{"id":7638,"date":"2025-03-05T06:40:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T23:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hcmcfoodex.com\/?p=7638"},"modified":"2025-06-23T06:43:35","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T23:43:35","slug":"regulation-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hcmcfoodex.com\/en\/regulation-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Vietnam to Amend Food Safety Regulations: Potential Changes and Compliance Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vietnam\u2019s government is in the process of amending\u00a0Decree No. 15\/2018\/ND-CP<\/a>\u00a0(\u201cDecree 15\u201d), which regulates food business operations under the Law on Food Safety. The proposed amendments, spearheaded by the Vietnam Food Safety Authority (VFA), introduce stricter administrative controls while aiming to improve food safety oversight.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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While the government aims to strengthen oversight, businesses argue that several provisions could negatively impact the food industry, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In this article, we understand\u00a0Vietnam\u2019s latest amendments\u00a0to Decree 15 on food business regulations. We also learn about key changes, compliance challenges, and business implications for food industry operators in 2025.<\/p>\n

Key proposed amendments to Vietnam\u2019s food safety regulations<\/h2>\n

Administrative procedure reforms<\/h3>\n

Vietnam\u2019s Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed eliminating four administrative procedures and simplifying dossier requirements for ten existing procedures. The objective is to reduce paperwork and streamline food business operations. However, industry representatives argue that some new documentation requirements could increase processing times by up to three months and seven days.<\/p>\n

Enhanced role of local authorities<\/h3>\n

The draft decree proposes greater decentralization, granting local governments more authority in food safety management and inspection. This move aligns with the Government Inspectorate\u2019s recommendations but raises concerns about inconsistent enforcement across provinces.<\/p>\n

Post-inspection regulations<\/h3>\n

The decree introduces stricter post-market controls, requiring companies to update product declarations when making formula or packaging modifications. While this aims to enhance consumer protection, businesses argue it could create unnecessary hurdles for product innovation and market adaptation.<\/p>\n

Implementation of government directives<\/h3>\n

The amendments reflect the Vietnamese government\u2019s effort to implement Inspection\u00a0Conclusion No. 2555\/KL-TTCP,\u00a0dated December 6, 2024, which called for stricter enforcement of food safety laws. While this directive strengthens oversight, some industry stakeholders worry that increased compliance costs will disproportionately impact small and medium enterprises (SMEs).<\/p>\n

Industry concerns and proposed solutions<\/h2>\n

The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has\u00a0raised concerns regarding certain aspects of the draft decree, citing potential adverse effects on business operations. At the consultation meeting, Ms. Nguyen Cam Van, Head of EuroCham Hanoi Office, and Mr. Nguyen Hong Uy, Nutritional Foods Group Sector Committee Member, recommended the following:<\/p>\n