New Regulations On Bim Implementation In Vietnam

Vietnam’s BIM regulations are entering a new phase under Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP, effective 1 July 2026. The decree introduces important changes to BIM implementation, including the recognition of BIM models as legally equivalent to paper-based design dossiers, the exemption of paper drawings where BIM models are complete and accurate, mandatory Common Data Environment requirements for certain public investment projects, and the use of open data formats such as IFC. These updates mark a major step toward digital construction, helping investors, consultants, and contractors improve collaboration, reduce administrative procedures, and support smarter lifecycle asset management.

 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a core component of the digital transformation strategy for Vietnam’s construction industry. With the issuance of Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP, detailing a number of articles of the 2025 Law on Construction regarding the management of construction activities, effective 1 July 2026, the legal framework for BIM implementation has officially entered a new phase: more stringent, yet more flexible.

This article summarizes and provides a detailed comparison of the key changes introduced in Article 8 of Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP against the former Decree No. 175/2024/ND-CP. The aim is to help investors, consulting firms, and contractors promptly update their workflows and optimize project management processes.

I. Key Changes in Article 8 of Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP Compared with Decree No. 175/2024/ND-CP

Comparison Criteria	Decree No. 175/2024/ND-CP	Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP
Mandatory application conditions	BIM application was required only when both the construction work grade condition, Grade II or higher, and the project scale condition, Group B or higher, were met simultaneously.	BIM is applied consistently to all newly constructed works of Grade II or higher, starting the feasibility study report preparation stage.
Legal value of the model	BIM data served as a supporting tool for competent authorities during the review and appraisal of submitted dossiers.	BIM models may be used as a complete substitute for paper-based design dossiers and have equivalent legal validity.
Reduction of administrative procedures	Investors were still required to submit traditional paper drawings in parallel with BIM model files.	Paper drawings are exempted for all contents that have been fully and accurately represented in the BIM model.
Common Data Environment (CDE)	There was no clear legal requirement on the mandatory use of CDE for each construction work scale segment.	Establishment and operation of a Common Data Environment are mandatory for Grade I or higher construction works under public investment projects.
Handover data formats	File format standards for dossier submission were not strictly regulated.	Open standard formats such as IFC, or other open formats suitable for the specific characteristics of the construction work, are prioritized.

II. Key Updates Reshaping the Digital Construction Workflow

1. The Era of Comprehensive Digitalization – Optimizing Operating Costs

The most significant breakthrough under Clause 5(b), Article 8 of Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP is the recognition of BIM models as having legal validity equivalent to paper drawings. Once the technical infrastructure of competent authorities is sufficiently developed, appraisal and acceptance procedures can be carried out directly in a digital environment.

This change enables enterprises to significantly reduce printing and archiving costs while shortening the processing time for administrative procedures.

2. Standardizing the Common Data Environment (CDE) – A Foundation for Real-Time Collaboration

The mandatory establishment of a Common Data Environment (CDE) for large-scale public investment projects, Grade I or higher, represents a strategic move to eliminate information discrepancies among project stakeholders.

The CDE serves as the single source of truth for data comparison, technical review, and quality control. It also enhances transparency and helps manage design clash risks the early stages of project implementation.

3. As-Built BIM and Lifecycle Asset Management

The new decree expands the scope of BIM beyond the design and construction phases. Upon completion of a construction work, investors are required to update the standardized as-built BIM model into the National Database on Construction Activities.

All relevant data must also be handed over to the operation and maintenance unit for future use, supporting smarter maintenance, repair, and facility management throughout the asset lifecycle.

Compiled by: Đức Thành, with the assistance of AI

CIC Construction Technology and Consultancy Joint Stock Company (CIC)

Head Office: VG Building, 235 Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam

Mr. Thành: 0966.9040.15

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