Vietnamese agricultural producers and exporters are being urged to strengthen compliance efforts as China introduces new import regulations and updated sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

At a conference held on May 14 in Dak Lak province, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with local authorities, provided updates on SPS regulations under RCEP and China’s newly issued Decree 280, which governs the registration of overseas food production facilities exporting to China.

The conference aims to improve awareness and compliance capacity, helping agricultural stakeholders proactively adapt to changing regulations and promote safer, more transparent, and sustainable exports.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung noted that effective implementation of RCEP commitments offers significant opportunities to expand market access for Vietnamese agricultural products, but also requires exporters to meet stricter technical standards, SPS regulations, and international quality management practices.

China remains one of Vietnam’s most important agricultural export markets. However, Chinese authorities are steadily tightening import controls. Decree 280, issued by the General Administration of Customs of China in October 2025 and effective from June 1, 2026, will replace the current Order No. 248 and directly affect Vietnamese businesses, cooperatives, and food processing facilities exporting to the country.

Officials warned that exporters who fail to fully understand the new requirements—including registration procedures, food safety controls, quarantine standards, labeling, packaging, and traceability—could face difficulties maintaining or expanding access to the Chinese market.