EU adds maximum residue levels for inorganic arsenic in fish and seafood

The EU has set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for inorganic arsenic in fish and other seafood from 0.05 to 1.5 ppm. The expected entry into force date is July 2025.

According to the Vietnam SPS Information Office and National Enquiry Point (Vietnam SPS), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has just received notification No. G/SPS/N/EU/825 from the Secretariat of the SPS Committee, World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the European Union (EU) Food Safety Authority's draft amendments and supplements to Regulation (EU) No. 2023/915 establishing maximum residue levels (MRLs) of inorganic arsenic in fish and other aquatic products.

Specifically, the EU added maximum residue levels (MRLs) for inorganic arsenic in fish and other seafood from 0.05 – 1.5 ppm.

The EU allows certain products to remain on the market until their expiry date. The entry into force is on the twentieth day after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union: The proposed date of publication is July 2025; the proposed date of entry into force is July 2025.

The draft amendment to the EU regulation establishing MRLs of inorganic arsenic relates to many fish products and other aquatic products of Vietnam that have been and are being exported to the EU market.

Therefore, the Vietnam SPS Office has sent a document to the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development; Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Control; Department of Food Safety (Ministry of Health); Vietnam Association of Seafood Processors and Exporters.

In addition, the Vietnam SPS Office also received notice No. G/SPS/N/GBR/85 from the Secretariat of the SPS Committee, World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the UK's proposal to amend the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the active ingredient haloxyfop-P for food groups.

The EU has set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for inorganic arsenic in fish and other seafood from 0.05 – 1.5 ppm.

Specifically, the UK adjusted MRLs up for citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, lemons, tangerines), apples, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, sapodilla, bananas, beans (with shell), peas (with shell), soybeans...; at the same time adjusted MRLs down for: carrots, parsley roots, chives, sunflower seeds, products of animal origin...

For example, carrots, chives, and parsley root are at MRLs of 0.09 mg/kg, which are expected to decrease to 0.01 mg/kg.

Products not listed in the draft will be subject to a default value of 0.01 ppm (0.01 mg/kg).

The UK expects to issue the regulation on 20 June 2025 and the expected date of entry into force is 19 December 2025.

The Vietnam SPS Office requests agencies and units to research, comment and notify relevant organizations and individuals.

In 2024, Vietnam's seafood industry reached an impressive finish line, with an export turnover of 10 billion USD, an increase of 12% compared to 2023. Of which, exports to the EU market reached 1 billion USD.

According to assessments, in the EU, Vietnamese seafood is enjoying great advantages from the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EU (EVFTA). Seafood products that enjoyed incentives immediately after the EVFTA took effect have shown positive export growth results.

Typically, the tax on most raw shrimp (fresh, frozen, chilled) imported into the EU will be reduced to 0% as soon as the agreement comes into effect. While Thailand and India do not have FTAs, Ecuador is still subject to a basic tax rate of 12%...

Right in the EU, besides the main and traditional export markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, etc., Vietnam's seafood exports still have a lot of room and opportunities to exploit more effectively some potential markets and niche markets in the EU.

Source: https://danviet.vn/eu-bo-sung-muc-du-luong-toi-da-arsenic-vo-co-trong-ca-va-cac-loai-thuy-san-20250325103717401.htm