EU changes control method for some foods imported from Vietnam

Vietnamese instant noodles were moved from Appendix II to Appendix I by the European Union (EU) with a border inspection frequency of 20%.

Những thay đổi trong kiểm soát một số thực phẩm Việt Nam vào EU

Instant noodle products containing spices/seasoning powder or sauces from Vietnam at Point 1, Annex II of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 are cancelled and transferred to Annex I of the Regulation with the inspection frequency set at 20% of instant noodle shipments entering the EU. (Source: sandivietnam.com)

On June 13, the Vietnam National Sanitary and Phytosanitary Information and Enquiry Point (Vietnam SPS) sent a document to the Plant Protection Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Trade on amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 on temporarily strengthening official controls and emergency measures governing the import of certain goods from certain third countries into the EU.

The Vietnam SPS Office received notification from the Secretariat of the SPS/WTO Commission No. G/SPS/N/EU/641 dated June 9, 2023 of the EU notifying the Implementing Regulation No. (EU) 2023/1110 dated June 6, 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 on temporary enhancement of official controls and emergency measures governing the entry of certain goods from certain third countries into the Union implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Instant noodles containing seasonings/seasoning powder or sauces from Vietnam have been subject to increased levels of official controls and special conditions upon entry into the Union due to the risk of ethylene oxide contamination since December 2021.

Official controls carried out by Member States demonstrate progress in complying with the relevant requirements laid down in Union legislation.

The results of those controls provide evidence that the introduction of those foods into the EU does not pose a serious risk to human health.

It is therefore no longer necessary to continue to require that each consignment be accompanied by an official certificate stating that all sampling and analysis results show compliance with Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. At the same time, Member States should continue to implement official controls to ensure that the current level of compliance is maintained.

Instant noodle products containing spices/seasoning powder or sauce from Vietnam at Point 1, Annex II of the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 are cancelled and transferred to Annex I of the Regulation with the inspection frequency set at 20% of instant noodle shipments entering the EU.

There are 3 products that continue to be subject to official controls including: bell peppers, okra and dragon fruit. Specifically, bell peppers have an inspection frequency of 50%; okra has an inspection frequency of 50%; dragon fruit is 20%.

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