Tightening Quality Control of Goods, Improving Standards and Measurement Regulations
With several revisions related to product conformity certification, measurement management in gold trading, and technical standards for children’s toys, Circular No. 04/2026/TT-BKHCN is expected to enhance product quality, protect consumer rights, and strengthen market oversight.
On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular No. 04/2026/TT-BKHCN, amending, supplementing, and repealing certain provisions of legal documents in the fields of standards, measurement, and quality. Effective from April 15, 2026, the circular aims to improve the legal framework, reinforce state management, and create more favorable conditions for production and business activities.
The circular was developed after a comprehensive review and update of relevant regulations, in line with recent amendments to key laws such as the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, the Law on Product and Goods Quality, and the Law on Measurement. This ensures consistency across the legal system.
One notable change concerns conformity certification for LED lighting products under QCVN 19:2019/BKHCN. Testing for certification must now be conducted by designated or legally recognized laboratories, ensuring professional competence and appropriate testing scope. Certificates of conformity for LED products will be valid for a maximum of three years, allowing both regulators and businesses to periodically review and update product quality.
In addition to lighting products, the circular also revises regulations on measurement management in gold trading and the quality of gold jewelry and handicrafts. Scales used to determine gold weight in transactions must meet accuracy requirements appropriate to the weight being measured, ensuring fairness and transparency in trade. Given the sensitivity of the gold market, even minor measurement errors can cause significant consumer losses, making these updates crucial for protecting all parties involved.
Another key update involves the national technical regulation on toy safety (QCVN 03:2019/BKHCN). Toys are intended for children, a particularly vulnerable group, so safety standards are set at the highest level. In recent years, authorities have discovered imported toys containing toxic chemicals or designs that pose accident risks. The revised regulation strengthens quality control across production, import, and distribution stages.
Experts emphasize that Circular 04/2026/TT-BKHCN is not only about tightening oversight but also about simplifying and modernizing regulations to align with business realities and international practices. As Vietnam integrates deeper into global supply chains, standards and technical regulations serve as a “passport” for goods. Clear and timely updates help businesses streamline certification and testing processes, while boosting consumer confidence.
The LED lighting industry offers a prime example. With growing demand for energy-efficient solutions, standardized testing and certification processes enable manufacturers to improve product quality and build trust among consumers.
Standards, measurement, and quality management play a vital role in ensuring market transparency. According to the Law on Measurement, measurement activities must guarantee accuracy, objectivity, and fairness in trade and service provision, while safeguarding the legitimate rights of organizations and individuals.
The issuance of Circular 04/2026/TT-BKHCN is therefore seen as another step forward in perfecting Vietnam’s legal framework on standards, measurement, and quality—enhancing state management efficiency, protecting consumers, and promoting sustainable market development.