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Minister Vu Hai Quan: Amend Metrology Law to Protect Consumer Rights
Policy2 min read
Vietnam's Minister of Science and Technology, Vũ Hải Quân, told the National Assembly that a plan to change the Metrology Law must protect consumers. The plan cuts some paperwork but keeps checks on meters that set what people pay.
What happened
On the morning of 26 October, the minister spoke at a National Assembly debate on a draft law that would amend parts of the Metrology Law. He said accurate measurement is the basis for fair trade and public trust. He stressed that the law must protect people from mistakes and cheating in measurement, especially in daily purchases of electricity, water and fuel. The draft also cuts and simplifies 8 administrative procedures and removes certificate requirements that are no longer needed.
Key numbers and facts
- 8 administrative procedures would be cut or simplified.
- Some procedures move from registration to a declaration of capacity.
- Checks would be based on risk level and real data, not all at once.
- Electric meters, water meters and fuel pumps would still need regular testing.
New rights for people
The draft adds the right to ask for measurement data linked to a person's transactions. People could use this data to check bills, file complaints or ask for compensation if they think a reading is wrong. Automatic warnings from monitoring technology could not be the only proof of a violation. People would have the right to explain and ask for the data to be checked again.
What lawmakers asked for
Delegate Bùi Văn Dũng asked for clearer rules. For example, when a water bill rises suddenly, customers should see the start and end readings, the time of each reading and the meter's testing status. Delegate Phạm Văn Hòa asked who is responsible when a device fails a test but is still approved. He also asked for stronger quality control at the factory, especially for devices used in health care and food safety. Dũng said that if a meter overcharges people, the provider should find those affected, explain the calculation and refund the money on time, instead of making each person file a costly claim.
Why it matters
This debate shows the balance the government is trying to find. Businesses want fewer steps and lower costs. Ordinary people want to know that the meter on their bill is correct and that they can get their money back if it is not. Because electricity, water and fuel are part of daily life, small measurement errors can affect many households.
Glossary
- Metrology Law
- A law about measuring things correctly, such as weight, volume and electricity use.
- National Assembly
- Vietnam's national law-making body, which debates and passes laws.