Implementing TBT commitments, facilitating trade and developing sustainable exports

The information was confirmed by Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Standards, Metrology and Quality (TCQ), Ministry of Science and Technology Tran Hau Ngoc at the Conference "Disseminating commitments on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) in Free Trade Agreements and tools for transparency and exploitation of information on TBT" recently organized by the TCQ in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tools to help improve product quality

Vice Chairman of the Resettlement Committee Tran Hau Ngoc said that in the context that Vietnam has participated in more than 17 FTAs ​​and is negotiating and upgrading 5 FTAs ​​with many bilateral and multilateral partners, including new generation FTAs ​​such as CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP, UKVFTA..., the effective implementation of TBT commitments is of particular importance.

According to Tran Hau Ngoc, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Standardization and Reconstruction of the International Cooperation Agency (CRA), effectively implementing commitments on TBT (Transit-Based Security) is of particular importance.

The National Steering Committee for Technical Regulations (TSP), acting as the national focal point for TBT, has been making efforts to: update, notify, and respond to thousands of international TBT measures; develop the Vietnam TBT Network with six ministerial-level TBT points (Industry and Trade, Interior, Agriculture and Environment, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Construction, and Health) and 34 local TBT points; support the connection of businesses nationwide that are currently participating in or will participate in international trade; and implement the ePing system and early warning bulletins to enable businesses to promptly access information on new technical regulations of importing markets.

According to Vice Chairman Tran Hau Ngoc, effectively implementing TBT commitments not only helps Vietnam comply with international obligations but also promotes the improvement of standardization institutions and enhances national capacity in quality and productivity.

Ways for businesses to access the market sustainably.

Ms. Ton Nu Thuc Uyen, Deputy Director of the Vietnam TBT Office, emphasized the role of transparency and harmonization of international standards in the implementation of Vietnam's TBT commitments. She pointed out that since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, Vietnam has committed to fully implementing its obligations under the TBT Agreement without requiring a transition period, demonstrating a strong commitment to integration and high responsibility within the global trading system. The core point highlighted is the transparency of all technical measures (regulations, standards, conformity assessment procedures), which must be notified to the WTO and its partners early, facilitating feedback and adjustments before the issuance of a key principle to avoid creating unnecessary trade barriers.

Regarding information on TBT regulations on agricultural product labeling in some key export markets, Ms. Vu Hoang Dieu Linh from the Vietnam TBT Office stated that the European Union (EU) is one of Vietnam's key export markets for food and agricultural products. It is a large market with many strict regulations on product management and stringent technical requirements.

Among these, labeling is an extremely important issue. A common requirement in the labeling regulations of these markets is the demand for transparent information on ingredients, nutrition, and allergen risk. However, each market has distinct differences in mandatory language, nutrition table format, management of claims about the uses and functions of food, and enforcement procedures for imported goods.

The EU has a very strict legal system regarding food labeling, aimed at protecting consumers, ensuring transparency, and traceability. The EU's objectives in establishing labeling regulations for imported products are: to provide clear, truthful, and easily understandable information to consumers; to prevent misleading information about the nature, origin, composition, or effects of products; to ensure food safety and traceability; and to support fair trade within the EU single market.

The most widely applied legal document is: Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011: Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. This is the most comprehensive regulation to date, amending, supplementing, and replacing nine previous EU legal documents.

Labeling is one of the important requirements for a large market like the EU.

It can be affirmed that effectively implementing commitments on TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) is not only an obligation of integration, but also a tool to improve product quality, boost productivity, and protect consumer rights. "If applied correctly, TBT becomes a 'smart barrier,' helping businesses proactively adapt, reduce compliance costs, and enhance international competitiveness."

Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 is the most general regulation, directly applicable throughout the territory of EU member states, mandating the disclosure of food information to consumers, including the following 10 points:

1) Food name: must be the legal name of the food and must clearly reflect the nature of the food;

2) The list of ingredients is specified in detail in Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011. However, there are also some food items that are exempt from providing a list of ingredients as stipulated in Article 19 (for example: fresh fruits and vegetables, carbonated drinks, butter, fermented milk, etc.).

3) Ingredients or processing aids causing allergies or intolerances: Annex II of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 includes a list of substances or food products causing allergies or intolerances. These substances are considered to be the most common food allergens.

4) Net weight: The actual weight of food must be expressed in liters, milliliters, kilograms, or grams, as appropriate: (a) in units of volume in the case of liquid products; (b) in units of mass for other products. Under certain conditions, expressing net weight is not necessary, for example, products sold by quantity, the requirement to state net weight will not apply if the quantity of product is clearly visible and easily counted from the outside or, if the quantity is indicated on the label;

5) Expiration date: The expiration date (day/month/year) must be clearly stated, using the correct terminology "Use by" or "Best before";

6) Storage and usage conditions: If special conditions are required (refrigerated storage, protection from sunlight, etc.), they must be clearly stated on the packaging;

7) Name and address of the food supplier: the name or business name and address of the food business operator must be clearly stated;

8) Country of origin: Specifying the country or place of origin is mandatory to avoid misunderstanding, as stipulated in Article 26 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011;

9) Instructions for use: Food instructions must specify the appropriate method for using the food;

10) Nutritional information (required information) includes energy value; amount of fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt (per 100 g and per 100 ml).

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/thuc-thi-cam-ket-tbt-tao-thuan-loi-thuong-mai-va-phat-trien-xuat-khau-ben-vung-197251104165602506.htm