Pepper exporting enterprises face difficulties again due to certificates

Many pepper businesses said they are facing difficulties and problems in the process of applying for health certificates (HC) for export goods.

Pepper harvest - Photo: N.TRI

On August 16, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) said that recently the unit has received feedback from many member businesses about difficulties and problems in the process of applying for health certificates (HC) for export goods, especially for pepper.

According to VPSA, according to Circular 52/2015/TT-BYT, before July 1, 2025, the procedure for granting HC will be carried out by the Food Safety Department - Ministry of Health . However, from July 1, 2025, according to Decree 148/2025/ND-CP, this authority will be transferred to specialized agencies under the provincial People's Committee or units assigned by the provincial People's Committee.

Actual implementation shows that some health departments, including the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, have not yet received specific instructions on the process of granting HC, leading to businesses having to continue waiting without a clear deadline.

This situation has lasted for more than a month, directly affecting trading activities.

Typically, a business is exporting a container of pepper to Morocco, expected to arrive at Casablanca port on September 5, 2025. The customer requested HC for customs clearance, but the business has not been able to provide complete documents due to procedural problems.

Or a pepper exporting business to Hong Kong also encountered similar requirements and is currently stalled.

Faced with the above situation, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association has proposed that the Government , the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies urgently resolve the case of pepper shipments exported to Morocco to avoid the risk of return of goods.

At the same time, speed up the guidance on the HC issuance process according to Decree 148/2025/ND-CP, helping businesses promptly complete documents for international customers. Issue clear and unified guidance on HC issuance procedures, ensuring that businesses comply with regulations and avoid customs clearance risks.

According to businesses, timely and transparent granting of certificates not only helps businesses protect their legitimate rights, but also contributes to maintaining the reputation, competitiveness and sustainable development of the Vietnamese pepper industry.

Previously, businesses exporting dragon fruit, pepper... to the European market were also stuck due to problems in granting food safety certificates.

Specifically, due to changes in the certification process from Europe and the lack of consensus in decentralizing the certification process between the agricultural sector and the People's Committees of provinces and cities, the issuance of related documents has been delayed, greatly affecting businesses.

According to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), Vietnam's pepper exports in July 2025 are estimated at 22,000 tons, worth 143 million USD, down 5.8% in volume and 9.4% in value compared to the previous month, but up 1% in volume and 10.4% in value compared to the same period last year.

In the first 7 months of the year, pepper exports reached 145,000 tons with a turnover of 991 million USD, down 11.6% in volume but up 29.9% in turnover compared to the same period in 2024.

The sharp increase in turnover was due to the average export price in the first 7 months being nearly 47% higher than the same period, reaching 6,823 USD/ton.

NGUYEN TRI

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/doanh-nghiep-xuat-khau-ho-tieu-lai-gap-kho-vi-giay-chung-nhan-20250816153416996.htm