The European Union (EU) has recently announced that instant noodles exported from Vietnam will no longer require phytosanitary certificates for residue testing of ethylene oxide (EO). However, despite the exemption, Vietnamese instant noodles will still undergo 20 per cent border controls upon entry into the EU region. The EU's decision comes after a year-long inspection by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG Sante), which found no violations of EO residues in Vietnamese instant noodles.

Since December 2021, the EU has imposed strict controls on instant noodles containing spices, seasoning powder, or sauce from Vietnam due to concerns over EO contamination. These measures aim to safeguard against potential risks associated with ethylene oxide, a highly effective disinfectant and fumigant commonly used in agricultural products. However, the comprehensive inspection by DG Sante provided assurance that Vietnamese instant noodles did not pose any violations in terms of EO residues.

The EU also acknowledged the commendable progress made by Vietnamese businesses in upholding rigorous adherence to regulations, ensuring supply chain control, and substantiating the quality of their products when exporting to the EU.

As a result, on June 6, the EU decided to waive the requirement for EO certificates on each batch of instant noodles, which were previously issued by Vietnamese regulatory agencies. This move is expected to alleviate the administrative burden and reduce costs for Vietnamese enterprises engaged in the export of instant noodles to the EU market.

Notwithstanding the exemption from residue testing, Vietnamese instant noodles will still be subject to 20 per cent border controls upon arrival in the EU. These measures seek to ensure the continued compliance of products entering the EU market and maintain the highest standards of food safety and quality.

In addition to instant noodles, three other Vietnamese agricultural products – bell peppers, green beans, and dragon fruit – will also face varying inspection frequencies of 20-50 per cent upon entry into the EU. These measures demonstrate the EU's commitment to maintaining stringent controls on agricultural imports to safeguard consumer health and maintain the integrity of the EU market.

The decision to exempt Vietnamese instant noodles from residue testing reflects a positive development for Vietnamese exporters, reducing the administrative burden and associated costs.

However, the Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasises that businesses must remain vigilant in enhancing product quality and strictly adhering to EU regulations. By doing so, Vietnamese enterprises can effectively compete and secure a stronger foothold in the EU market, thereby expanding their market share and fostering sustainable growth.