Sources and Nuclear Materials (Articles 16–29)
Chapter IV: Safety and Security of Nuclear Facilities (Articles 30–42)
Chapter V: Exploration, Mining, and Processing of Radioactive Minerals (Articles 43–44)
Chapter VI: Management of Radioactive Waste, Disused Radioactive Sources, and Spent Nuclear Fuel (Articles 45–49)
Chapter VII: Nuclear Safeguards (Articles 50–52)
Chapter VIII: Transport of Radioactive Materials (Articles 53–56)
Chapter IX: Export–Import Control (Articles 57–59)
Chapter X: Response to Radiation and Nuclear Emergencies (Articles 60–62)
Chapter XI: Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (Articles 63–65)
Chapter XII: Notification, Registration, and Licensing (Articles 66–72)
Chapter XIII: Implementation Provisions (Articles 73–75)
The amended law focuses on four major policy groups:
Policy 1: Promote the development and socialization of atomic energy applications.
Policy 2: Ensure radiation safety, nuclear safety and security, and enhance decentralization in state management.
Policy 3: Facilitate the implementation of nuclear safeguards.
Policy 4: Strengthen the management of radioactive waste, disused radioactive sources, and spent nuclear fuel; proactively and effectively respond to radiation and nuclear incidents; and ensure compliance with civil liability obligations for nuclear damage.
Readers are invited to review the full draft and submit comments here.
Minh Hiển
Tags: Atomic Energy Law, Nuclear Energy
Source: Chinhphu.VN
