Many new regulations are more stringent, EU agricultural exports face more barriers

According to information from the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, the European Union (EU) is applying stricter regulations on food safety and sustainability.

Agricultural products are cleaned and packaged for export - Photo: NGUYEN TUNG

The introduction of these regulations aims to reduce environmental impact and ensure product quality. The markets applying the regulations are mainly in Northern Europe, including Sweden, Denmark and Norway. These are countries known for setting high requirements for the quality of agricultural products.

This creates both challenges and great opportunities for Vietnamese exporters.

How does the EU tighten standards and regulations?

Among the new regulations affecting fresh agricultural products is the requirement to reduce pesticide residues. Specifically, the EU stipulates that imported agricultural products must meet strict pesticide residue limits (MRLs). Some chemicals that are not allowed to be used in the EU will be completely banned on imported products.

For example, under Regulation 2023/915, maximum residue levels for cadmium are reduced for fruits such as strawberries, oranges, tangerines, mangoes, bananas and pineapples. Nordic supermarkets often require their own standards, which are more stringent than the EU regulations.

Most fresh produce imported into the EU also requires a phytosanitary certificate. This ensures that the product is free of harmful organisms.

However, EU countries will exempt certain species such as bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians from this certification. There are additional regulations including heat treatment of mangoes or similar measures recommended to prevent fruit flies.

The EU also applies higher testing rates to products with a high risk of chemical residues from certain countries.

For example, test 50% peppers from the Dominican Republic; 30% oranges and peppers from Egypt; 10% beans and 20% peppers from Kenya.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden recommends that Vietnamese exporters to the Nordic market must comply with chemical residue regulations. Products must ensure that they do not exceed the permitted chemical residue level and meet the strict requirements of Nordic importers.

In particular, it is necessary to use plant protection chemicals approved by the EU. Chemical residues must be tested at internationally standardized laboratories before exporting.

What should agricultural export businesses pay attention to?

Ensure phytosanitary certification when this is a mandatory requirement for products to enter the EU market. Enterprises need to cooperate closely with quarantine agencies in Vietnam to ensure the inspection and certification process is correct. Apply treatment measures to eliminate the risk of harmful organisms.

At the same time, businesses also need to prepare to deal with high inspection rates. Because products from Vietnam may be in the high-risk category, leading to higher inspection rates.

Therefore, businesses need to improve quality control at the source, especially with agricultural products such as chili, beans, and tropical fruits. Prepare complete records of production and inspection processes to promptly resolve problems when they arise.

According to the trade office, good compliance with EU regulations not only helps products meet requirements, but also builds credibility with Nordic customers. Therefore, businesses need to promote their commitments to quality and transparency in the supply chain.

Connect with major import partners in Northern Europe and participate in trade fairs to expand your customer network.

Nordic consumers are particularly interested in sustainable products that do not harm the environment. Therefore, businesses need to demonstrate their efforts to protect the environment through certifications such as GlobalGAP, Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade. Apply measures to reduce environmental impacts throughout the entire supply chain.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden believes that the Nordic market places high demands on the quality and traceability of agricultural products, requiring Vietnamese export enterprises to prepare carefully and meet high standards.

However, with the right strategy, businesses can not only overcome challenges but also take advantage of opportunities to expand market share in this region.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhieu-quy-dinh-moi-nghiem-ngat-hon-hang-nong-san-xuat-khau-eu-vuong-them-rao-can-20250207114914903.htm