To streamline operations following the implementation of Decree 46, the Vietnam Food Administration (Ministry of Health) has officially released a list of 34 designated facilities authorized to perform food safety testing for state management purposes. This initiative aims to assist import-export businesses in navigating new regulatory requirements and preventing trade bottlenecks.
Strategic measures to support trade
Mr. Chu Quoc Thinh, Acting Director of the Vietnam Food Administration, stated that these 34 facilities are strategically located across the country, enabling businesses to submit samples to the nearest laboratory. To ensure seamless integration, governmental bodies have been instructed to enhance coordination, ensuring that testing procedures do not impede business activities.
The Prime Minister has also mandated several urgent measures:
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24/7 Hotlines: Immediate communication channels have been established to clarify new regulations and resolve arising issues promptly.
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Priority Clearance: Border gates are instructed to operate 24/7, with dedicated lanes for fresh produce and essential foodstuffs to ensure timely customs clearance.
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Parallel Inspection Policy: Shipments with complete documentation and commitment letters may be cleared immediately, with sampling and testing conducted concurrently or via post-clearance audits at the enterprise’s warehouse.
Leading testing facilities by region
The authorized network includes top-tier national institutes and specialized technical centers:
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Northern Region: National Institute for Food Control (Hanoi), Quatest 1, and provincial centers in Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc, Hai Duong, etc.
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Central & Highlands Region: Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang, Quatest 2 (Da Nang), Tay Nguyen Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (Dak Lak), and facilities in Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thừa Thiên Huế.
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Southern Region: Pasteur Institute in HCMC, Institute of Public Health in HCMC, Quatest 3, and renowned international laboratories such as SGS, Eurofins, and Bureau Veritas.
The publication of this list serves as a vital resource for enterprises to maintain compliance while ensuring the city and the nation continue to uphold stringent food safety standards for all circulated products.