Vietnam has introduced new food safety inspection procedures for imported food products in Hai Phong, effective September 1. The new rules apply to food products under the jurisdiction of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and are particularly important for businesses importing goods through Hai Phong Port and other northern Vietnam ports.
The updated procedures require importers to register for food safety inspection before or when their shipments arrive at the border checkpoint. Businesses should therefore prepare the required documents and confirm the correct application process before their goods reach Vietnam.
New Food Safety Inspection Procedures in Hai Phong
Under Notice No. 1188/TB-SNNMT, the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment will accept applications for state food safety inspections for imported food products under the ministry’s authority.
The inspection system covers both standard inspection and strict inspection procedures.
Importers must register their shipments for inspection either before arrival or when the goods arrive at the border checkpoint. Proper preparation of import documents is therefore essential to help avoid delays during customs clearance.
Online Application for Imported Food Inspection
The application process depends on the type of imported product.
Plant-Based Products
Import applications for plant-based products must be submitted through Vietnam’s National Single Window system.
Animal-Based Products
Applications for animal-based food products must be submitted through the National Public Service Portal.
In-Person Application in Hai Phong
Businesses and individuals may also submit applications directly at the:
Hai Phong Municipal Public Administration Service Center
No. 18 Hoang Dieu Street, Hong Bang Ward, Hai Phong, Vietnam
Documents Required for Vietnam Food Imports
Importers applying directly for food safety inspection must prepare the required supporting documents, including:
- Application for Imported Food Inspection, using Form No. 04 in Appendix I of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP
- Self-declaration of product information
- Copy of the packing list
- Original food safety certificate issued by the competent authority in the exporting country for products subject to Article 14 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP
The food safety certificate must confirm that the imported product complies with the applicable food safety requirements in the exporting country.
Switching from Strict to Standard Food Inspection
Importers seeking to change from strict inspection to standard inspection must demonstrate compliance with food safety requirements through three consecutive shipments under the strict inspection procedure.
This requirement means businesses should maintain accurate inspection and compliance records before requesting a change in inspection status.
Seafood Exemption from Food Safety Certification
Certain seafood shipments are exempt from the food safety certificate requirement.
The exemption applies to seafood caught and processed at sea by foreign fishing vessels and sold directly to Vietnam, subject to conditions established by the competent authorities.
Importers handling these products should verify whether their shipments meet the applicable exemption requirements before arrival.
Transitional Rules for Applications Submitted Before September 1
The new Hai Phong food inspection procedures also include transitional arrangements.
Applications registered before September 1 will continue to be processed by the authorities that were previously responsible for them rather than being transferred to the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Environment.
For plant-based products, Plant Quarantine Sub-Department Region I will continue processing existing applications.
Applications involving animal products and seafood will remain under the responsibility of Regional Animal Health Office II.
What Importers Should Know About the New Hai Phong Rules
The new Vietnam food import regulations make advance preparation increasingly important for businesses importing food through Hai Phong and other northern Vietnamese ports.
Importers should confirm the correct inspection procedure, prepare all required documents and submit applications through the appropriate government platform based on the product category.
Proper compliance can help businesses reduce customs clearance delays, avoid documentation problems and ensure imported food meets Vietnam’s food safety requirements.
Conclusion
The introduction of new food safety inspection procedures in Hai Phong marks an important regulatory change for businesses involved in food imports into Vietnam. From September 1, importers must pay close attention to registration requirements, application channels and supporting documents.
Businesses importing plant-based products, animal-based products or seafood through northern Vietnam should check the latest requirements with the relevant authorities before shipping goods to ensure a smooth and compliant import process.
Source :
www.vietnamnews.vn
www.thaibiz-vietnam.com
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