Recalling 139 production unit codes and 192 packaging facility codes violating regulations

Seven products that generate revenue exceeding 3 billion USD

MARD hosted the Conference on the Promotion of Agro-Forest-Fishing (AFF) Exports in Ho Chi Minh City on December 16. Mr. Ngo Hong Phong, Director of the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development, stated that 2024 will be a significant year for the agriculture industry in Vietnam, in terms of both production and exportation.

The agro-forestry-fishery export turnover is estimated to reach 62 billion USD, an 18% increase from the previous year. The trade surplus, which reached nearly 19 billion USD, was a 53% increase from the previous year.

The export turnover value of 11 products exceeds 1 billion USD, with 7 of them exceeding 3 billion USD. These products include wood and wood products, vegetables and fruits, rice, coffee, cashew, shellfish, and rubber.

The exporting commodities, including vegetables and fruits, rice, coffee, cashews, and pepper, have experienced two-digit growth. Coffee is the most rapidly growing commodity, with a 56.9% increase. Pepper, rubber, and rice all experienced increases of 53.3%, 24.6%, and 10.6%, respectively.

In which, the United States, China, ASEAN, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea are the six primary export markets for Vietnam's AFF products.

Mr. Ngo Hong Phong recognized that Vietnam's AFF exports encounter numerous obstacles and obstacles, in addition to the positive aspects of increasing export turnover.

Geopolitical fluctuations, conflicts, protectionist policies with high tariff barriers, and the increasing complexity of technical regulations and the demands for sustainable and green development are particularly challenging. Vietnam is among the numerous countries that face obstacles in the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.

Several shipments of products were cautioned

The General Administration of Customs of China detected certain cargoes of agriculture and food from Vietnam that did not comply with China's standards, according to Mr. Nong Duc Lai, Vietnam's Trade Counselor in China. In October 2024, 3,223 cargoes from other countries were warned, including 127 food shipments from Vietnam and 900 others for quarantine issues.

There are a total of 10 countries in which the most agricultural and food products are subject to warnings, including Vietnam. Specifically, seafood, fruit beverages (excluding coffee and dairy products), and all types of cakes are among the agricultural products and food products that are subject to numerous warnings.

The following are examples of warning errors: the use of food additives beyond the allowed threshold, mold, pathogenic bacteria, a lack of product certification, goods that do not comply with the certificate/deed, goods that have not been permitted for import, and goods packaging labels that do not meet regulations and import requirements.

Mr. Le Van Thiet, the Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department, stated that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has presently assigned localities to proactively plan planting areas, supervise, guide, and train individuals to issue planting area codes and packaging facilities.

The country currently has 1,596 packaging facilities and 8,052 growing area codes that export 20 categories of products to countries worldwide. 2024 has seen the issuance of 1,194 growing area codes and 175 packinghouse codes.

Nevertheless, 139 growing area codes and 192 packaging house codes have been revoked as a result of violations of regulations regarding food safety and plant quarantine.

Mr. Thiet stated that the work of directing and handling violations still faces many difficulties, as there are presently no decrees or circulars on the issuance of codes for growing areas and packaging facilities, as well as no regulations for handling violations. Numerous localities have yet to allocate resources for the establishment of growing areas and packaging facilities, and they have not yet devised planning and plans. Numerous agricultural regions are characterized by their limited size, lack of centralization, and insufficient production to meet export requirements. Furthermore, traceability remains a challenge, as farmers do not have a tendency of recording comprehensive information, resulting in a lack of records.

Enhance the quality

Mr. Ngo Hong Phong, Director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development, has requested that agencies, departments, Localities, industry associations, and businesses continue to promote the restructuring of the agricultural sector to synchronously deploy solutions to promote the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in 2025 and the coming years. The priority is to promote industries such as rice, seafood, and vegetables to improve quality and efficiency, ensuring a plentiful supply and production.

In particular, a policy mechanism is required to facilitate the development of processing, vast raw material areas, and clusters that connect the production, processing, and consumption of agricultural products, thereby enhancing the quality, value, and competitiveness of agriculture. building a value chain for each form of agricultural product, which is associated with the development of logistics infrastructure; and products in domestic and international markets.

It is essential to emphasize the elimination of obstacles and the expansion of export markets. In particular, it is important to focus on emerging markets with significant potential, such as the Middle East, Africa, and Halal. Take proactive measures to request that the EU eliminate the yellow card on Vietnamese seafood.

Furthermore, concentrates on the establishment of production, processing, and product quality standards that are consistent with the standards of international economic integration. Maximize the benefits of trade agreements, safeguard brands and products in traditional markets, and increase market share in potential markets.

Emphasize training and guidance to enhance the cognizance, skills, and production and business capacity of agricultural product producers and traders in the areas of market information access, production following market signals and trade protection. The protection of product brands from international trade disputes and defense litigation.

Improve the capacity of industry associations to provide support and connectivity to businesses; improve the dissemination of information, market regulations, and consumer preferences.