MARD registers for 156 enterprises to export to China

According to Viet Nam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point ('Vietnam SPS'), up to now, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has registered 156 enterprises to export to China.

These enterprises are mainly registered through the Plant Protection Department. The reason is that their products fall into 14 groups, including intestines; bee products; eggs and egg products; cooking oil and oil; stuffed flour; edible cereals; industrial cereal preparations and malt; fresh and dehydrated vegetables; dried beans; spice; nuts and seeds; dried fruit; unroasted cocoa beans and coffee beans; specific dietary foods and health-protecting foods.

With the Department of Animal Health and the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department, most products belong to 4 groups: meat, meat preparations; aquatic products, milk; bird's nest; and products from bird's nest, so the registration of most businesses continues to be valid.

One hundred fifty-six businesses registered this time will enjoy preferential procedures. Specifically, companies only need three documents: business registration, food safety, and commitment. The group of enterprises will be extended the deadline for completing the dossier to June 2023, instead of having to carry out the registration procedures as prescribed in Article 8 of Decree 248 when registering after November 1.

Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and its affiliated units actively researched and provided information to businesses, associations, and local authorities across the country about the new regulations of the Chinese market.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (with the focal point of information being Vietnam SPS) also actively exchanged and requested the General Department of Customs of China to soon provide instructions on the specific implementation process of Decrees 248 and 249, help enterprises soon have an export code to print on the packaging, according to the provisions of Decree 249.

With proactive, urgent, and positive measures, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development units have compiled and sent to the General Department of Customs of China through direct exchange and diplomatic channels a list of 156 foods manufacturing enterprises under their jurisdiction.

In the coming time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade closely, the Ministry of Health, and many related agencies to disseminate to localities, industry associations, and businesses to adapt to Decrees 248 and 249 of China.

In April 2021, the General Administration of Customs of China issued Decree 248 on the "Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Producers of Imported Food" and Decree 249 on the "Administrative Measures on Import and Export Food Safety." These two Decrees take effect from January 1, 2022. Foreign enterprises, including Vietnam, who want to export to the Chinese market, must comply with new regulations.

Mr. Le Thanh Hoa, Director of Vietnam SPS, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Products Processing & Market Development, said that Decree 248 only requires registration for businesses exporting food to China. Enterprises exporting input materials are not subject to this application.

"Overall, the two Decrees 248 and 249 do not have much impact on agricultural enterprises. However, the agricultural sector must pay attention and have policies to adjust from now on," said Mr. Hoa.

The leader of Vietnam SPS further informed that businesses that have not yet registered before November 1, 2021, will register according to relevant regulations in Article 8 of Decree 248. He also advised companies, if any. If you need to export food to China in the future, you should also register soon so that the competent authorities can summarize and send the list to the General Administration of Customs of China.

With Decree 249, Mr. Hoa analyzed, enterprises must be responsible for food safety even if the products have been exported to China. Therefore, he noted that businesses choose reliable and guaranteed partners to help keep records (minimum six months), in addition to factors such as warehousing and transportation.

"The requirements from China are gradually approaching developed countries. Therefore, enterprises need to pay attention to strictly comply with Decrees 248 and 249 provisions to avoid stalling their exports, "said Mr. Hoa.

Mr. Hoa affirmed that he would work closely with the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and units of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in guiding and providing information for businesses to adapt to China's Decrees 248 and 249.