MAE holds conference to implement Resolution No. 36

All procedures to be conducted digitally, with a strong shift from pre-approval to post-inspection

On August 4, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment convened a conference to implement Government Resolution No. 36/2026/NQ-CP on the simplification of administrative procedures for the issuance and management of production unit codes and packing facility codes.

The conference was held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual participation, and connected participants from 34 provinces and centrally governed cities, communes, wards, and special administrative zones nationwide, as well as industry associations, businesses, and other relevant organizations and stakeholders.

The conference was held to disseminate, clarify, and ensure the consistent implementation of the Government's new regulations, promoting uniform enforcement from the central government to local authorities. The administrative reforms are expected to make it easier for farmers, cooperatives, and businesses to register for, obtain, and manage production unit codes and packing facility codes, while strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing traceability, and expanding export opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products.

The initiative is regarded as a major reform in the crop production sector, reflecting the Government's commitment to decentralization, administrative reform, digital transformation, and the modernization of regulatory practices. Resolution No. 36 establishes the principle that all administrative procedures will be conducted digitally, allowing organizations and individuals to submit declarations online and assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

The Resolution also aims to reduce compliance costs and processing time by shifting the regulatory approach from pre-approval inspections to post-inspection oversight. Pre-approval inspections will be required only when mandated by importing countries. In addition, the Resolution encourages the development of large-scale, concentrated production areas to support agricultural production and exports.

Under Resolution No. 36/2026/NQ-CP, several key reforms have been introduced. The entire process for issuing and managing production unit codes and packing facility codes will be conducted digitally through Vietnam's National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's electronic case management system. All data will be managed in accordance with the principles of accuracy, completeness, integrity, and real-time updating, while ensuring the entire process remains transparent and publicly accessible.

Under the new regulations, chairpersons of commune-level People's Committees are authorized to issue and reissue production unit codes and packing facility codes. Commune-level authorities are also responsible for post-inspection, ongoing supervision, and the suspension, reinstatement, or revocation of these codes in accordance with applicable regulations.

Administrative documentation has been streamlined to the greatest extent possible. Applicants are now required to submit only an application form for a production unit code or a packing facility code. The explanatory report previously required under Decree No. 38/2026/ND-CP has been eliminated, reducing the required application documents by 50%. The revised application form requests only essential information and does not require applicants to resubmit documents that are already available in government databases.

Processing times have also been significantly shortened. For applications not related to export registration, the processing period has been reduced from 14 working days to just three, a reduction of 11 working days, or approximately 78.6%. For applications involving exports to markets that require production unit codes or packing facility codes, the processing time has been shortened to 10 working days, down from 14, a reduction of 4 working days (about 28.6%).

Information on production unit codes and packing facility codes will be managed through a centralized, publicly accessible database integrated with the national agricultural traceability system and other relevant government databases, enabling consistent management nationwide.

The Resolution also removes the minimum area requirement for obtaining a production unit code, clarifies the issuance of codes for intercropping systems, and clearly defines the responsible entity for each code to ensure effective traceability.

Production unit codes and packing facility codes issued under previous regulations will remain valid, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting production, business operations, or agricultural exports.

Task force established to support key localities

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Government Resolution No. 36/2026/NQ-CP was issued to promptly address shortcomings in the management of production unit codes and packing facility codes.

According to the Deputy Minister, before advising the Government on the issuance of Resolution No. 36, the Ministry worked closely with local authorities, industry associations, and businesses. It also conducted field visits across several provinces in the Central Highlands and held consultations in growing areas and at border gates handling durian and other agricultural exports to gather feedback from farmers, cooperatives, businesses, and relevant agencies.

Noting that more than 1,000 locations participated in the conference via video link, demonstrating the strong interest of local governments, cooperatives, businesses, and industry associations, the Deputy Minister said the conference focused on three key objectives. The first was to disseminate the new provisions of Resolution No. 36. The second was to clarify the key changes introduced under the Resolution compared with Decree No. 38 and the previous implementation procedures. The third was to provide a forum for dialogue, address practical challenges and concerns, and ensure that the Resolution is implemented quickly, consistently, and without misinterpretation.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will also issue detailed guidance on the new digital procedures for issuing production unit codes, provide instructions on agricultural traceability, and support the development of export-compliant production areas.

In addition, the Ministry will clarify the distinction between the issuance of production unit codes and export eligibility requirements to prevent misunderstandings during implementation.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said that immediately following the conference, the Ministry will establish dedicated task forces to work closely with key producing localities, helping resolve implementation challenges and accelerate the rollout of the new regulations.

To ensure the swift implementation of Resolution No. 36, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has instructed local authorities to promptly develop implementation plans, provide training for commune-level officials, standardize data on growing areas and packing facilities, and strengthen inspection, supervision, and public communication. At the same time, the Ministry will continue to enhance digital systems, issue technical guidance, integrate relevant databases, and provide ongoing support to local authorities throughout the implementation process.

The Ministry expects Resolution No. 36 to bring about a significant transformation in the management of production unit codes and packing facility codes by reducing the time and cost associated with administrative procedures, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening traceability, and enhancing the competitiveness and value of Vietnam's agricultural products.