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Agricultural industry

Agricultural Export Shipments to Europe Face Delays Due to Food Safety Certification Issues

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Vietnamese farmers and businesses are struggling to export fruits and vegetables to the European Union (EU) due to issues with food safety certification procedures. The export of dragon fruit, chilli peppers, and okra, worth hundreds of tonnes, is stuck in warehouses as farmers face the risk of huge financial losses if the issue is not resolved promptly. The EU has introduced new requirements for food safety certificates, which Vietnamese authorities are still struggling to implement. The decentralisation of authority has made procedures more complicated, and businesses are unsure which agency to submit their documents to for certification.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hundreds of tonnes of dragon fruit, chilli peppers, and okra are stuck in warehouses due to the lack of EU-compliant food safety certificates.
  • The EU requires food safety certificates to be issued by Vietnamese Government authorities, rather than by businesses themselves or through third parties.
  • The decentralisation of authority has made procedures more complicated and confusing, according to Chairman of the Binh Thuaon Dragon Fruit Association Hua CaoPSnh.
  • The Plant Production and Protection Department has sent a letter to businesses stating that under EU regulations, shipments of dragon fruit, chilli peppers, and okra must be inspected and certified by Vietnamese authorities in compliance with EU standards.
  • Provincial authorities are still confused about their new responsibilities and lack clear guidelines, leading to prolonged delays.
  • The Plant Production and Protection Department has issued guidance documents and remains ready to collaborate with localities to support State inspections and the completion of export procedures.

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of tonnes of dragon fruit, chilli peppers, and okra are stuck in warehouses.
  • The EU has introduced new requirements for food safety certificates, which took effect on July 1 this year.
  • Vietnamese authorities are still struggling to implement the new procedures.
  • The Plant Production and Protection Department has issued guidance documents to aid in the implementation of Circular 12/2025/TT-BNNMT.
  • Vietnamese agricultural producers export billions of US dollars worth of products to the European market annually.

Sources:

  • Tia n Phong (Vanguard) newspaper
  • Chairman of the Binh Thuaon Dragon Fruit Association Hua CaoPSnh
  • Plant Production and Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE)

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