State Inspection on Food Safety for Imported Food Products

1. What is state inspection on food safety?

State inspection on food safety for imported food refers to the process of controlling and assessing the safety of imported food before it is allowed to circulate and be consumed in the Vietnamese market.

According to the Food Safety Law, imported food, food additives, food processing aids, food support substances, tools, packaging materials, and containers for imported food must undergo state inspection on food safety, except for certain foods exempted from state inspection on food safety as regulated by the Government.

2. Legal basis:

The regulations on quality inspection and food safety inspection for goods are implemented according to the provisions of the Law on Product Quality, Law on Food Safety, Law on Standards and Technical Regulations, etc.

The procedures and processes for state inspection on quality and state inspection on food safety for imported goods are detailed in the Government's Decrees, including:

• Decree No. 132/2008/ND-CP dated December 31, 2021, providing detailed guidance on the implementation of some provisions of the Law on Product Quality (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 74/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018, and Decree No. 154/2018/ND-CP dated November 9, 2018).

• Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP dated February 2, 2018, providing detailed guidance on the implementation of some provisions of the Food Safety Law.

• Decree No. 85/2019/ND-CP dated November 14, 2019, regulating administrative procedures under the national single-window mechanism, ASEAN single-window mechanism, and sector-specific inspections for export and import goods.

3. The state inspection agency for imported food

The state inspection agency for food safety of imported food is an organization that is assessed to have sufficient capacity in terms of business operation conditions for certification or testing services, as regulated by the Government, and is designated by relevant ministries and departments as the state inspection agency for food safety of imported food.

Vinacontrol is a designated entity by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as the state inspection agency and testing facility for imported food safety for food products under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

4. The sequence and procedures for state inspection of food safety for imported food products

The sequence and procedures for state inspection of food safety for imported food products are conducted in accordance with the regulations of the laws on product quality, goods, and the following provisions:

• Imported food products can only be brought into storage awaiting customs clearance when they have a registration certificate for food safety inspection.

• Customs clearance is granted only when there is a confirmation of the inspection results stating that the food products meet the requirements for import.

5. The cases exempted from state inspection of food safety for imported food

According to the provisions in the Decree No. 15/2018/NĐ-CP dated February 2, 2018, and the Decree No. 85/2018/NĐ-CP dated November 14, 2019, of the Government, which provide detailed regulations on the implementation of certain provisions of the Food Safety Law and the procedures for administrative formalities under the national single-window mechanism, the ASEAN single-window mechanism, and sector-specific inspections for exported and imported goods, the following cases are exempt from state inspection of imported food safety (excluding cases with food safety warnings):

• Products that have been issued a Certificate of Acceptance of Product Declaration Registration.

• Gifts and presents within the import tax-exempt quota as prescribed by tax laws.

• Imported products for personal use of individuals entitled to preferential treatment or diplomatic immunity.

• Transiting, transshipment, temporary importation, re-exportation, or warehousing of goods.

• Products that are test samples or research quantities appropriate for testing or research purposes with confirmation from organizations or individuals.

• Products used for display at fairs or exhibitions.

• Imported products or materials used solely for manufacturing, processing, or serving the internal production of organizations or individuals without consumption in the domestic market.

• Temporary imported products for sale in duty-free shops.

• Imported goods serving urgent requirements as directed by the Government or the Prime Minister.

6. Vinacontrol - A reliable partner in inspecting imported food safety

Vinacontrol is a unit designated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as the state inspection agency and testing facility for imported food safety for products under the management responsibilities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

With the trust and authorization from relevant ministries, Vinacontrol plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of imported food products in Vietnam. We commit to utilizing knowledge, experience, and modern technology to carry out inspection procedures and ensure strict compliance with regulations and standards for food safety.

The certification provided by Vinacontrol is an official proof of a company's compliance with food safety standards and regulations. This helps businesses obtain recognition from government regulatory agencies and meet legal requirements regarding food safety. Additionally, it helps businesses build reputation and achieve success in the food industry, gaining trust from partners and customers.

Vinacontrol is committed to continuously enhancing inspection capabilities and meeting all customer requirements, contributing to the protection of health and food safety for the community and the nation.

Contact for consultation: 0243. 943. 3840