Ngoc said that MST has conducted research on international regulations, experiences, and standards, and surveyed manufacturing, assembly, import, and testing entities across the Northern, Central, and Southern regions to develop the draft.

The Ministry had sent the draft to relevant ministries, localities, and businesses for feedback and notified the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The draft applies to EV charging stations for electric cars, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), which derive all or part of their energy from rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS) installed in the vehicle.

MST earlier announced 23 national standards related to EV charging stations, including eight standards on charging station systems (general requirements, electromagnetic compatibility, communication between charging stations and EVs, safety requirements for charging station installation systems, and low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies for EV charging areas); three standards on charging cables for EVs; seven standards on switchgear assemblies, plugs, and sockets for charging stations; and five standards on electrical measuring equipment.

These standards were developed to be fully equivalent to international standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and regulations of the European Commission (EC/ECE/EU).

MST has established national technical standards committees related to the charging station standards. Members of the committees include representatives from state management agencies, domestic and foreign enterprises, associations, universities, and experts with expertise and experience in EV charging stations and EVs.

The committees operate according to the organization and operations of ISO, adhering to international principles and practices in standard development.

Ha Minh Hiep, Chief of MST's Office, said the ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to develop the National Technical Regulation for EV charging stations with the spirit of "very tight management."

Standards and regulations are provisions on quality and technical requirements. Standards are voluntary recommendations, while regulations are mandatory under the law.

On the WTO and FTAs Consultation Center website, Dr Trinh Quoc Vinh commented that Vietnam's notification to the WTO about the draft National Technical Regulations on for EV charging stations demonstrates a "commitment to transparency in the regulation development process, creating opportunities for international trade partners to provide feedback, thereby avoiding unnecessary trade disputes."

Vinh also stressed that issuing the technical regulation is a necessary step as Vietnam accelerates its transition to clean energy and sustainable transportation.

Du Lam