In this edition of the Chemical Watch news podcast, global managing editor Kate Lowe is joined by Asia reporter Ellen Daliday, Asia desk editor David Macfarlane and global business editor, Leigh Stringer. On the agenda for this episode is Vietnam’s decision to reopen the window to nominate chemicals for inclusion in the country’s first draft national inventory until 15th of April next year. We also take a look at industry reaction to the European Commission’s promise in its chemicals strategy for sustainability to produce criteria by which "essential use" of a chemical can be judged. And finally, we return to Asia, where chemical industry representatives in India have expressed dissatisfaction that the development of the country’s REACH-like chemicals law has yet to see a draft published for wider industry consultation.