On March 7, 2025, the Minister of Health officially issued Circular No. 08/2025/TT-BYT. This Circular details the documentation and procedures for issuing certificates for exported food products under the Ministry of Health's management.
- Effective Date:
- As it was issued under an expedited procedure, the Circular takes effect immediately from the date of signing.
- Repeal of Previous Regulations:
- This Circular completely replaces Circular No. 52/2015/TT-BYT dated December 21, 2015.
- It also repeals Item 1, Part B, Appendix 6 of Circular No. 29/2020/TT-BYT dated December 31, 2020.
- Scope of Application:
- The Circular consists of 10 articles and applies to export consignments or food production facilities exporting food products under the Ministry of Health's management.
- Note: The Circular does not apply to the issuance of Free Sale Certificates (CFS), which is regulated by Decree No. 69/2018/ND-CP.
- Objectives:
- To facilitate businesses in the export process.
- To amend and supplement existing provisions to ensure strict management.
- To contribute to the improvement of mechanisms and policies, attract investment, and promote economic restructuring.
Documentation Required for Export Certificate Application:
1. Application form for the certificate.
2. Certificate of eligibility for food safety or one of the following valid certificates: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, International Food Standard (IFS), BRC Global Standards for Food Safety, Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), or an equivalent certification (certified copy provided by the exporting organization or individual), except as specified in Clause 1, Article 12 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP dated February 2, 2018.
3. Food safety test result sheet for a sample from the export product batch (for Health Certificates and other related certificates), containing full information about the product name and batch, issued by a designated testing laboratory or a laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 standards (original or certified copy), meeting the requirements of the corresponding technical regulations (for products with technical regulations); or meeting the specified criteria/technical requirements (for products without technical regulations).
4. Proof of payment for the assessment fee for issuing the export certificate.
Notable Changes in Circular No. 08/2025/TT-BYT:
Simplification of Documentation:
- Removal of the requirement for a business registration certificate and product label sample.
- Instead, the enterprise code information is provided in the application form.
- Product labels are provided with the application form according to the export consignment information.
- Added provision that labels in languages other than Vietnamese and English must be translated into Vietnamese.
Flexibility with Importing Country Requirements:
- If the importing country requires a certificate in a specific format, businesses must provide appropriate supporting documents.
Clarification of Administrative Procedures:
- Added confirmation of payment for the assessment fee for issuing the export certificate.
Download the content of Circular No. 08/2025/TT-BYT here: https://vfa.gov.vn/upload/files/25_7_308-TT-BYT-2025_signed.pdf
Source: Vietnam Food Administration – Ministry of Health
Link: https://vfa.gov.vn/tin-tuc/thong-tu-so-082025tt-byt-ngay-07032025-cua-bo-truong-bo-y-te-quy-dinh-ho-so-thu-tuc-cap-giay-chung-nhan-doi-voi-thuc-pham-xuat-khau-thuoc-pham-vi-quan-ly-cua-bo-y-te.html
