Decree No. 03/2019/ND-CP On Remote Sensing Activities

DECREE

On Remote Sensing Activities

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Law on Surveying and Mapping dated June 14, 2018;

At the proposal of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment;

The Government promulgates the Decree on Remote Sensing Activities.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree stipulates the remote sensing data acquisition system; acquisition, storage, processing, provision, exploitation, and utilization of remote sensing image data; construction of remote sensing image databases.

Article 2. Applicability

This Decree applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to remote sensing activities within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Remote sensing is a field of science and technology that allows for research and collection of information about geographic objects without direct contact.

2. Remote sensing image data is information and images of geographic objects acquired from remote sensing satellites.

3. Remote sensing activities include activities related to the remote sensing data acquisition system; acquisition, storage, processing, provision, exploitation, and utilization of remote sensing image data; construction of remote sensing image databases.

4. Remote sensing data acquisition infrastructure includes remote sensing data receiving stations and satellite remote sensing control stations.

5. Remote sensing products include remote sensing image data, raw remote sensing image data, radiometrically, geometrically corrected raw remote sensing image data, and specialized information and data extracted from remote sensing image data.

6. Remote sensing metadata is information describing remote sensing data and products including content, origin, quality, and other relevant information.

Article 4. Principles in Remote Sensing Activities

1. Remote sensing image data, metadata, and remote sensing products must be regularly updated, fully provided, accurately, and timely to serve economic and social development needs, resource monitoring, environmental surveillance, search and rescue, disaster prevention and mitigation, national defense, and security.

2. Remote sensing data acquisition infrastructure constructed with state budget funds is public property, which must be inherited, shared, managed, and protected in accordance with the provisions of the law.

3. The national remote sensing image database must be maintained, operated, and regularly updated to build and update the national base map database, national topographic maps, and national geospatial data, in compliance with the legal provisions on cybersecurity.

4. The central government budget ensures funding for ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies to organize the implementation of state management over remote sensing; establish and operate the remote sensing data acquisition system; acquire, store, process, provide, exploit, and utilize remote sensing image data; construct remote sensing image databases.

5. Local government budgets ensure funding for People's Committees at all levels to organize the implementation of state management over remote sensing; acquire, store, process, provide, exploit, and utilize remote sensing image data; construct remote sensing image databases within their jurisdiction.

Article 5. List of Priority Scientific and Technological Activities in Remote Sensing

1. Research on scientific foundations to improve the institutional and legal framework for remote sensing.

2. Research and development, application, and transfer of advanced, cutting-edge, and new technologies in remote sensing activities serving basic surveys, management, monitoring, and supervision of natural resource exploitation and use, environmental protection, disaster prevention and mitigation, climate change response, search and rescue, environmental remediation; territorial organization and management, national defense, security, agricultural production command and control; fundamental earth research.

Article 6. Remote Sensing Image Applications

Remote sensing image data shall be exploited and utilized to serve the following activities:

1. Monitoring and supervising environmental pollution: land and water due to household and industrial waste; air due to industrial and residential emissions; environmental pollution caused by natural disasters, harmful natural minerals dispersed into the environment, mineral extraction; greenhouse gas inventory.

2. Collecting information and data, analyzing, investigating, evaluating, and monitoring the periodic and sudden changes in natural resources and the environment to provide reports for economic and social development; disaster prevention and control; drought monitoring, forest fire warning, flood evolution, rescue operations, and climate change response; current agricultural production status.

3. Building and updating thematic maps and databases on the current status of natural resources and the environment, climate change conditions; geological map at various scales.

4. Updating the national geographic database and the national topographic map system.

5. Serving defense and security work.

Chapter II

REMOTE SENSING IMAGE DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM

Article 7. Remote Sensing Image Data Acquisition System

The remote sensing image data acquisition system includes remote sensing satellites, infrastructure facilities for acquiring remote sensing image data, data storage and processing systems, and a network for transmitting remote sensing image data.

Article 8. Remote Sensing Satellites

1. Remote sensing satellites are artificial satellites equipped with remote sensing sensors to collect information about geographical objects.

2. The construction and development of remote sensing satellites using state budget funds for the purpose of economic and social development, national defense, security, resource management, and environmental protection, disaster prevention and control, rescue operations, and climate change response must be carried out according to plans that have been approved.

3. The agency responsible for operating remote sensing satellites must report annually to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on satellite operation information and signal transmission from remote sensing satellites. Ad hoc reports must be submitted when requested in writing by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

4. Remote sensing satellites constructed using state budget funds must have priority imaging times to ensure data provision for national defense, security, disaster prevention and control, search and rescue operations.

Article 9. Construction of Infrastructure Facilities for Acquiring Remote Sensing Image Data

1. Infrastructure facilities for acquiring remote sensing image data built using state budget funds are regulated as follows:

a) The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the construction of satellite control stations and national remote sensing data receiving stations within their jurisdiction, in accordance with the Public Investment Law and other current laws governing construction;

b) The Minister, Head of a ministry equivalent to a ministry, or a government agency shall organize the construction of satellite control stations and specialized remote sensing data receiving stations within their jurisdiction, in accordance with the Public Investment Law and other current laws governing construction.

2. When constructing infrastructure facilities for acquiring remote sensing image data, the project owner must complete procedures for land allocation, land lease, or the use of existing architectural works for the construction of such infrastructure facilities, and determine the protected zone around the infrastructure facilities for acquiring remote sensing image data in accordance with the Land Law and other relevant laws.

3. When planning the construction of infrastructure facilities for acquiring remote sensing image data, the project owner must seek written opinions from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Information and Communications regarding the location of the station and the frequency used by the remote sensing data receiving station and the satellite control station before submitting to the Prime Minister for approval.

Article 10. Operation and maintenance of infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection

1. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall organize the implementation of the operation and maintenance of national infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection within its management scope.

2. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies shall organize the implementation of the operation and maintenance of specialized infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection within their management scope.

3. The operation of infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection shall be regulated as follows:

a) The project investor of infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection must establish an operation procedure to submit to the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article for approval before putting into exploitation and use;

b) For infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection that are currently being exploited and used but do not have an operation procedure, the organization entrusted with operating such infrastructure facilities must establish an operation procedure to submit to the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article for approval.

4. Organizations and individuals entrusted with operating and maintaining infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection must comply with regulations on operation and maintenance to ensure that such infrastructure facilities operate normally according to technical standards, specifications, and design at the time of construction.

5. Maintenance of infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection involves a set of activities aimed at ensuring and maintaining normal and safe operation of the facilities according to the design during exploitation and use. The content of maintenance of infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection includes one or more or all of the following tasks: inspection, monitoring, quality testing, maintenance, and repair of the facilities. Each type of infrastructure facility for remote sensing image data collection must have a maintenance procedure specifying the sequence, content, and guidance for implementing maintenance tasks. The maintenance procedure of infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection must be appropriate and integrated into the operation procedure, approved by the competent state agency as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 11. Organizations and individuals participating in investment construction and operation of remote sensing data receiving stations and satellite remote sensing control stations

Organizations and individuals participating in investment construction and operation of remote sensing data receiving stations and satellite remote sensing control stations must comply with laws on investment to ensure the rights of the State and organizations and individuals participating in investment, and ensure national defense and security.

Article 12. Protective zones for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection

1. The protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection must be determined during land allocation, land lease, and transfer of management, exploitation, and use to the project investor to ensure stable operation of the facilities according to technical parameters and design. For infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection that were constructed and stably operating before the issuance of this Decree, the current status shall be maintained.

2. Boundary markers shall be established and publicly announced to determine the boundaries of the protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection in accordance with laws on land and protective zone boundaries, which are delineated on cadastral maps according to current regulations.

3. The protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection shall be established with a radius of 150 meters from the center of the antenna.

4. Protection of the protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection

a) Within the protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection, high-rise buildings shall not be constructed, perennial trees causing obstruction shall not be planted, excavation, filling, and other activities affecting the stability of the infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection shall not be carried out;

b) For satellite remote sensing control stations and remote sensing data receiving stations (excluding remote sensing data receiving stations from geostationary satellites), outside the protective zone established as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article, planting trees or constructing buildings may be allowed provided that the height ensures that the angle between the line connecting the antenna center to the highest point of the tree or building and the horizontal plane through the antenna center does not exceed 2° (two degrees);

c) When deploying new infrastructure facilities using wireless communication systems with coverage areas potentially affecting the protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection, it must be ensured that they do not cause harmful interference to satellite remote sensing control stations and remote sensing data receiving stations;

d) Agencies, organizations, and individuals shall determine the boundaries and protect the protective zone for infrastructure facilities for remote sensing image data collection within their management scope based on the provisions of this Article and other relevant laws.

Article 13. Responsibility for protecting remote sensing image data infrastructure works

1. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or agency under the Government shall issue regulations and organize protection for each type of remote sensing image data infrastructure work within their management scope.

2. Agencies, organizations, and individuals entrusted with the protection of remote sensing image data infrastructure works must comply with the protection regulations for each type of work.

3. When citizens discover that remote sensing image data infrastructure works are being destroyed or that the protective zones around such works are being violated, they must promptly report to local authorities or agencies, organizations, or individuals with authority.

Article 14. Relocation of remote sensing image data infrastructure works

1. The relocation of remote sensing image data infrastructure works shall be carried out in the following cases:

a) Due to economic and social development requirements, national defense, and security needs, where the remote sensing image data infrastructure works cannot continue to exist or operate normally according to technical standards, technical regulations, and technical parameters;

b) Due to natural conditions, disasters, or other external influences causing damage, loss, or changes in location;

c) Upon expiration of service life, loss of utility value, or replacement by another remote sensing image data infrastructure work.

2. The relocation of remote sensing image data infrastructure works shall be implemented in accordance with the following provisions:

a) The People's Committee of the province shall coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to submit a report to the Prime Minister on the relocation of remote sensing image data infrastructure works due to economic and social development, national defense, and security, along with the decision approving related projects;

b) After receiving the Prime Minister's approval, the People's Committee of the province shall submit a request to relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, or agencies under the Government regarding the need to relocate remote sensing image data infrastructure works, along with the decision approving related economic and social development, national defense, and security projects;

c) Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, or agencies under the Government shall coordinate with the People's Committee of the province to examine, agree upon, and select new locations for relocating remote sensing image data infrastructure works;

d) The People's Committee of the province shall organize the preparation of a relocation project for remote sensing image data infrastructure works, submit it to relevant ministries, ministerial-level agencies, or agencies under the Government for review and comments before approval;

đ) The People's Committee of the province shall coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, or agencies under the Government to organize the relocation of remote sensing image data infrastructure works.

Article 15. Collection of remote sensing image data

1. Remote sensing image data is collected from the following sources:

a) Remote sensing data collection stations in Vietnam;

b) Purchasing, exchanging, or receiving foreign aid.

2. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for developing annual plans for collecting remote sensing image data, reviewed every five years, based on the consolidated needs of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, provincial People's Committees, and urgent tasks assigned by the State.

3. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or agency under the Government shall organize the implementation of remote sensing image data collection from remote sensing data collection stations within their management scope according to approved plans.

4. The purchase of foreign remote sensing image data using state budget funds shall only be carried out after obtaining the opinion of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in the following cases:

a) Remote sensing data collection stations in Vietnam and the national remote sensing image database do not meet the requirements for types, quantities, quality of images, and time of collection;

b) Not included in the approved remote sensing data collection plan.

Article 16. Processing of Remote Sensing Image Data

1. Level 0 (unprocessed) remote sensing image data is remote sensing image data directly collected at the remote sensing data receiving station without undergoing any calibration process.

2. Raw remote sensing image data is level 0 (unprocessed) remote sensing image data that has been preliminarily processed to eliminate errors from the receiving end and atmospheric noise signals.

3. Level 0 (unprocessed) remote sensing image data collected at the remote sensing data receiving stations in Vietnam must be quality assessed before processing. Level 0 (unprocessed) remote sensing image data meeting technical requirements must be processed to create raw remote sensing image data.

Chapter III

REMOTE SENSING IMAGE DATA DATABASE

Article 17. Construction of National Remote Sensing Image Data Database

1. The national remote sensing image data database is a collection of remote sensing image data collected at the national remote sensing data receiving station, remote sensing image data purchased from state budget sources, remote sensing metadata compiled from ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, and remote sensing products that have been inspected, evaluated, and systematically managed and stored.

2. The national remote sensing image data database must be updated regularly to provide for users. High-resolution remote sensing image data is updated annually, while ultra-high-resolution remote sensing image data covering the entire territory of Vietnam is updated every five years.

3. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for:

a) Constructing and operating the national remote sensing image data database;

b) Developing operational procedures and controls to operate and maintain the national remote sensing image data database;

c) Developing plans and allocating funds to ensure regular, continuous, periodic updates of the content of the national remote sensing image data database;

d) Developing and implementing comprehensive solutions to ensure high operational efficiency and readiness of the national remote sensing image data database;

e) Developing and implementing solutions for backup, redundancy, and security to ensure the integrity and safety of the national remote sensing image data database.

4. Ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall be responsible for collecting, updating, and using remote sensing image data within their management scope to build the national remote sensing image data database.

5. Remote sensing metadata and remote sensing products integrated into the remote sensing image data database must comply with established technical standards and regulations.

Article 18. Announcement of Remote Sensing Metadata and Temporary Suspension of National Remote Sensing Metadata Announcement

1. Annual Periodic Announcement of National Remote Sensing Metadata

a) The content of the annual periodic announcement of national remote sensing metadata according to Model No. 01 attached as an appendix to this Decree;

b) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment updates, compiles, and organizes the announcement of national remote sensing metadata before December 31 each year;

c) National remote sensing metadata is periodically announced in writing and published on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s information website or electronic portal and connected to the Vietnamese Geographic Information Portal.

2. Regular Announcement of Remote Sensing Metadata

a) The content of regular announcements of remote sensing metadata according to Model No. 01 attached as an appendix to this Decree;

b) Within thirty working days from the date of submission by agencies, organizations, or individuals, ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees are responsible for announcing remote sensing metadata under their management;

c) Remote sensing metadata is regularly announced on the information websites or electronic portals of ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees.

3. In cases of force majeure (natural disasters, fires, war), the announcement of national remote sensing metadata may be temporarily suspended.

4. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for announcing the temporary suspension of the national remote sensing metadata announcement on the ministry’s electronic portal, clearly stating the reasons for the suspension.

5. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall be responsible for announcing national remote sensing metadata immediately after the force majeure event has been resolved.

Chapter IV

STORAGE, SUPPLY, EXPLOITATION, AND USE OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGE DATA, REMOTE SENSING PRODUCTS

Article 19. List of information, remote sensing image data, and remote sensing products

1. Information on the remote sensing image data acquisition system.

2. Remote sensing image data.

3. Remote sensing metadata.

4. Information, data, and remote sensing products.

5. Information, data from monitoring and surveillance using remote sensing technology.

6. Project, program, and specialized task information related to remote sensing.

7. Scientific research and technological development results on remote sensing.

8. Legal regulatory documents on remote sensing.

9. Technical standards and specifications on remote sensing.

10. Other information, data, and products according to project, program regulations; technical design - budget for remote sensing approved by competent authorities.

Article 20. Submission and storage of remote sensing image data and remote sensing products

1. Remote sensing image data and products of projects, programs, and specialized tasks in remote sensing implemented with state budget funds must be submitted for storage by the project or program sponsor in accordance with regulations. The list of remote sensing image data and products to be submitted shall be based on the project or program regulations, technical design - budget for remote sensing approved by competent authorities.

2. Remote sensing image data and products of projects, programs, and specialized tasks in remote sensing carried out by units under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment must be submitted for storage at the National Remote Sensing Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment within thirty days from the date of completion acceptance.

3. Remote sensing image data and products of projects, programs, and specialized tasks in remote sensing carried out by units under the management of provincial People's Committees must be submitted to the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment; simultaneously providing the list of data products submitted to the National Remote Sensing Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment within ninety days from the date of completion acceptance for consolidation and storage.

4. Remote sensing image data and products carried out by units under the management of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies must be submitted to the storage agency or organization under ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies; simultaneously providing the list of data products submitted to the National Remote Sensing Center under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment within ninety days from the date of completion acceptance for consolidation and storage.

5. Remote sensing image data and products submitted for storage must undergo quality product inspection, review, and acceptance in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

6. The submitting agency or organization must notify the storage agency or organization about the submission of remote sensing image data and products; within two working days from the date of receipt of the notification, the storage agency or organization has the responsibility to accept and prepare a handover record.

7. The storage agency or organization is responsible for organizing the storage of remote sensing image data in accordance with the law on archives, ensuring adequate physical facilities, equipment, and devices for storage, safe preservation, and convenient exploitation and use.

8. The agency or organization is responsible for providing copies of data and metadata of foreign-purchased remote sensing images funded by the state budget to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for integration into the national remote sensing image database within three months from the date of receipt of data from the supplier.

Article 21. Forms of Exploitation and Use of Remote Sensing Image Data

The exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data shall be carried out in the following forms:

1. Exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data through the Information Portal or Electronic Information Gateway or connection, access, and sharing of information with the remote sensing database of the managing and providing agencies of information and remote sensing image data.

2. Exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data through request forms.

3. Exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data through contracts between the managing units of information and remote sensing image data and the exploiting and using parties according to the provisions of the law.

Article 22. Exploitation and Use of Information and Remote Sensing Image Data Through the Information Portal or Electronic Information Gateway

1. Organizations and individuals when exploiting information and remote sensing image data on the Information Portal or Electronic Information Gateway of the agency providing information and remote sensing image data must register and obtain access rights to exploit information and remote sensing image data from the agency providing information and remote sensing image data.

2. Organizations and individuals granted access rights shall be responsible for accessing the correct address and password; they shall not disclose the access address and password that have been provided.

3. The agency providing information and remote sensing image data shall have the responsibility to:

a) Ensuring convenient access for organizations and individuals; providing user-friendly search tools for information and data that yield accurate results;

b) Ensure the format of information and remote sensing image data according to technical standards and specifications.

4. In cases where the provision of information and remote sensing image data and related services on the network is temporarily suspended, the agency providing information and remote sensing image data shall have the responsibility to:

a) Publicly announce at least seven working days before proactively suspending the provision of information and remote sensing image data and related services on the network for repairs, troubleshooting, or upgrading and expanding the information infrastructure. The announcement content must clearly state the expected recovery period for the activities of providing information and remote sensing image data and related services on the network, except in cases of force majeure;

b) Implementing measures to resolve issues.

Article 23. Request Form for Provision of Information and Remote Sensing Image Data

1. The exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data in the form of request forms shall be implemented according to the following regulations:

a) Organizations and individuals requiring the exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data shall base their requests on the existing list of information and remote sensing image data, prepare a request form (according to Model No. 02 attached to this Decree), and submit it directly, via postal service, or through the electronic network to the managing units of information and remote sensing image data;

b) Within five working days, the agency managing information and remote sensing image data shall accept and check the request form, notify financial obligations (if financial obligations need to be fulfilled) to organizations and individuals. If the provision of information and remote sensing image data is refused, the reasons must be clearly stated and a written response provided to the organization or individual;

c) After organizations and individuals fulfill their financial obligations, the agency managing information and remote sensing image data shall have the responsibility to provide complete and accurate information and remote sensing image data to organizations and individuals.

2. The request form for the provision of information and remote sensing image data shall include the following main contents:

a) Name and address of the agency, organization, or individual requesting the provision of information and remote sensing image data;

b) List and content of information and remote sensing image data to be provided;

c) Purpose of using information and remote sensing image data;

d) Form of exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data and method of receiving results.

3. When requesting the provision of information and remote sensing image data, remote sensing products within the scope of confidentiality, the request form of the agency or organization must be signed by the head of the agency and stamped for confirmation.

4. The request form of an individual must clearly state the name, address, and signature of the person requesting the provision of information and remote sensing image data.

5. In cases where the person requiring the exploitation and use of information and remote sensing image data is a foreign individual in Vietnam, the request form must be confirmed and stamped by the organization or enterprise where they work; for foreign experts or interns working on programs or projects in ministries, sectors, localities, or studying at training institutions in Vietnam, it must be confirmed and stamped by the competent authority of the ministry, sector, locality, or training institution (according to Model No. 03 attached to this Decree).

Article 24. Responsibilities and Authorities of Organizations and Individuals Exploiting and Using Remote Sensing Information and Data

1. Shall not transfer remote sensing information and data to third parties for use except where agreed upon in contracts with agencies, organizations, or individuals providing such information and data, or where permitted by competent authorities.

2. Organizations and individuals exploiting and using remote sensing data owned by the State must pay fees in accordance with laws on fees and charges.

3. Shall comply with provisions of intellectual property laws.

4. Shall promptly notify the managing agency of remote sensing information and data about any errors in the provided remote sensing information and data.

5. Are entitled to lodge complaints and denunciations in accordance with the law when their rights to exploit and use remote sensing information and data are violated.

Article 25. Provision of Remote Sensing Information and Data, Remote Sensing Products to Domestic Organizations and Individuals

1. Remote sensing information and data, remote sensing products are state assets provided, exploited, and used in the form of copies or electronic software publications. Organizations and individuals providing remote sensing information and data are responsible for the origin of the copies.

2. Remote sensing information and data, remote sensing products shall be prioritized for provision at the direct request of Party and State leaders or in emergency situations serving national defense, security, and search and rescue operations.

3. The provision of remote sensing information and data, remote sensing products within the scope of state secrets must be carried out in accordance with laws on protecting state secrets.

4. Organizations providing remote sensing information and data are liable under the law for the origin, accuracy, and completeness of the remote sensing information and data they provide.

Article 26. Management of Quality of Remote Sensing Products

1. The establishment, publication, issuance, and application of national technical standards and regulations in the field of remote sensing shall be implemented in accordance with laws on standards and technical regulations, ensuring synchronization, consistency, and alignment with industrial development trends.

2. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for establishing national standards on remote sensing, submitting them to the Ministry of Science and Technology for review and publication; establishing national technical standards on remote sensing, submitting them to the Ministry of Science and Technology for review before issuance.

3. Management of quality of remote sensing products:

a) Quality management of remote sensing products is conducted in accordance with laws on product and commodity quality;

b) Quality inspection of remote sensing products during production is carried out in accordance with national technical standards and regulations in the field of remote sensing and approved technical designs;

c) Domestic-produced and imported remote sensing products circulating in the market must meet the applicable standards and technical regulations of the remote sensing field and legal provisions;

d) Organizations and individuals are responsible for the results of quality monitoring, inspection, and acceptance of remote sensing products;

e) Organizations and individuals must publish the applied standards and declare conformity regarding remote sensing products they produce;

f) Organizations and individuals are liable under the law for the quality of remote sensing products they produce.

Chapter V

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REMOTE SENSING ACTIVITIES

Article 27. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

1. Shall be responsible before the Government for uniformly managing state administration over remote sensing activities.

2. Issue or submit to competent authorities normative legal documents; economic and technical standards of the remote sensing field; inter-ministerial coordination regulations on the exploitation and utilization of remote sensing data.

3. Review contents related to remote sensing image data acquisition systems; acquisition, storage, processing, provision, exploitation, and utilization of remote sensing image data; application and development of remote sensing technology for programs, projects, tasks of ministries, sectors, and localities.

4. Organize the implementation of remote sensing tasks within its management scope.

5. Manage the quality of remote sensing products.

6. Develop and organize the implementation of training, seminar, and knowledge enhancement programs in the remote sensing field.

7. Lead and coordinate international cooperation activities in the remote sensing field.

8. Aggregate and publish metadata of the national remote sensing image database.

9. Aggregate annual, five-year, and urgent State-assigned remote sensing image data usage requirements of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial People's Committees to build remote sensing image data acquisition plans.

10. Lead the organization and implementation of remote sensing image data acquisition, storage, processing, and provision; construction, updating of the national remote sensing image database.

11. Construct, manage, exploit, and operate infrastructure for remote sensing image data acquisition within the ministry’s management scope.

12. Inspect and supervise compliance with laws on remote sensing and handle violations according to authority.

Article 28. Responsibilities of Ministries, Ministerial-Level Agencies, and Government Agencies Related to Remote Sensing

1. Organize the implementation of remote sensing application projects within their management scope.

2. Manage the quality of remote sensing products, store, and provide information and remote sensing image data within their management scope.

3. Annually report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on the status of remote sensing activities within their management scope.

4. Be responsible for constructing, managing, and operating remote sensing satellites, specialized remote sensing data receiving stations, satellite remote sensing control stations within their management scope; regularly or urgently report quarterly to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

5. Build remote sensing image data usage requirements within their management scope annually, every five years, and according to urgent State-assigned tasks, send to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for aggregation and unified acquisition.

6. Implement remote sensing image data acquisition, storage, and processing within their management scope.

7. Ensure technical safety corridors and protect infrastructure for remote sensing image data acquisition within their management scope according to this Decree and relevant laws.

8. Develop, update, and publish remote sensing metadata to meet exploitation and usage requirements within their management scope.

Article 29. Responsibilities of Provincial People's Committees

1. Organize the implementation of remote sensing application projects within their management scope.

2. Ensure technical safety corridors and protect infrastructure for remote sensing image data acquisition within their management scope according to this Decree and other relevant laws.

3. Build remote sensing image data usage requirements within their local management scope annually, every five years, and according to urgent State-assigned tasks, send to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for aggregation and unified acquisition.

4. Implement remote sensing image data acquisition, storage, and processing within their management scope.

5. Develop, update, and publish remote sensing metadata to meet exploitation and usage requirements within their local management scope; provide copies of purchased foreign remote sensing image data and metadata using state budget funds to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for integration into the national remote sensing image database within three months from receipt of data from suppliers.

6. Manage the quality of remote sensing products, store, and provide information and remote sensing image data within their local management scope.

7. Inspect, supervise, and handle violations in compliance with laws by organizations and individuals participating in remote sensing activities within their management scope.

8. Annually report to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on the status of remote sensing activities within their local management scope.

Article 30. Report on Remote Sensing Activities

1. The annual report on remote sensing activities shall be prepared by ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees that engage in remote sensing activities.

2. The reporting period runs from January 1 to December 31 each year.

3. The report shall be submitted electronically with the digital signature of the authorized person or in paper form signed and stamped by the authorized person.

4. Responsibilities for preparing and submitting reports on remote sensing activities

a) Organizations conducting remote sensing activities under the management of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies shall prepare a report on remote sensing activities and submit it to their supervising agency within ten days after the end of the reporting period;

b) Organizations conducting remote sensing activities under the management of provincial People's Committees shall prepare a report on remote sensing activities and submit it to the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment within ten days after the end of the reporting period for consolidation and submission to the provincial People's Committee;

c) Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and provincial People's Committees shall prepare a report on remote sensing activities under their management and submit it to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment through the National Remote Sensing Center within thirty days after the end of the reporting period;

d) The National Remote Sensing Center shall prepare a report on remote sensing activities nationwide and submit it to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for signature and submission to the Government within forty-five days after the end of the reporting period.

5. In addition to regular reporting, when requested by state management agencies responsible for remote sensing, relevant agencies and organizations shall have the responsibility to submit ad hoc reports on the situation of remote sensing activities according to the request.

6. Agencies and organizations are responsible for the accuracy of information and data in their reports on remote sensing activities.

Article 31. Management of Remote Sensing Projects, Programs, and Specialized Tasks

Agencies and organizations implementing remote sensing projects, programs, and specialized tasks using annual and emergency state budget funds based on established projects in accordance with current regulations must report the results upon completion to the state management agency responsible for remote sensing.

Chapter VI

EFFECTIVE DATE AND IMPLEMENTATION

Article 32. Effectiveness

This Decree takes effect from February 20, 2019.

Article 33. Implementation Organization

1. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministers of other ministries, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Chairpersons of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees are responsible for guiding the implementation of the provisions assigned in this Decree.

2. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, and chairpersons of provincial people's committees directly under the central government are responsible for implementing this Decree./.