Agricultural exporters face challenge from stricter EU food safety regulations

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden has announced that the European Union (EU) is introducing stricter food safety and sustainability regulations to reduce environmental impact and ensure the quality of imported products.

One key requirement is compliance with the EU's Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides. All products to be imported to the EU must be free from chemicals that are banned within the EU. Additionally, most fresh agricultural imports must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate, verifying that the products are free from harmful organisms.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden highlighted that some Nordic markets, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, are renowned for their  stringent quality standards for agricultural products. While this presents challenges for Vietnamese exporters, it also offers substantial opportunities to cater to a highly demanding and lucrative market.

Nordic supermarkets often impose their own standards, which are even more rigorous than EU regulations. As a result, Vietnamese exporters must ensure strict compliance with chemical residue limits and address the unique requirements of Nordic importers.

To meet these demands, businesses are advised to collaborate closely with Vietnamese quarantine agencies to standardize inspection and certification procedures. Implementing measures to eliminate the risk of harmful organisms is also critical. Moreover, exporters should be prepared for a high frequency of inspections in this market.