Circular No. 25/2026/TT-BKHCN Regulating Professional and Vocational Standards for Civil Servants and Staff in the Field of Product and Goods Quality Control Positions

CIRCULAR

REGULATING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND CODES OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY CONTROL OFFICERS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND COMMODITIES SECTOR

BASED ON LAW ON PRODUCT QUALITY, GOODWARES No. 05/2007/QH12; DECREE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING SOME ARTICLES OF THE LAW ON PRODUCT QUALITY, GOODWARES No. 78/2025/QH15;

BASED ON Decree No.37/2026/NĐ-CPdated January 23, 2026 by the Government, detailing certain articles and amendments to implement the Law on Product Quality, Goodwares;

BASED ON Decree No.55/2025/NĐ-CP dated March 2, 2025 by the Government, regulating functions, duties, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Science and Technology;

ACCORDING TO THE PROPOSAL OF THE NATIONAL QUALITY METERS STANDARDS COMMITTEE;

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ISSUES THIS CIRCULAR REGULATING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND CODES OF PRACTICE FOR QUALITY CONTROL OFFICERS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND COMMODITIES SECTOR.

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Application

This Circular stipulates the responsibilities, duties, professional capabilities, and codes of practice for civil servants and specialized staff in charge of quality control officers in the manufacturing and commodities sector based on their job positions, to perform quality inspection tasks according to legal provisions (excluding civilian personnel specializing in quality control officers in the manufacturing and commodities sector under the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defense).

1. Civil servants assigned to specialized positions as quality control officers in product and goods inspection agencies within ministries, equivalent ministries, and provincial people's committees.

2. Specialist staff assigned to specialized positions as quality control officers in public sector units and public scientific and technological organizations performing tasks related to the inspection of products and goods according to legal provisions.

3. Personnel engaged in confidential work at the Office of the Prime Minister who are assigned to perform quality inspection tasks according to relevant laws on confidentiality and regulations by the Minister of National Defense.

4. Entities, organizations, and individuals involved in the management and utilization of civil servants and specialist staff specializing in quality control officers in the manufacturing and commodities sector.

5. This Circular does not apply to civilian personnel assigned to specialized positions as quality control officers in the manufacturing and commodities sector under the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defense.

Article 3. General Standards for Civil Servants and Specialist Staff Specializing in Quality Control Officers in the Manufacturing and Commodities Sector

1. Regarding political qualities, public service ethics, and professional guidance

a) Adhering to the Party's policies and national laws; strictly implementing regulations on public service ethics and professional ethics;

b) Being truthful, objective, impartial, responsible in performing quality inspection tasks for products and goods; not exploiting their position for personal gain;

c) Having a sense of discipline, cooperative spirit, and responsibility in executing duties; ensuring accuracy, transparency, and adherence to professional procedures.

2. Regarding the ability to perform quality inspection tasks

a) Possessing the capability to carry out or participate in performing quality inspection tasks based on their job positions;

b) Being able to apply professional procedures, technical requirements, risk management, and post-inspection controls during task execution;

c) Having the ability to coordinate with relevant entities, organizations, and individuals during task execution;

d) Possessing the capability to update and apply new methods, technologies, and professional requirements in the field of standards, measurements, and quality.

3. Regarding professional capabilities and expertise

a) Mastering legal provisions on standards, measurements, and quality as well as related fields;

b) Possessing specialized knowledge and skills matching the job position requirements;

c) Having the ability to collect, process, analyze information and data for professional activities and business operations;

d) Being capable of performing tasks in a digital environment, utilizing data for management or technical work.

Chapter II

PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL STANDARDS, DUTIES

FOR SPECIALIZED OFFICIALS QUALITY CONTROL OFFICERS IN THE PROFESSIONAL FIELD

PRODUCT AND COMMODITY QUALITY

Article 4. Quality Control Officer for Product and Commodity Quality

1. Functions

To conduct quality inspections of products and commodities in accordance with the law; to perform specialized and technical tasks serving inspection, supervision, information collection, data processing, and proposal of quality management measures within the scope of assigned duties.

2. Duties

a) Conduct quality inspections of products and commodities as assigned;

b) Collect, process information and data; establish files and reports serving inspection activities;

c) Participate in sample collection, monitoring tests, evaluation for compliance, and related specialized tasks;

d) Identify issues, report, and propose solutions within the scope of assigned duties;

d) Coordinate with relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals in quality inspection activities of products and commodities;

e) Perform other tasks consistent with their job position.

3. Professional and Technical Standards

a) Capable of directly conducting quality inspections of products and commodities according to professional procedures;

b) Capable of participating in inspection teams, performing sample collection, monitoring tests, information collection, and processing for inspection activities;

c) Capable of applying risk management and post-audit requirements as per guidelines;

d) Capable of performing tasks in a digital environment, utilizing data to support work.

4. Qualification Standards

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher relevant to the job position;

b) Possess a certificate for quality control officer professional training.

Article 5. Principal Quality Control Officer for Product and Commodity Quality

1. Functions

To lead or participate in organizing quality inspection activities of products and commodities; to guide specialized and technical matters, and handle complex issues within the assigned scope.

2. Duties

a) Lead or participate in organizing quality inspection and supervision activities;

b) Guide specialized and technical matters for quality control officers;

c) Analyze, evaluate inspection results; propose solutions to enhance management effectiveness;

d) Participate in developing and providing feedback on professional procedures and business guidance documents;

d) Handle complex or inter-agency issues as assigned;

e) Perform other tasks consistent with their job position.

3. Professional and Technical Standards

a) Meet all the professional and technical standards for quality control officers specified in Clause 3 of this Circular's Article 4;

b) Have experience participating in inspection teams and conducting inspections on commodities with medium to high risk levels within their assigned field, having performed quality inspection or related technical tasks for at least three years consistent with the job position;

c) Capable of leading or participating in organizing quality inspection activities of products and commodities;

d) Capable of guiding specialized and technical matters; participate in practical guidance and training for quality control officers of product and commodity quality;

d) Capable of analyzing, evaluating inspection results; identifying risks and proposing solutions;

e) Capable of handling or advising on complex or inter-agency issues within the assigned scope;

g) Capable of utilizing data analysis and conducting inspections in a digital environment;

h) Have participated in at least three inspection teams for product and commodity quality, including serving as Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader for at least one team; or have led the handling of at least one complex quality inspection issue consistent with the job position.

4. Standards for Training and Refresher Courses

a) Hold a university degree or higher that is relevant to the position;

b) Possess a certificate in refresher training for quality control officer of products and goods;

Article 6. Senior Quality Control Officer

1. Functions

Shall be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and guiding professional activities related to quality inspection of products and goods; handling complex cases with significant impact or high risk levels.

2. Duties

a) Organize and implement plans and programs for quality inspections of products and goods;

b) Coordinate and organize cross-departmental inspections or handle complex cases;

c) Analyze, assess risks; propose management solutions and refine policies;

d) Develop professional documents, operational guidelines, and train staff development teams;

d) Lead or participate in handling sensitive, complex cases with significant impact;

e) Perform other duties consistent with the position.

3. Professional Competence Standards

a) Meet the professional competence standards for senior quality control officers as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Circular;

b) Have experience leading or participating in organizing inspections for multiple product categories and fields requiring specialized management or high risk, with at least six years of relevant inspection work experience for the position;

c) Possess the ability to organize and coordinate quality inspections within a sector, field, or across sectors;

d) Have the ability to guide professionals, train staff, and develop teams; participate in practical training sessions for senior quality control officers and inspectors;

d) Have the ability to analyze, assess overall risks, predict hazards, and propose state management solutions;

e) Have the ability to handle or advise on sensitive, complex cases with significant impact or involving high-risk goods;

g) Have the ability to organize and utilize data systems for quality inspections in a digital environment;

h) Have participated in at least five inspection teams for products and goods, including leading at least two teams; or have led or advised on handling at least two complex cross-departmental cases with significant impact.

4. Educational Qualification Standards

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher relevant to the position;

b) Possess a certificate of professional training for quality control officers.

Chapter III

PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS FOR QUALITY CONTROL OFFICERS IN CHARGE OF PRODUCT AND GOODS QUALITY FOR SPECIALIZED FUNCTIONARY POSITIONSArticle 7. Quality Control Officer in Charge of Product and Goods Quality

1. Functions

Shall carry out professional technical activities to support quality inspections of products and goods; directly perform testing, certification, evaluation, sampling, analysis, and handling of professional information as assigned.

2. Duties

a) Carry out professional technical activities for quality inspections of products and goods according to the professional process;

b) Perform testing, certification, inspection, calibration, sampling or evaluation activities consistent with the position;

c) Collect, process technical information and data; compile professional records and reports as assigned;

d) Participate in quality inspections, supervision of product and goods quality and cooperate to handle professional cases;

d) Apply quality management systems, risk management, and operational activities in a digital environment;

e) Perform other duties consistent with the position.

3. Professional Competence Standards

a) Possess the ability to directly perform professional technical activities for quality inspections of products and goods according to the professional process;

b) Have the ability to participate in testing, certification, inspection, calibration or evaluation activities consistent with the position;

c) Apply professional processes, technical requirements, risk management, and ensure objectivity and accuracy in professional activities;

d) Utilize data systems and perform tasks in a digital environment.

4. Educational Qualification Standards

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher relevant to the position;

b) Possess a certificate of professional training for quality control officers.

b) Possess a certificate in refresher training for quality control officer of products and goods.

Article 8. Quality Control Officer for Product and Goods

1. Duties

Shall be responsible for or participate in organizing the implementation of specialized and technical activities to serve quality inspection of products and goods; guide specialized and business matters, and handle complex technical issues within the scope assigned.

2. Tasks

a) Shall be responsible for or participate in organizing the implementation of testing, appraisal, certification, calibration, or conformity assessment;

b) Guide specialized and business matters, as well as professional practice to quality control officers;

c) Analyze and evaluate specialized results; propose measures for handling or improving specialized techniques;

d) Participate in developing and perfecting specialized procedures, technical documents, and business guidance;

d) Participate in handling complex technical issues or those related to goods with medium or high risk levels;

e) Perform other tasks consistent with the job position.

3. Professional Competence Standards

a) Meet all standards for professional competence and business of quality control officers for products and goods as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Circular's Article 7;

b) Have experience participating in inspection teams and implementing inspection activities for goods with medium or high risk levels according to the assigned field, where the time spent on quality inspection tasks or related technical professional activities is at least three years consistent with the job position;

c) Possess the ability to be responsible for or participate in organizing specialized and technical activities serving quality inspection of products and goods;

d) Possess the ability to guide specialized and business matters; participate in guiding practical training, apprenticeship for quality control officers;

d) Possess the ability to analyze and evaluate specialized results; identify risks, hazards, and propose technical solutions;

e) Possess the ability to handle or participate in handling complex technical issues within the assigned scope;

g) Possess the ability to apply quality management systems, utilize data, and implement professional activities in a digital environment;

h) Have participated in at least three inspection teams for products and goods or led at least one specialized content of an inspection team; or have independently completed at least one complex technical task consistent with the job position.

4. Training and Development Standards

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher relevant to the job position;

b) Possess a certificate for business training of quality control officers for products and goods.

Article 9. Senior Quality Control Officer for Product and Goods

1. Duties

Shall be responsible for directing specialized and technical matters for quality inspection activities of products and goods; handle complex technical issues with significant impact scope or related to high-risk goods.

2. Tasks

a) Lead the development, organization, and implementation of specialized and technical activities serving quality inspection of products and goods;

b) Lead the handling, evaluation, or participate in handling complex technical issues with cross-disciplinary nature or high risk levels;

c) Lead the development of specialized procedures, technical documents, business guidance, and team capacity building;

d) Lead or participate in research, proposing solutions to improve specialized activities' quality;

d) Lead or participate in assessing, analyzing risks for groups of goods, fields requiring deep management oversight;

e) Perform other tasks consistent with the job position.

3. Professional Competence Standards

a) Meet all standards for professional competence and business of senior quality control officers for products and goods as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Circular's Article 8;

b) Have experience leading or participating in organizing inspection activities for multiple groups of goods, fields according to deep management oversight requirements or high risk levels, where the time spent on quality inspection tasks or related technical professional activities is at least six years consistent with the job position;

c) Possess the ability to lead, direct, and coordinate specialized and technical activities serving quality inspection of products and goods;

d) Possess the ability to guide specialized and business matters; participate in guiding practical training, apprenticeship for senior quality control officers and quality control officers;

d) Possess the ability to analyze and evaluate overall results, predict risks, hazards, and propose technical and professional solutions;

e) Possess the ability to handle or participate in handling sensitive, complex technical issues within the assigned scope;

g) Possess the ability to organize, utilize data systems, apply technology, and implement specialized activities on a digital platform;

h) Have participated in at least five inspection teams for products and goods or led at least two specialized content of an inspection team; or have independently handled at least two complex cross-disciplinary technical issues with significant impact scope consistent with the job position.

4. Training and Development Standards

a) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher relevant to the job position;

b) Possess a certificate for business training of quality control officers for products and goods.

Chapter IV

PROVISIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Article 10. Transfer Conditions

1. Civil servants and staff members who are currently performing duties related to quality inspection of products and goods but have not been assigned to corresponding positions as per this Circular, the supervising authority, user agency for civil servants and staff members shall be responsible for reviewing and considering their assignment to appropriate positions in accordance with regulations.

In cases where civil servants and staff members meet the standards and conditions for a specialized quality inspection position at a higher level than their current position as per this Circular, they may be considered for assignment to a corresponding higher position that is consistent with the needs of the agency or unit and in accordance with legal provisions.

The assignment, reassignment, or change of positions must ensure continuity of professional activities while safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of civil servants and staff members as per regulations.

2. Civil servants who have been appointed to quality inspection officer positions according to Circular No. 10/2009/TT-BNV before this Circular takes effect are deemed to meet the corresponding professional and technical standards as per this Circular and may continue to be assigned to a position corresponding to their appointed grade in accordance with legal provisions.

Civil servants holding intermediate quality inspection officer positions shall complete the required professional and technical standards according to the regulations for quality inspection officers within a maximum period of 36 months from the date this Circular takes effect. In cases where civil servants do not meet the specified standards after the aforementioned period or there is no longer a need for them to perform duties related to quality inspection positions, their assignment and utilization shall be based on the needs of the agency or unit and in accordance with legal provisions governing civil servants.

Civil servants who have obtained certificates of training according to the standards for quality inspection officers before this Circular takes effect may continue to use these certificates in accordance with legal provisions without having to obtain new certificates as per this Circular, except where other laws provide otherwise.

In cases where civil servants assigned to perform quality inspection duties do not fully meet the professional and technical standards specified in this Circular, the supervising authority for civil servants and staff members shall be responsible for developing a plan and creating conditions for their training and further development of professional and technical standards within a maximum period of 36 months from the date this Circular takes effect.

Article 11. Responsibilities and Understanding of Implementation

1. This Circular will take effect after 45 days from the date of issuance.

2. The Minister, Heads of agencies at the same level as ministries, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

3. In case of any doubts or disputes regarding the Ministry of Science and Technology (through the National Standards and Quality Committee), they may seek guidance or resolution./.