Advancing administrative reform in healthcare management Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen has signed Circular No. 48/2025/TT-BYT, regulating the decentralization of specific tasks and administrative procedures within the food safety sector. Under this new regulation, the Ministry of Health (MOH) officially delegates several key responsibilities and authorities to the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA).
Decentralized professional responsibilities The VFA is now empowered to execute the following core functions:
-
Imported Food Control: Directing and inspecting state control activities for imported food; issuing warnings and deciding on the application or termination of “tightened inspection” protocols for specific shipments or commodities.
-
Information Management: Serving as the primary point for receiving reports from facilities and organizations submitted to the MOH.
-
Legal Dissemination: Leading communication and education efforts regarding food safety laws and knowledge.
-
Technical Guidance: Directing the implementation of national standards and technical regulations under the MOH’s jurisdiction.
Specific administrative authorities Circular 48/2025/TT-BYT explicitly authorizes the VFA to process the following administrative procedures:
-
Product Registration: Issuing Certificates of Registered Product Declaration (for both imported and domestic goods) for health supplements, innovative food additives, or additives not yet on the approved list.
-
Advertising Approval: Issuing certificates for advertising content related to health supplements.
-
GMP Certification: Granting and re-issuing Certificates of Satisfaction of Food Safety Conditions for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in health supplement production.
This Circular officially came into effect on December 30, 2025.