On September 19, 2024, the Minister of Health issued Circular No. 15/2024/TT-BYT regulating “List of food, food additives and food containers, packaging materials in direct contact with food subject to state inspection of imported food safety” (hereinafter referred to as the “List”)
Accordingly, the list of goods subject to food safety inspection includes:
- Dietary supplements – 1 item;
- Food additives – 391 items
- Food containers, packaging materials in direct contact with food – 6 items.
(See details of the catalogue here: PDF file)
Inspection methods:
- Standard inspection method: Examination of the import batch’s documentation – applied to goods on the List.
- Strict inspection method: Examination of customs documentation combined with sample testing – applied to goods not on the List but failing to meet requirements during previous inspections or audits, or flagged by safety warnings from competent authorities.
Exemptions from inspection:
- Goods falling under the provisions of Article 13 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP on exemption from state inspection of imported food safety, including:
- Goods that have been issued a Certificate of Registration of Product Declaration.
- Goods carried by or sent before/after a traveler’s trip for personal use, gifts, or presents within the duty-free limit.
- Goods in quantities appropriate for testing or research purposes.
- Goods for display at fairs or exhibitions.
- Goods or raw materials exclusively for the production of export products or internal production not for domestic consumption.
- Goods that are listed in the List but are not used as food, food additives, or food processing aids.
- Containers and packaging materials not in direct contact with food.
- Goods not on the List, except for the cases specified at Point b, Clause 3, Article 2 of this Circular.
This Circular takes effect from November 2, 2024.
(According to Circular No. 15/2024/TT-BYT issued on September 19, 2024)
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