Exempt State inspection for imported raw materials and additives to produce export goods

Food ingredients, food additives imported for production of export goods will be exempted from state inspection.

In Document No. 7841/ATTP-PC about exempted State inspection for imported raw materials, and additives for producing export goods, the Food Safety and Hygiene Department of the Ministry of Health stated that, in order to improve business environment and improve national competitiveness, the Government issued Resolution No. 103/NQ-CP dated 5-12-2016, in that point 3 clearly stated: the Government agrees to allow enterprises to be exempt from State inspection on food safety public announcement and appropriate to the regulation about food safety, exempt from Vietnamese labeling for foods, ingredients and additives, assist food processing, tools, packaging materials, food containers imported into Vietnam only be used for manufacturing or processing export goods, not for consumption in the domestic market.

Therefore, the Food Safety and Hygiene Department announced to the State inspection agencies on food safety that managing food safety for imported foods is now under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. Thus State inspection agencies have to implement the above Resolution of Government.

Regarding State inspection problems with imported foods, previously, the Ministry of Health has issued a permission document that allows 6 import foods to be exempted from State inspection of food safety including: Food carried by immigrants for personal consumption in the norm are exempt from import duties; Food in diplomatic bags, consular bags; Food transit and trans-shipment; Food stored in bonded warehouses; Food which is a prototype or for research; and Food samples for exhibits and exhibitions.

For imported goods that are not in the above subject, import organizations and individuals have to do procedures for product announcement and state inspection of imported food safety in accordance with current regulations.