Europe proposes changes to maximum residue levels for active substances

Bananas, mangoes, durians and many other Vietnamese agricultural products will soon have to pay close attention to pesticide residues when entering the EU.

In a document sent to departments and associations, the Vietnam SPS office announced that the EU proposed to change the maximum residue level for 4 active ingredients as on agricultural products. In particular, there are active ingredients whose maximum residue level is proposed to be reduced hundreds of times compared to current regulations. Therefore, businesses with goods export to the European market, immediately update these changes.

Currently exporting fresh mangoes to the Dutch market, the new draft from the EU is expected to have an impact on the business operations of the enterprise in the coming time. To prepare for these changes, the enterprise said that from now on, it will work with farmers again on the production process to ensure compliance with requirements. Because with a violation in the European market regarding the residue of active ingredients, it will not only affect a single shipment but even negatively impact the entire industry.

Châu Âu đề xuất thay đổi mức dư lượng tối đa với các hoạt chất - Ảnh 1. — According to the plan, in February next year, Europe will apply changes in regulations on maximum residue levels.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Trung Dung - Deputy General Director - Yasaka Fruit Processing Company Limited said: "We are aiming for farmers to use organic products, gradually replacing chemicals or inorganic fertilizers. Thus, in the coming time, we will follow a roadmap to meet quality standards so that importers can feel secure."

Europe is currently an important export market for Vietnamese agriculture. In the first 7 months of this year, the value of agricultural exports to the EU reached 4.2 billion USD - an increase of nearly 30%. Eurocham assessed that in order to make good use of EVFTA, businesses need support from specialized agencies in overcoming technical barriers.

Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet - Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Eurocham) commented: "Vietnam's exports to Europe have skyrocketed from 35 billion Euros in 2019 to more than 48 billion Euros in 2023. We will also continue to promote solutions to technical barriers to trade, especially in certification and testing, while advocating for further tariff reductions and simplification of customs procedures."

Changes in the import market are frequent, so according to associations, it is important for businesses to have a clear understanding of regulations and to stay updated.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung - Vice President of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association commented: "For the Association, we always recommend that when exporting to a market in the world, especially fruits and vegetables, businesses must carefully study technical barriers. Do not think that if my products can be exported to the EU, they can be exported to the US, or if they can be exported to the US, they can be exported to Canada or other countries, otherwise the risk will be very high."

According to the plan, in February next year, Europe will apply changes in regulations on maximum residue levels. However, from now on, businesses need to understand these changes clearly to have the most suitable production plan.

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