The draft circular, which aims to prevent imports of hazardous waste, is based on the amendment of the Ministry's Decision 12 issued in 2006.

The updated list included 37 types of waste that can be imported to Viet Nam. The circular, which was made public last month for public comment,

also lists 43 types of waste that can be collected at border economic zones, including waste paper, plastics, fabrics and scrap metal that can be reused for production.

In addition, waste must be cleaned to ensure hazardous and prohibited chemicals have been removed. Waste must also be categorised before it is imported to ensure compliance with international standards.

Nguyen Hoang Duc from the Environment Administration's Department of Pollution Control said the circular would encourage enterprises in border economic zones to recycle garbage created during the manufacturing process, which would help save resources while reducing environmental pollution.

Dozens of tonnes of waste are imported into Viet Nam each day.