The trading of exotic species is growing widely in Vietnam, to satisfy the ornamental needs of a segment of the population, mainly the younger generation. However, the boom in trading activities poses alarming risks to Vietnam's ecosystem, animal lives and many rare flora and fauna species are seriously threatened. Based on the analysis of risks to environmental security caused by the trading of alien species, the article presents legal issues that need to be resolved in controlling the trading of alien species in particular and legal issues on environmental protection in general in Vietnam.

Keywords: alien species, environmental protection, threats,  wild animals