Read: 758
Vietnam GRS Certification
This article addresses key questions about Vietnam GRS Certification, including its definition, core requirements, application process, costs, and benefits. It guides enterprises through navigating the certification to meet global green supply chain demands. Vietnam GRS Certification, rooted in the Global Recycled Standard, is critical for local manufacturers.
What is Vietnam GRS Certification?
Vietnam GRS Certification aligns with the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), a global framework verifying recycled material content, traceability, and sustainable practices. Managed by Textile Exchange, it applies to textiles, plastics, and packaging. In Vietnam, its adoption surges—2024 data shows a 67% year-on-year rise in certified firms, driven by EU and US buyers’ green procurement policies. It ensures 50%+ recycled content, with strict tracing and environmental criteria.
Global brands like H&M and Adidas require suppliers to hold GRS Certification. Vietnam’s textile exports, 30% to Europe, rely on it to access high-value markets. Post-2023, over 1,200 Vietnamese firms are certified, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong.
Core Requirements of Vietnam GRS Certification
Vietnam GRS Certification has three core pillars:
Material Traceability: Requires 50%+ recycled input, with records tracking from collection to production. Firms must document sources (e.g., post-consumer plastic waste) and use unique identifiers for batches.
Environmental Management: Mandates waste reduction (≤5% of production waste), energy efficiency (10% renewable use), and wastewater compliance with Vietnam’s QCVN 40:2011.
Social Responsibility: Ensures safe workplaces, fair wages (≥local minimum), and no child labor, aligning with ILO standards.
The Process of Vietnam GRS Certification
Preparatory Stage: Firms audit internal systems—traceability software, waste management plans, and labor records. Partner with accredited bodies like SGS or Intertek.
Application Submission: Provide business licenses, recycled material sources, and process flowcharts. The certifier reviews documents in 1–2 weeks.
On-Site Audit: Auditors check material tracking, facility compliance, and worker interviews. Common issues: incomplete traceability records or insufficient PPE.
Correction & Certification: Address non-conformities within 30 days. Successful firms get a 1-year certificate, renewable via annual audits.
Costs of Vietnam GRS Certification
Costs vary by enterprise size:
Small firms (≤50 employees): \(1,500–\)3,000 (auditing + documentation).
Medium firms: \(3,000–\)6,000 (includes software upgrades).
Large enterprises: \(6,000–\)12,000 (covering multiple facilities).
Long-term costs include annual audits (50% of initial fee) and staff training.
Common Questions About Vietnam GRS Certification
How long does it take? Typically 3–6 months, depending on readiness.
Can uncertified materials be used? Up to 50%, but must be segregated.
Is renewal mandatory? Yes, to maintain validity for global buyers.
Benefits of Vietnam GRS Certification
Certified firms gain access to premium markets—EU buyers pay 10–15% more for GRS products. It enhances brand reputation; 78% of certified Vietnamese firms reported increased orders. It also supports Vietnam’s green industrial goals, aligning with its 2050 net-zero plan.
Case Study: A Vietnamese Textile Firm’s Success
A Hanoi-based textile company achieved GRS Certification in 2023. By using 70% recycled polyester, it secured contracts with Zara and Uniqlo, boosting exports by 40%. Its traceability system, linking suppliers to finished goods, became a model.
Future Trends of Vietnam GRS Certification
Demand will grow as global brands tighten sustainability rules. Vietnam’s government incentivizes certification with tax breaks (2–5% reduction). Tech integration—blockchain for tracing—will streamline audits, making certification more efficient.
Conclusion
Vietnam GRS Certification is key for local enterprises to enter global green supply chains. It ensures compliance, enhances competitiveness, and drives sustainable growth. As global sustainability demands rise, obtaining it becomes a strategic imperative for long-term success.
