Resolving Circular 04 in accordance with the principle of 'tightening friendship on mutual understanding’

The detection of numerous cargoes that have tested positive for Salmonella since the implementation of Circular 04

On the morning of October 22, Deputy Minister of MARD Phung Duc Tien hosted a meeting with Agricultural Attachés from the United States, Brazil, the UK, France, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Denmark, and the Netherlands to deliberate on the promotion of agricultural trade.

The Department of Animal Health tested over 32,000 samples for Salmonella and E.coli in imported animal products from 2020 to April 2024, according to Chu Nguyen Thach, Head of the Animal Quarantine Department. Of these, 1,750 samples tested positive, resulting in a 0.56% rate of positive outcomes.

Numerous shipments have been positive for Salmonella since the implementation of Circular 04, which modifies regulations regarding animal quarantine and terrestrial animal products. This has contributed to the prevention of disease outbreaks and the guarantee of food safety for consumers. The number of positive shipments has experienced a substantial decline in recent months.

The incidence of food poisoning incidents in 2023 and 2024 was not particularly high; however, the number of individuals affected by foodborne illnesses, particularly those caused by Salmonella, has increased significantly. However, all stakeholders have collaborated to protect their respective interests.

Since the implementation of Circular 04, Vietnam has received more than 340 registration dossiers from 21 countries, according to Dr. Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Animal Health. To date, the Department has responded to and processed 285 dossiers, which constitutes 82% of the total. The remaining dossiers require businesses to furnish supplementary information to guarantee compliance with international standards and Vietnamese regulations.

Dr. Long underscored the importance of supplementary information, as numerous initial dossiers failed to satisfy the necessary criteria. The requirements of Vietnam depend on the principles established by the World Trade Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE/WOAH). Vietnam is dedicated to upholding its status as a responsible trade partner.

"When processing dossiers, we not only focus on food safety but also assess factors related to animal diseases and quarantine," according to Dr. Long. He reaffirmed that Circular 04 is not intended to cause businesses any difficulties, but rather to guarantee that all import activities adhere to international and OIE/WOAH standards.

45 days for enterprisese to adapt to new regulations

In response to reports that quarantine procedures were causing delays in customs clearance, the Director clarified that over 99% of imported cargoes tested negative and were cleared within 1–3 days. Only approximately 1% of animal product shipments tested positive and necessitated additional testing to verify the results, which typically takes 7–8 days. In order to prevent businesses from incurring losses solely as a result of their initial test results, this procedure is essential.

Additionally, he verified that Vietnam's laboratory capacities and testing procedures adhere to international standards, with technical and procedural assistance from the United States and Australia.

The regulations for the export of animals and animal products to Vietnam were communicated to the Agricultural Attachés. Dr. Long assured enterprises that 45 days is an adequate amount of time to comply with Circular 04.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien conveyed his optimism that Vietnam's agriculture sector will continue to serve as a trustworthy partner for nations across the globe. In the event that obstacles arise during the implementation of Circular 04, MARD will instruct the Department of Animal Health to collaborate closely with attachés and veterinary authorities from other countries to address all concerns in a spirit of transparency, adhering to the principle that "to be friends, you must understand each other."

"Vietnam understands its partners, and its partners must also understand Vietnam so that both sides benefit, develop together, and achieve mutual success," according to Deputy Minister Tien.

Additionally, he observed that Vietnam is required to adhere to the rigorous regulations of over 200 countries and territories in which it exports agricultural products.

MARD and the Department of Animal Health are striving to establish stronger relationships with veterinary authorities from other countries by fostering closer coordination with agricultural attachés in order to improve bilateral trade cooperation. This will facilitate the facilitation of agricultural commodities into Vietnam and the export of Vietnamese agricultural products to the global market.