Vietnam’s National Assembly has reviewed a draft law aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction, or WMDs.
Lawmakers discussed the bill on August 8 during the first extraordinary session of the 16th National Assembly. Most deputies agreed that the law is needed.
They said the bill would help improve Vietnam’s legal system. It would also help the country meet its international duties on preventing the spread of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
The draft law also covers systems used to deliver such weapons. Lawmakers said stronger controls could help detect and stop activities linked to WMD spread.
The proposed law would support national security and help maintain a peaceful setting for economic and social growth.
Several lawmakers called for changes to make the bill stronger and easier to use.
Trịnh Thị Tú Anh, a deputy from Lâm Đồng province, said the draft does not cover all activities that could help the spread of WMDs.
She said brokering and other intermediary services should be added to the law. She referred to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, adopted in 2004, which calls on states to build laws to prevent WMD spread.
Anh proposed rules for brokering, consulting and representation services linked to controlled goods and technology. She also called for controls on commissioned trade promotion and other intermediary work.
These rules could cover controlled goods, materials, equipment, software, technology and services.
Anh also raised concerns about emergency measures under Article 17 of the draft law.
The bill allows emergency measures, such as suspending activities or goods, for up to 24 hours. Anh said this period may not be enough for complex WMD cases.
She proposed extending the first period to 48 hours. She also suggested allowing one further extension of up to 48 hours when technical checks or detailed verification are needed.
Deputy Lê Thị Thanh Lam from Cần Thơ called for clearer rules on local government duties.
She said provincial authorities and specialist agencies should have clear roles when they receive alerts. They should also know how to coordinate responses, carry out inspections and share data.
Lam proposed creating a shared database for businesses and state agencies. This could prevent companies from sending the same information to several agencies.
She also said authorities should share data already collected under other laws. Businesses should only need to provide extra information needed for risk checks.
Lam said restrictions on the rights of people and organisations should last only as long as needed. Such measures should be reviewed and ended when there is no longer a legal reason to keep them.
Another deputy, Nguyễn Thành Trung from Ho Chi Minh City, supported a priority system for businesses with strong compliance records.
Under the proposal, businesses with good internal controls and strong risk management could face fewer inspections. They could also have simpler reporting rules and more checks after licences are issued.
Trung said this could lower costs for businesses. It could also allow state agencies to focus more resources on high-risk companies and activities.
He stressed that the criteria for priority treatment must be clear and easy to check. Such businesses should still face inspections and legal duties when needed.
Trung also called for more support for small and medium-sized businesses. He suggested simple forms, online tools, guidance and training.
Businesses should not be forced to buy special software or hire outside groups just to meet basic requirements, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phan Văn Giang said the drafting agency would study the lawmakers’ views and revise the bill.
He said the revised law must be practical and fit with Vietnam’s wider legal system and international agreements.
Giang also said the law should improve national security without blocking legal business, research, production and innovation.
He called for clear rules on rights, duties, powers, reasons and time limits for control measures. The law should also avoid repeated procedures and duplicate reporting.
Lawmakers also reviewed a separate draft law that would amend parts of nine military and defence laws.
The discussions are expected to help shape the final versions of the proposed laws as Vietnam works to strengthen its legal framework for security and defence.
