EU tightens control of agricultural products: Son La needs to proactively comply with regulation 2019/1793

From December 14, 2019, the European Union applied Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 to minimize the risk of pesticide residues, mycotoxins, microbiological contamination and prohibited active ingredients in food. Many product groups such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, spices, tea, dried herbs... from high-risk countries, including Vietnam, will be subject to tighter control. The list of controlled products is updated by the EU every 6 months.

Son La - advantages and challenges

Son La has many specialty fruits exported to the EU such as mango, longan, passion fruit, dragon fruit... This is a great advantage, but at the same time poses a challenge as the production, harvesting and packaging processes must meet strict EU standards.

Photo: Longan growing area

Mandatory requirements for export goods

Enterprises and cooperatives need to proactively implement the following contents:

· Have a phytosanitary certificate for products subject to quarantine.

· Has a certificate of analysis from a recognized laboratory that meets EU standards.

· Produced in a certified growing area and packaging facility.

· Comply with maximum residue levels (MRLs) and do not use prohibited pesticide active ingredients.

Tight control at EU border gates

Shipments will undergo identity checks, physical inspections and sampling for analysis. The frequency of checks ranges from 5% to 50% depending on the type of goods and risk level. Non-compliance may result in detention, return or temporary import ban.

Photo: Mango products of Son La province are packaged and exported.

The role of businesses and management agencies

Enterprises need to proactively control quality right from the production stage, keep records and conduct self-testing before exporting. Provincial management agencies must monitor growing areas and packaging facilities, provide guidance on safe production processes and issue certificates that meet EU requirements.

Solutions for businesses and cooperatives exporting agricultural products in Son La

Regularly update the list of high-risk products announced by the EU; expand the application of VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards; invest in post-harvest preservation and processing technology. Proactively complying with Regulation 2019/1793 will help Son La agricultural products avoid the risk of being returned, enhance prestige and affirm the position of the province's agricultural products in the international market.

Source: https://sonnmt.sonla.gov.vn/trong-trot-va-bao-ve-thuc-vat/eu-siet-chat-kiem-soat-nong-san-son-la-can-chu-dong-dap-ung-quy-dinh-2019-1793-933378