Chinese-backed Company Penalized with Fine of Almost $45,000 for Illegally Discharging Wastewater in Southern Vietnam

The Dong Nai Province People’s Committee in southern Vietnam has imposed a fine of over VND1.1 billion (US$45,980) on Hongfei Glass Co. Ltd., a Chinese-backed manufacturer of light bulbs, for illegally releasing wastewater into the environment.

Hongfei Glass Co. Ltd. is involved in the production and processing of electric light bulbs, with an annual capacity of 5,000 products, as well as glass and tempered glass products, with an annual capacity of 5,000 metric tons. The company obtained its business operation certificate in 2021 and received an environmental safety license in 2022.

In addition to the fine, the company has also been suspended from activities that contribute to pollution for an additional three months. The Dong Nai People’s Committee has mandated that the company immediately cease the discharge of wastewater into the environment and promptly implement measures to mitigate pollution. The company is also required to submit a progress report by October 31.

Previously, the Song May Industrial Park Development JSC, the investor of the Song May Industrial Park in Vinh Cuu District where Hongfei Glass Co. Ltd. is located, reported that the company had not properly separated rainwater and wastewater collection systems, and had exceeded the industrial park’s permitted limits for hazardous fluoride discharge by five times.