On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued Circular No. 04/2026/TT-BKHCN amending, supplementing, and repealing several articles of legal documents in the field of standards, measurement, and quality. The Circular takes effect from April 15, 2026 , contributing to the improvement of the legal system, enhancing the effectiveness of state management, and creating more favorable conditions for production and business activities.

Circular 04/2026/TT-BKHCN was issued based on a review and update of relevant regulations in the context of many new laws being amended and supplemented, such as the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, the Law on Product and Goods Quality, the Law on Measurement, etc., in order to ensure the consistency of the legal system.

The certificate of conformity for LED products is valid for a maximum of 3 years, allowing regulatory agencies and businesses to proactively review and update product quality periodically.

One of the notable changes is the amendment to regulations concerning conformity certification for LED lighting products under QCVN 19:2019/BKHCN . Accordingly, testing activities for certification must be carried out by designated or recognized testing organizations in accordance with legal regulations , ensuring appropriate professional competence and testing scope.

This regulation contributes to enhancing the reliability of test results and limiting the circulation of substandard products on the market. At the same time, the conformity certificate for LED products has a maximum validity of 3 years , allowing regulatory agencies and businesses to proactively review and update product quality periodically.

Besides lighting products, the Circular also amends regulations related to measurement management in the gold trading business and the quality of gold jewelry and handicrafts . Accordingly, scales used to determine the weight of gold in transactions must meet requirements regarding the measuring range and accuracy appropriate to the weight of gold to be measured, ensuring fairness and transparency in buying and selling.

In fact, the gold trading sector has long been considered sensitive in terms of measurement , as even a very small discrepancy can cause significant losses to consumers. Therefore, perfecting regulations on measuring instruments is expected to contribute to protecting the rights of all parties involved in transactions.

Another new point in the Circular is the amendment of the national technical standard on the safety of children's toys (QCVN 03:2019/BKHCN) . This is a product group with a specific target audience of young children, therefore safety requirements are always placed at a high level.

In recent years, market regulators have discovered numerous imported toy shipments containing toxic chemicals or designed to pose potential safety risks to children. Adjusting technical standards helps tighten quality control, from production and import to distribution in the market.

According to experts, the issuance of Circular 04/2026/TT-BKHCN aims not only to tighten management but also to simplify and update regulations to suit production and business practices and international standards .

In the context of Vietnam's increasing integration into global supply chains, technical standards and regulations play the role of a "passport" for products. When regulations are updated promptly and transparently, businesses will find it easier to obtain certifications, conduct tests, and bring products to market.

A prime example is the LED lighting industry, a rapidly growing sector driven by energy-saving trends. Clear regulations regarding testing and conformity certification help businesses standardize production processes, improve product quality , and build consumer confidence.

The field of standards, measurement, and quality plays a crucial role in ensuring market transparency. According to the Law on Measurement, measurement activities must ensure accuracy, objectivity, and fairness in the buying and selling of goods and provision of services , while also protecting the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals participating in transactions.

The issuance of Circular 04/2026/TT-BKHCN is therefore considered the next step in the process of perfecting the legal system on standards, measurement, and quality , contributing to improving the effectiveness of state management, protecting consumers, and promoting the sustainable development of the market.

Center for Science and Technology Communication