The Vietnamese government has again postponed the implementation of Decree 46 and Resolution 66, which govern food declaration and registration, due to ongoing challenges. This delay will continue until the amended food safety law and its new guiding documents are officially enacted.

In a notice on 21/3, the standing government assigned the Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant ministries to review and submit to the government by 28/3 a new resolution to extend the temporary suspension of these regulations. Concurrently, regulatory agencies must increase inspections, post-market surveillance, and food safety monitoring, enhancing state management effectiveness in this sector.

The MOH is also tasked with urgently finalizing the draft amended food safety law for submission to the National Assembly at its upcoming May session. Simultaneously, the agency must develop guiding decrees for immediate implementation once the law is approved.

Cargo containers at Cat Lai port on the afternoon of 4/2. *Photo: Thanh Tung*

Decree 46 and resolution 66, guiding the implementation of the food safety law, were issued and took effect from 26/1. These new regulations introduced stricter management requirements, particularly for imported food, health supplements, and state inspections of food safety. However, the lack of guiding documents led to nationwide bottlenecks in the import of food and raw materials for food production.

In late January, thousands of cargo containers were stalled at border gates and seaports due to complications in implementing these regulations. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MOAE) at its regular press conference on 5/2, over 700 imported shipments, totaling approximately 300,000 tons, were backlogged at border gates and ports during the four days from 26/1 to 29/1. Affected items primarily included fresh agricultural products and processed plant-based products such as vegetables, tubers, fruits, rice, paddy, cassava, along with some processed, pre-packaged foods.

More than a week later, the government agreed to postpone the implementation of both documents until 15/4. During this period, food safety regulations for imported food and agricultural products will follow the old regulations (Decree 15).

The amended food safety law is expected to be presented to the National Assembly in its upcoming May session, followed by the issuance of guiding decrees. At a conference in early February, many associations proposed abolishing Decree 46 and resolution 66 while awaiting the new law. Regarding the amendment of the law and future regulations, experts also suggest that regulatory agencies should only introduce new procedures if they can demonstrate effectiveness in improving food safety, do not disrupt production and business activities, and have undergone full impact assessments.

Phuong Dung