The EU is changing its inspection methods for certain food products imported from Vietnam.

Vietnamese instant noodles have been moved from Annex II to Annex I by the European Union (EU), with a border inspection frequency of 20%.

Những thay đổi trong kiểm soát một số thực phẩm Việt Nam vào EU

Instant noodle products containing seasonings/powders or sauces from Vietnam, as listed in Point 1, Annex II of the EU Regulation 2019/1793, have been removed and moved to Annex I of the Regulation, with the inspection frequency set at 20% of instant noodle shipments entering the EU. (Source: sandivietnam.com)

On June 13th, the Vietnam National Notification and Inquiry Point on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Vietnam) sent a document to the Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and the Science and Technology Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade , regarding the amendment of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 concerning the temporary strengthening of official controls and emergency measures governing the importation of certain goods from certain third countries into the EU.

The Vietnam SPS Office received notification from the Secretariat of the SPS/WTO Committee No. G/SPS/N/EU/641 dated June 9, 2023, of the EU, announcing Implementing Regulation No. (EU) 2023/1110 dated June 6, 2023, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 concerning the temporary strengthening of official controls and emergency measures governing the importation of certain goods from certain third countries into the Union, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and the Council.

For instant noodle products containing seasonings/flavorings or sauces from Vietnam, increased official controls and special conditions have been imposed upon joining the EU due to the risk of ethylene oxide contamination since December 2021.

The official control measures implemented by member states demonstrate progress in complying with the relevant requirements set forth in Union law.

The results of those control measures provide evidence that bringing those foods into the EU does not pose a serious risk to human health.

Therefore, it is not necessary to continue requiring each consignment to be accompanied by an official certificate stating that all sampling and analysis results show compliance with Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. At the same time, Member States should continue to implement official controls to ensure that the current level of compliance is maintained.

Instant noodle products containing seasonings/flavorings or sauces from Vietnam, as listed in Point 1, Annex II of the EU Regulation 2019/1793, have been removed and moved to Annex I of the Regulation, with the inspection frequency set at 20% of instant noodle shipments entering the EU.

Three products continue to be subject to official control measures: bell peppers, okra, and dragon fruit. Specifically, bell peppers have an inspection frequency of 50%; okra has an inspection frequency of 50%; and dragon fruit has an inspection frequency of 20%.