PPPD to develop specialized channel for policy

Plant seed companies await detailed implementation guidelines

The sweeping reforms aimed at reducing administrative procedures under Resolution No. 198/2025/QH15 have attracted significant attention from businesses involved in the production and trading of plant varieties. While the business community broadly supports these changes, many companies remain concerned about how the new provisions will be implemented in practice.

Speaking at the conference on the implementation of Government resolutions and ministerial circulars concerning decentralization, delegation of authority, the reduction of business conditions, and the simplification of administrative procedures in the fields of crop production, plant protection, and plant quarantine, held on the afternoon of June 8, a representative of the Viet Nam Seed Trade Association said that many companies are closely following the removal of procedures related to the designation of plant variety testing organizations.

Under the current interpretation of the new regulations, the changes would significantly expand the socialization of variety testing activities. Businesses therefore seek clarification on whether organizations that have registered plant variety testing as part of their business activities will be allowed to directly conduct Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) tests and Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) tests. They also called for clear guidance on the qualifications and standards applicable to organizations carrying out such testing activities.

In addition, the new mechanism allowing companies to self-disclose information on plant varieties following the abolition of the administrative acceptance procedure has attracted considerable attention from the business community. Companies have requested further clarification regarding disclosure methods, information storage requirements, and the use of related documentation when carrying out plant variety import and export procedures.

The association also expressed concerns over the fact that Resolution No. 198 will remain effective only until February 28, 2027, and recommended that regulatory authorities organize more specialized dialogue sessions to promptly address difficulties arising during implementation.

Responding to these concerns, a representative of Plant Production and Protection Department stated that Resolution No. 198 marks an important shift toward reducing pre-approval requirements while strengthening post-market oversight. Organizations conducting variety testing are no longer required to undergo formal designation procedures as before, but they must continue to comply with all technical standards and remain legally accountable for their testing results.

For major crop varieties such as rice and maize, independent testing organizations or entities registered to conduct variety testing may carry out Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) tests and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) assessments in accordance with current national standards. In cases where national standards have not yet been established, internationally recognized technical guidelines permitted under Vietnamese law may be applied.

Regarding the self-declaration mechanism for plant variety commercialization, businesses are entitled to publish information on varieties independently and assume full responsibility for the accuracy of the information disclosed. Relevant documentation must be retained by the enterprise and made available for inspection and regulatory review when required.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is also reviewing and revising related legal provisions to ensure that no regulatory gaps arise when Resolution No. 198 expires.

Strong reforms require consistent implementation at the local level

From the business community’s perspective, Mr. Nguyen Tri Ngoc, Secretary General and Vice Chairman of the Viet Nam Fertilizer Association, said that the recent wave of institutional reforms and administrative procedure simplification has generated considerable optimism among enterprises. However, what concerns many businesses today is not only the substance of the policies themselves, but also how they will be implemented in practice.

According to Mr. Ngoc, greater decentralization and delegation of authority can deliver significant benefits if applied consistently across the country. While central government agencies are no longer directly responsible for handling many procedures as they once were, some local authorities are still facing difficulties in interpreting and implementing the new regulations. This has raised concerns among businesses that different localities may apply the same rules in different ways, creating inconsistencies and uncertainty in the regulatory environment.

Drawing on the fertilizer sector’s experience, Mr. Ngoc proposed organizing additional thematic conferences and workshops to provide opportunities for regulators, businesses, and other stakeholders to discuss new regulations in greater depth, as well as the future direction of the industry amid increasing volatility in global markets.

One issue of particular concern to him is the mechanism for product classification and risk assessment. According to Mr. Ngoc, clear criteria should be developed to categorize products into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups, allowing appropriate regulatory measures to be applied to each category. Such assessments should be science-based and transparent, ensuring both regulatory effectiveness and a more enabling environment for businesses.

"The initial phase of implementing these new policies will inevitably generate a significant workload. Therefore, training, guidance, and implementation support activities need to be strengthened to help both local authorities and businesses adapt quickly to the changes," the representative of the Viet Nam Fertilizer Association suggested.

More dialogue channels needed to address business concerns

Sharing a similar view, Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Chairman of the Viet Nam Pesticide Association, said that the business community strongly supports efforts to reduce administrative procedures. However, given the scale of the reforms and their direct impact on local regulatory practices, a range of implementation issues is likely to emerge and require clarification.

According to Mr. Son, an information platform or dedicated online portal should be established as soon as possible to collect and consolidate feedback from businesses, local authorities, social organizations, and regulatory agencies. This would enable competent authorities to provide timely responses, helping to ensure a consistent interpretation and application of the new regulations nationwide.

In addition, Mr. Son proposed organizing more specialized workshops for specific sectors such as crop protection products, fertilizers, and plant varieties. These forums would provide opportunities for businesses, scientists, and regulators to engage in more in-depth discussions on practical issues arising during implementation.

According to Mr. Son, implementation capacity still varies considerably among localities, while the new regulations are being introduced at a relatively rapid pace. As a result, greater emphasis should be placed on training and capacity-building programs to prevent confusion and inconsistencies at the local level.

He also highlighted the important role of the media in disseminating and explaining new policies. News organizations can serve as an effective bridge between regulators, businesses, and local authorities by developing dedicated sections and information channels to address questions and clarify issues encountered during implementation.

"Reducing administrative procedures is a highly appropriate policy that brings tangible benefits to businesses. The key is to ensure that it is implemented consistently and uniformly nationwide. If each locality applies the regulations differently, enterprises will continue to face significant challenges," Mr. Son said.

According to Mr. Nghiem Quang Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Plant Production and Protection Department, the implementation of Government resolutions and ministerial circulars on decentralization, delegation of authority, the reduction of business and investment conditions, and the simplification of administrative procedures represents an important step toward creating a more enabling environment for both citizens and businesses.

"To ensure the effective implementation of a post-audit regulatory framework, businesses need to strengthen their awareness of compliance, enhance adherence to legal requirements, and proactively exchange information with regulatory authorities. The Plant Production and Protection Department will continue to work closely with local authorities, enterprises, and industry associations to address challenges, foster a more favorable business environment, and support the development of a safe, sustainable, and competitive crop production sector, thereby enhancing the position of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets," Mr. Tuan said.