Department of Plant Protection disseminates regulations for import and export inspections

During his speech at the conference, Mr. Huynh Tan Dat, Director of the Department of Plant Protection, stated that Vietnam's agricultural sector has consistently adhered to the principles of international economic integration as well as actively cooperated, and proactively expanded strategic partnerships with major economies around the world, with an emphasis on the field of agricultural import and export. As a result, the export turnover of fresh vegetables has continuously increased over the years. Namely, the export turnover of fresh vegetables in the first eight months of 2023 increased by 57.5% compared to the same period in 2022, reaching 3.45 billion USD. It is projected Vietnam's vegetable exports in 2023 will surpass the 5 billion USD mark.

Given the context where countries demand strict quality standards for agricultural exports, plant quarantine plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural exports and building Vietnam's reputation for quality and branding in the international market.

Mr. Huynh Tan Dat mentioned that Vietnam's efforts in plant quarantine has achieved remarkable results in recent years. Accordingly, legal regulations and standards related to plant quarantine have been enhanced in harmonization with international norms and Vietnam's production conditions.

In response to the requirement to promote market access and facilitate the trade of goods between Vietnam and countries around the world, plant quarantine procedures must be simplified, ensuring compliance with Vietnamese legal regulations and meeting the requirements of importing countries. On the other hand, efforts should be made to enhance the value, quality, and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market in compliance with the commitments under the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) of which Vietnam is a member.

Furthermore, the conference aimed to provide transparency on the regulations and administrative procedures and to support and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in effectively implementing the regulations on plant quarantine for import and export.

During the conference, representatives from the Department of Plant Protection highlighted key stages in plant quarantine activities, including inspecting and quarantining exported goods, issuing a range of  Plant Quarantine Certificates for exports and re-exports, providing safety notifications for plant-based food products intended for export, controlling the export of rare plant species, preventing the export of shipments that fail to meet =plant quarantine regulations imposed by the importing country, and facilitating swift export procedures for qualified goods.

The Department of Plant Protection also emphasized the importance of verifying the validity of production unit codes, packaging facility codes, and other requirements when issuing Plant Quarantine Certificates for the export of fresh fruits and vegetables such as dragon fruit, lychee, longan, lychee, rambutan, starfruit, lime, pomelo, mangosteen, banana, grass jelly, and sweet potato to markets including China, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, the European Union, Thailand, and the Arab states.

Regarding plant quarantine activities for imported products, representatives from the Department of Plant Protection provided detailed guidance on regulations, procedures, and state inspections related to the safety of imported plant-based food products, quality inspections for livestock feed imports, the issuance of Plant Quarantine Certificates for transit, etc.

During the conference, representatives from the Department of Plant Protection provided detailed and insightful responses to questions, opinions, and recommendations related to the challenges and difficulties faced by businesses. Additionally, regarding issues beyond the scope of the Department of Plant Protection, the Department will propose solutions to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, thereby helping businesses understand and comply with the regulations on plant inspection and quarantine more effectively.

The conference also provided contact information, including phone numbers and emails of relevant departments, for business inquiry regarding uncertainties or unresolved questions about plant inspection and quarantine regulations. This initiative aims to facilitate a smooth and expedited process for the import and export of plant-based goods, with an emphasis on the certification of origin. The Department of Plant Protection has committed to providing prompt, responsible, and comprehensive responses to businesses' inquiries.

Concluding the conference, Mr. Huynh Tan Dat commended the cooperation and partnership of businesses who have consistently worked closely with the Department of Plant Protection to effectively implement plant inspection and quarantine measures. The Department believes that all relevant agencies must make every effort to resolve promptly issues for businesses in addition to complying with the legal requirements.

Mr. Huynh Tan Dat emphasized the need for the Sub-Department of Plant Protection 2 to expeditiously guide and inform businesses regarding essential procedures and regulations. It is crucial to regularly listen to the opinions of businesses to resolve difficulties and streamline procedures. Strict control measures must be imposed on imported goods to prevent the entry of harmful organisms that can negatively impact Vietnam's economy.