Reducing inspection frequency for instant noodles exported to the EU

On the night of May 17, Vietnam SPS Office received an application for assistance from an import company in the Czech Republic.

This company wanted to quickly import a large amount of instant noodles from company A in Vietnam. However, this imported shipment possessed risks of not being able to clear customs. It seemed that company A lacked the certification of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Upon realizing that this was an urgent matter, on the same day night time, Vietnam SPS Office held an online meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and related parties to support the Czech Republic’s company in receiving the goods when it reached the port.

Receiving instructions from this meeting, on May 18 company A came to work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. In view of creating all favorable conditions and removing obstacles as well as difficulties for businesses, the Ministry of Industry and Trade had supported the enterprise with registration procedures according to Official Letter 1150/BCT-KHCN issued on March 8, 2022, also ensuring the provisions of the EVFTA framework.

Dragon fruit and instant noodles are products subject to increased inspection frequency by the EU according to an announcement dated December 15, 2021. Both products are currently subject to a 20% rate, effective on January 6, 2022.

Periodically, every six months, the European Commission (EC) will review the lists of food and feedstuffs of non-animal origin from a number of countries subjected to temporary strengthening of official controls at border checkpoints to ensure food safety.

In order to achieve the goal of reducing inspection frequency for instant noodles and dragon fruit as well as other export products, Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of Vietnam SPS Office, said that state management agencies, businesses and industry associations needed to closely coordinate on all three aspects.

Firstly, Vietnamese enterprises must absolutely comply with registration and certification from competent authorities. The three registration focal points are the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Health, and the only contact point is the Vietnam SPS Office.

Secondly, enterprises must closely monitor residue levels in products. In addition, issues such as labor, environment, and production organization must comply with the provisions of the EVFTA.

Thirdly, enterprises must regularly check and review the production link chain from growing areas, preliminary processing and processing to packaging, transportation and distribution.

"Vietnam's agricultural exports are benefiting from the EVFTA. We are traveling on a highway, with the main accelerator being key agricultural products and the common goal of increasing added value for products," said Mr. Nam.

The head of Vietnam SPS Office also expressed his wish that domestic enterprises would deepen their insight, conduct business and production in a responsible manner, and create conditions for Vietnam and the EU to further promote trading activities.