New regulations for vegetables and fruits exported to the EU

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on November 3, the European Commission published in Regulation No. 2021/1900, issued on October 27, 2021, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 on the temporary application of official and emergency control measures for certain foods imported into the EU.

Accordingly, for Vietnam, the testing frequency for pesticides with vegetables, spices, and fruits is as follows: Coriander 72%; basil 20%; mint 30%; parsley 40%; okra 20-30%; pepper 20%; dragon fruit 10%.

This regulation will come into effect from November 15, 2021.

Periodically, every six months, the European Commission reviews the lists of food and feedstuffs of non-animal origin from certain third countries subject to a temporary strengthening of the official inspection measure at border checkpoints to ensure food safety.

Over the past time, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to the EU have made many positive developments, with an average annual growth of nearly 20%. In the first eight months of 2021 alone, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover to the EU reached US$88.5 million.

However, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover to the EU is currently only about US$ 150 million, equivalent to 0.36% of the EU's imports because the export of vegetables and fruits to this market has to face many difficulties and challenges.

The EU is a developed and fastidious market with strict regulations on consumer protection.

Fruit and vegetable products that want to be exported to EU markets must meet the following standards: food safety and hygiene, control of pesticide residues, and control of contaminants in food, phytosanitary, control over genetically modified (GMO) foods, plant health control, food labeling, marketing for fresh fruit and vegetables, traceability, compliance, and food accountability.