The government's Resolution 09, issued on 5/2, states that during the temporary suspension of Decree 46 until 15/4, food safety regulations for imported food and agricultural products will revert to the old regulations (Decree 15).

From now until 15/4, the government has instructed the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Finance, and local authorities to prepare for the implementation of the new regulations in Decree 46.

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

This directive aims to resolve issues arising during the implementation of Decree 46, which guides the food safety law.

Since last week, thousands of cargo containers have been stranded at border gates and seaports due to complications in implementing Decree 46. By 4/2, statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department showed over 1,800 containers at Cat Lai port. Most businesses had not filed customs declarations as they had not completed specialized inspection registrations or obtained necessary licensing notifications for quarantine and food safety.

One primary cause of the congestion at ports and border gates was Decree 46's immediate effect upon issuance on 26/1, despite a lack of detailed guidance and transitional mechanisms for state inspections of imported goods. Many agencies ceased issuing quarantine and food safety certificates, leaving businesses without sufficient documentation to clear their goods. Additionally, altering inspection methods without adequate infrastructure also contributed to the bottlenecks.

Several associations and businesses proposed that the government consider suspending Decree 46 until 31/3 to re-evaluate the suitability of the new regulations.

During the regular government meeting on 4/2, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries and agencies to be receptive and listen to public and business feedback. He emphasized that governance should avoid abrupt changes and that new legal documents must include specific transitional provisions.

Phuong Dung