Illustrative photo (Photo: baodautu.vn)

Major importers of Vietnamese agricultural products have been imposing stricter requirements, making Vietnamese businesses take measures to adapt.

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, the European Union (EU) is currently implementing stricter regulations regarding food safety and sustainability for fresh agricultural products.

Specifically, the EU requires imported agricultural products to meet maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides. Certain chemicals that are not permitted in the EU will be completely banned from imported products.

Additionally, fresh agricultural products imported into the EU must have a phytosanitary certificate which helps prove that the products do not carry harmful organisms. Furthermore, heat treatment for mangoes or similar measures is also encouraged.

The EU has also increased the inspection rates for products at high risk for chemical residues from certain countries, including agricultural products from Vietnam.

With strict regulations on food safety and sustainability, the EU aims to minimise environmental impacts and ensure product quality.

Last year, Vietnam's export of fruits and vegetables to the EU reached 7.15 billion USD, helping the country maintain its position as the 24th largest supplier of vegetables, fruits, and processed products to the market.

Apart from the EU, China - another top importer for Vietnamese agricultural products - is also tightening standards for imports.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, General Director of Vina T&T, said that China has set up emergency technical barriers, forcing businesses to comply strictly if they wish to continue exporting.

“To export agricultural products to this populous market, businesses must adhere to the quality standards set by China. The key is to ensure effective quarantine from the stage of procurement and packaging, and to stay updated on prohibited substances to avoid their use,” Tung emphasised.

Moreover, processing facilities need to establish a food safety management system to ensure that products exported to China meet their requirements.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2025, there will still be significant opportunities for Vietnam’s exports to the EU. However, Vietnamese agricultural product and food processing and production businesses must continue with innovation to meet environmental and social criteria, build sustainable supply chains, and enhance traceability capabilities to maintain their positions in the supply chain to this market.

In the context of the EU, in general, and Northern European countries, in particular, tightening import regulations for agricultural products, head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden and Northern European market Nguyen Thi Hoang Thuy said that businesses need to strictly follow regulations to ensure product quality, including reducing pesticide residues, obtaining phytosanitary certificates, and investing in sustainable production.

They should demonstrate environmental protection efforts through certifications like GlobalGAP, Rainforest Alliance, or Fairtrade, Thuy said.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Information and Enquiry Point (Vietnam SPS Office) Nguyen Xuan Nam said that maintaining quality and timely updating of market information to adjust production and processing are crucial for long-term export success. Therefore, investing in sustainable production to improve product quality and meet higher standards is the right choice for businesses./.