On the afternoon of August 25th, the Plant Quarantine Sub-Department Region VIII, in coordination with the Sub-Department of Quality and Rural Development – Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lao Cai province, organized a conference to disseminate and guide the new regulations on state inspection of food safety for imported plant-based goods, in preparation for the implementation of decentralized management from September 1st, 2026.
The conference was held at the Kim Thanh Plant Quarantine Station, Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II, Lao Cai Ward.
Attending the conference were leaders and plant quarantine officials; units assigned the task of state inspection of food safety for imported plant-based goods; and more than 60 businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in importing agricultural products in the area.
The main focus of the conference was to disseminate Circular 22/2026/TT-BNNMT on the decentralization, reduction, and simplification of administrative procedures under the state management scope of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ; and to guide the implementation of state inspection tasks on food safety for imported goods of plant origin from September 1, 2026.
According to the new regulations, the decentralization of state inspection of food safety for imported plant-based goods will be implemented by assigning the task to local authorities, while clearly defining the responsibilities of the assigned agencies. This is a significant development for localities involved in the import and export of agricultural products through border gates.
At the conference, delegates received detailed guidance on the procedures, documentation, and other aspects related to customs clearance of goods. Representatives from agricultural import businesses directly discussed and raised difficulties and obstacles encountered in practice.
One of the issues of concern to businesses is the time taken to process state administrative procedures; they request that relevant authorities increase manpower, coordinate closely, and collaborate in handling dossiers, standardize processes, and quickly resolve procedures within their authority, minimizing waiting times and preventing bottlenecks that affect the quality of goods and customs clearance progress.
During the exchange, representatives from relevant agencies directly answered questions and guided businesses on the procedures, documents, and processes required by regulations. The agencies committed to close coordination and expeditious implementation of procedures within their jurisdiction, facilitating business operations while ensuring compliance with state management requirements regarding food safety.
Holding the conference before the official implementation of decentralization aims to help agencies, units, and businesses proactively prepare, understand the regulations, procedures, and responsibilities of each party; ensuring a smooth transfer of tasks and preventing disruption to agricultural import and export activities at border gates.
Through this conference, the Plant Quarantine Sub-Department of Region VIII continues to strengthen professional guidance, coordinate with localities and businesses, contributing to the effective implementation of state inspection of food safety for imported agricultural products and food of plant origin, while facilitating customs clearance of goods in accordance with regulations.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/huong-dan-quy-dinh-moi-ve-kiem-tra-an-toan-thuc-pham-nong-san-nhap-khau-post906925.html
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