After July 1, businesses are wondering how to handle packaging printed with new and old addresses?

From July 1, 2025, the provinces and cities that have merged according to the Resolution of the National Assembly will officially come into operation. Many businesses are wondering whether they need to immediately update the information of origin and geographical indications on the packaging of goods when changing the name of an administrative unit.

Businesses are wondering whether they need to change packaging with a new address immediately after July 1 - Photo: LC Foods

Businesses want to make use of old packaging after merger

According to Tuoi Tre Online, some businesses have proactively recalled packaging printed with old addresses and replaced them with new ones, updated with the new administrative unit address.

However, many businesses are concerned about the conversion costs when the quantity of old packaging is too large, and whether there is a roadmap to extend the shelf life.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , Mr. Ngo Duy Phuc - head of communications at LC Foods Joint Stock Company (a processed food manufacturing enterprise with factories in Binh Duong and Dong Thap) - said that businesses have not received official guidance from state management agencies on how to handle this issue, while pre-printed packaging has been produced in large quantities.

He recommended that the authorities provide guidance, allowing a reasonable transitional roadmap. For example, continuing to use old packaging until the end of 2025 - to avoid waste and ensure uninterrupted production and business operations.

"When there is a clear roadmap, businesses can be proactive in managing packaging inventory, designing new and old packaging, etc. to stabilize and optimize production costs," he said.

Currently, LC Foods is also implementing packaging modifications in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health . From January 1, 2026, all food products circulating on the market must clearly state nutritional information on the packaging. This means that after December 31, 2025, any old packaging that does not meet the new requirements will not be allowed to be used.

The adjustments were made by the Ministry of Health along with a reasonable roadmap so that businesses can be proactive. Therefore, regulations related to administrative changes should also have a reasonable roadmap, helping businesses have time to adjust promptly and effectively, according to Mr. Phuc.

A representative of another food manufacturing company also shared the desire to use up all the packaging printed at the old address.

"Normally, businesses will print packaging and labels 3-6 months, even a year in advance," he said.

Changing the address on the packaging should be done after the business has completed updating the information in the business registration, seal and signboard. When printing a new batch of packaging, the address information will also be adjusted accordingly.

"Businesses' concerns mainly come from not understanding the regulations or fearing legal risks. However, I think the State's policy is to support businesses, and there will be a suitable transition period to limit waste," the representative added.

Businesses can proactively request guidance.

Mr. Dao Xuan Cuong - Head of the Management Board of Industrial Parks in Bac Giang province - also said that the general principle is to avoid causing social waste and administrative procedure overload.

"If the business still has packaging printed with the old address in stock, it can continue to use it to avoid waste. This is not urgent. When there is a need for new printing, the business can switch to printing with the new address," said Mr. Cuong.

He suggested that during the transition period, to avoid confusion and help customers get used to it, businesses can design packaging that shows both the old and new addresses (for example, the old address is written with the new address in parentheses). Initially, small quantities can be printed for testing, and after stability, large quantities can be printed for long-term service.

According to experts, based on practices from previous administrative mergers, businesses can continue to use packaging, labels, and documents printed with old addresses for a certain transition period as long as they do not mislead consumers or violate regulations related to product labeling, traceability, etc.

From a legal perspective, the director of a law firm in Hanoi recommends that businesses should take inventory and use up all old packaging within a short period after July 1.

In case the enterprise still has a large amount of packaging in stock, it can proactively send a written request for guidance to the management agency for timely support and removal.

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BINH KHANH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/sau-1-7-doanh-nghiep-ban-khoan-bao-bi-in-dia-chi-cu-moi-xu-ly-the-nao-2025062519411989.htm