Poland’s sustained economic growth in recent years has led to a sharp increase in the demand for imported agricultural products — both to serve its food processing industry and to meet consumer needs. In response, Polish authorities have tightened the quality control measures applied to imported goods.
Food and spices imported into Poland mainly come from Asia, the Middle East, South America, and other EU countries. The most commonly imported products include nuts, rice, herbs, dried fruits, and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and pepper. While most imports meet EU quality standards, there have been cases of substandard shipments.
On July 25, 2025, the Polish Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection (IJHARS) in Gdańsk announced the seizure of a 22-ton shipment of cinnamon from Vietnam due to mold odor, microbiological contamination (mold and yeast), and other organic pollutants. The decision was executed immediately. According to procedures, such shipments are either returned to the sender or disposed of in accordance with regulations.
This is not the first time Polish authorities have intercepted goods originating from Vietnam. IJHARS data show that in the first half of 2025, the agency issued bans on five shipments from Vietnam, including black pepper and dried mango. Vietnam is not alone, however — many other countries have faced similar rejections for failing to meet food safety standards.
Leading the list was China (12 shipments), followed by Ukraine (11), Turkey (10), the UK (9), and Egypt (8). Indiafollowed Vietnam with four shipments. Nonetheless, the total number of seized shipments this year represents only about 30% of the same period last year, indicating that stricter controls have had a deterrent effect on exporters.
IJHARS confirmed it will intensify monitoring and cooperate more closely with foreign authorities to minimize the risk of unsafe products reaching Polish consumers.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Poland urges Vietnamese agricultural and food exporters to strictly reinforce quality control measures to avoid financial losses caused by rejected or destroyed shipments and to protect the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products, which are gradually establishing a strong foothold in the Polish market.