In the coming years, Vietnamese businesses, especially in agriculture, will face major challenges from EU regulations: the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). These are no longer future concerns—they require immediate action.
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CBAM: From 2026, carbon taxes will be applied to imports into the EU unless companies can transparently report emissions. Many Vietnamese SMEs lack tools to measure or report emissions, risking contract loss or high tax penalties.
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EUDR: From 2025, exports of forest-related products (e.g., coffee, rubber, cocoa) must prove zero deforestation post-2020 and full traceability through the supply chain. Non-compliance will result in exclusion from the EU market.
Failure to adapt will not only shrink market access but also risk exclusion from global supply chains. Meanwhile, international competitors are investing early in green tech and digital traceability, widening the gap.
Call to Action: Vietnamese firms must start now—measure emissions, standardize sustainable processes, and improve transparency.
One concrete solution: GEVA Project (Green Export Acceleration through Voluntary Sustainability Standards), funded by the Swiss government and managed by ITC and KisStartup. It offers:
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Self-assessment tools
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Green export & VSS training
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6-month 1-on-1 business coaching