HCMC – Vietnamese exporters of agro-forestry products should take note of the recent revisions made by the European Union (EU) on Regulation 396/2005 relating to pesticide residues in and on several types of processed food shipped to this market.
The EU has issued Regulations (EU) 2022/1346 and 2022/1343 to amend Annexes II and III of Regulation (EC) 396/2005 relating to the levels of pesticide residues for certain substances in and on specific products.
The provisions apply to products such as fresh and frozen fruits, seeds, fresh and frozen vegetables, oil and oil fruits, cereals, tea, coffee, herbs, and animal origin products among others.
The provisions will take effect as of February 22, 2023, and Regulation 396/2005 remains effective for products manufactured in the EU or imported to the EU prior to February 22, 2023.
Europe is currently the largest export market of Vietnamese farm produce. Thanks to the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Vietnamese farm produce is becoming more competitive in this market. Vietnam’s exports of agro-forestry products to the EU in the first seven months amounted to US$15.5 billion.
However, regulations of the EU on farm produce to protect the health of consumers are hurdles to the spontaneous and small-scale agricultural production in Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnamese exporters need to strictly follow market changes and update the applicable regulations relating to their exports to successfully penetrate into this difficult market.
