The Vietnam SPS Office has issued an official notice informing exporters and relevant agencies about several draft amendments and new regulations affecting Vietnam’s agricultural exports to major international markets.
From November 21 to December 20, 2024, the Vietnam SPS National Notification and Enquiry Point recorded 128 notifications from WTO member countries — including 98 draft proposals for public consultation and 30 officially adopted regulations — concerning food safety and animal and plant quarantine measures (SPS).
1. United States – Ban on Chlorpyrifos Products
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The U.S. has announced regulations to terminate the use of products containing chlorpyrifos, remove maximum residue limits (MRLs) for chlorpyrifos in certain commodities, and propose amendments to food additive standardsand tolerances for Cyazofamid pesticide residues.
2. European Union – Revised MRLs and Control Measures
The EU has issued notifications on amendments to Regulation (EU) 2019/627, outlining official control measures for products of animal origin used as food.
Revisions include updates to maximum residue levels (MRLs) for substances such as chlorpropham, fuberidazole, ipconazole, methoxyfenozide, S-metolachlor, triflusulfuron, dimoxystrobin, ethephon, and propamocarb in various food products.
3. Taiwan (China) – Draft Standards on Pesticide Residues
Taiwan has published draft standards setting residue limits for pesticides in food, revisions to food additive specifications, and updates to the scope and permissible concentrations of several agrochemical compounds.
4. Indonesia – Strengthened Quality Control for Seafood and Food Packaging
Indonesia has announced:
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New guidelines and authorities for quality and safety certification of seafood products;
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Draft regulations from BPOM (Food and Drug Authority) on food packaging standards;
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Proposals from the National Food Agency on MRLs for pesticides in food.
5. Brazil – Drafts on Food Additives and Plant Quarantine
Brazil has released multiple drafts, including:
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A list of active ingredients for pesticides, household cleaning agents, and wood preservatives;
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Regulations on food additives, technological aids, and maximum usage levels;
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Quarantine requirements for importing South African orchids (Freesia spp.) and okra seeds (Abelmoschus esculentus);
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Resolutions on the analysis of pesticides in herbal medicine.
6. Australia – New Zealand – Food Standard Code Amendments
The Australia–New Zealand Food Standards Code is undergoing updates, including:
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Revisions to Annex 20 on food import health standards;
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MRL updates for agricultural compounds;
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Measures for managing Xylella fastidiosa in crops;
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New import health standards for plant-based products and seeds.
7. United Kingdom – Updated Border Control Rules
The UK has announced amendments to official control regulations on plant and animal health, including:
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Adjustments to inspection frequencies and phytosanitary procedures;
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Licensing for 25 new feed additives and one special feed type;
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MRL revisions for propamocarb, fenazaquin, sulfoxaflor, and isoflucypram;
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Updates to Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 concerning pest control and conifer import requirements.
8. South Korea – Acrylamide Standards
South Korea has issued a notification on the proposed technical specifications for acrylamide levels in food products.
9. Japan – Feed and Additive Regulation Amendments
Japan released a draft amendment to the Ordinance on Feed and Feed Additives, introducing revised quality and safety standards.
Vietnam SPS Office Recommendations
The Vietnam SPS Office urges exporters, industry associations, and local authorities to review these proposed regulations carefully and update production practices to comply with the new requirements of their respective export markets.
In 2024, Vietnam’s agriculture, forestry, and fishery exports achieved a record value of USD 62.4 billion, up 18.5%year-on-year, with a trade surplus of USD 18.6 billion, a 53.1% increase compared to 2023.
Source: Vinanet / Vietnam SPS Office