Monitoring and Assessing EPR Compliance of Producers and Importers To Prevent Free Riders in Developing Countries: the Case of Vietnam

Abstract Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) represents a critical policy instrument for enhancing waste management systems. While Vietnam has initiated a transition from a discretionary to a mandatory EPR framework, significant challenges persist in the effective monitoring and evaluation of compliance by producers and importers; therefore, this study seeks to develop strategic policy recommendations aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and mitigating free rider behaviour (when individuals benefit from a good or service without contributing to its cost). By using a multimethod approach that combines desk review and focus group discussions to ensure both document-based and stakeholder-informed insights, the research identifies six key strategies to address non-compliance: cross-checking of data, mandatory registration, periodic and random inspections, enforcement of penalties, public disclosure of EPR-related information, and third-party audits. Moreover, the study delineates four fundamental considerations for conducting EPR inspections: the reliability and availability of data, the level of cooperation from obligated companies, the institutional capacity of inspection authorities, and the risks associated with corruption and lack of accountability among enforcement personnel. Furthermore, to support the inspection process, five practical tools are proposed: a standardized reporting form, a violation report form, a documentary checklist for preparatory review, an on-site inspection checklist, and an inspection reporting template. Finally, the study introduces a conceptual framework for assessing EPR compliance among obligated enterprises. These recommendations are intended to inform policy and regulatory development, thereby contributing to a more accountable, transparent, and effective EPR implementation in Vietnam.