Vietnam: Opening The Door For Plant-Derived Exports To Vietnam

British Embassy Hanoi

July 2013

Summary

Intervention with the Vietnamese authorities results in a temporary import permit covering all UK plant ingredients to Vietnam, required by newly introduced regulations and release of a UK company’s shipment. We are now seeking permanent registration by 31 December.

Detail

On 9 July, we learned that a shipment from the UK had been held at Haiphong Port due to new import regulations for plant-derived products which had come into force on 1 July. This was the first case we had heard of a UK shipment being blocked because of these new regulations.

In consultation with the UK company affected, we approached the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) for a temporary import permit so that the goods (which were perishable) could be released immediately. As a result, a temporary permit has been issued which allows for the import of all UK plant-derived products, and for the release of the shipment in question. This is valid until 31 December 2013.

Comment

Regulatory changes of this sort are very common in Vietnam. Dozens of new requirements emerge each quarter, which can be challenging for importers. We continue to stress to the Vietnamese Government the importance of simplifying procedures. We will now work with the appropriate departments towards permanent registration.

We also need to ensure better communication about regulatory changes to help prevent this sort of case in the future. We are exploring new channels to disseminate changes to UK exporters, including the Open to Export website and webinars.

Disclaimer

The purpose of the FCO Country Update(s) for Business (”the Report”) prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information and related comment to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Report’s contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Report’s contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report

Sectors: Agriculture, Horticulture & Fisheries
Countries: Vietnam
Topics: Legislation & Regulation
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