In recent years, the EU has emerged as one of the principal export markets for Vietnamese seafood, accounting for approximately 20% of the total annual seafood export value. However, with the increasing volume of exports, issues related to food safety have also become more pressing. According to the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG-SANTE) of the EU, the number of seafood shipments from Vietnam flagged for exceeding chemical and antibiotic residue limits has significantly risen.
The EU’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has repeatedly detected Vietnamese seafood shipments that fail to meet standards. This has led to the EU's decision to conduct an on-site inspection to comprehensively evaluate Vietnam’s residue control program. If the inspection results are unfavorable, it could result in stringent import restrictions from the EU, severely impacting Vietnam's seafood industry.
Details of the inspection program
This inspection will be conducted in a "hybrid" format, combining remote assessments with on-site inspections. Experts from DG-SANTE will focus on evaluating Vietnam's residue control system for exported seafood products, including honey. The objective is not only to ensure food safety for European consumers but also to assess whether Vietnam can maintain and improve the necessary standards.
This inspection program is part of the EU's food safety inspection and analysis plan for 2021 to 2025. DG-SANTE has committed to concentrating resources on monitoring the enforcement of EU regulations, particularly in areas related to food safety, animal health, and plant protection. The inspection in Vietnam is a crucial component of this strategy, aiming to ensure that imports from non-EU countries, such as Vietnam, comply with Europe’s stringent standards.
Challenges and necessary actions
Vietnam's seafood industry is facing numerous significant challenges in maintaining product quality to meet the EU's requirements. According to the Department for Quality, Processing, and Market development (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development), if the inspection results are negative, it could affect not only individual businesses but also the entire Vietnamese seafood industry. This could lead to a decline in Vietnam's reputation in international markets, not just within the EU but also in other markets.
At a conference preparing for the inspection team, representatives from various units within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, such as the Department for Quality, Processing, and Market development, and the Department of Fisheries, put forth specific recommendations and solutions. They emphasized the need for thorough preparation of documents, records, and measures to address the warnings for the EU inspection team.
Mr. Nguyễn Như Tiệp, Director of the Department for Quality, Processing, and Market development, stressed that addressing the EU's warnings is extremely challenging but necessary to protect the export market. Mr. Tiệp pointed out that the responsibility for ensuring food safety lies with the businesses, and quality control from the raw material stage is critical. He emphasized: "Businesses must closely monitor raw material suppliers to ensure food safety standards are met. This is not only a responsibility but also a decisive factor in the survival of businesses in the international market."
He also noted that businesses, especially those that have previously been warned, need to fully prepare environmental control records, chemical, and antibiotic residue reports. These records must match those of local and central authorities to avoid the application of restrictive measures or being barred from re-exporting.
To support businesses, the Department for Quality, Processing, and Market development will continue to update information and implement action plans to best prepare for this inspection. Businesses are also encouraged to strictly adhere to regulations and guidelines, particularly in registering supply, storage, and preliminary processing facilities along with the final products.
Moreover, the relevant authorities will conduct inspections and reviews at businesses and localities, helping them quickly address and rectify shortcomings. Localities are also required to strengthen inspections of the lists, labels, veterinary drugs, and biological products in retail stores, and to tightly manage the laboratories testing chemical and antibiotic residues in shrimp and fish samples.
This preparation is not just about complying with existing regulations, but also about seizing the opportunity to enhance product quality, improve production and inspection processes, and meet higher standards in the international market. This is particularly important in the context of increasing technical barriers from the EU, which demand continuous improvement in quality from exporting countries like Vietnam to maintain and grow market share.
Opportunities and future prospects for Vietnam’s fisheries industry
Despite facing numerous challenges, this is also an opportunity for Vietnam's fisheries sector to reaffirm its position in the global market. If Vietnam successfully passes this inspection with positive results, it will not only secure the EU market but also bolster its credibility, potentially expanding exports to other demanding markets with similar requirements.
Vietnam has extensive experience in exporting seafood to challenging markets, and maintaining and enhancing food safety standards will be crucial to ensuring the sustainable development of the industry. In recent years, the EU, the United States, and Japan have always been the main markets for Vietnamese seafood, and continuing to maintain trade relations with these markets will significantly contribute to the country's economic growth.
In summary, this upcoming EU inspection represents a crucial event for Vietnam's seafood industry. It is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate product quality and affirm its position in the international market. Vietnam's fisheries sector needs close cooperation between businesses and regulatory agencies to ensure that the EU's requirements are met comprehensively and effectively.
Hai Dang