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Imported food safety inspection requirements will change from July 17, 2026. Businesses should understand which product categories are subject to inspection, the applicable exemptions, and the criteria used to determine inspection obligations. Being well prepared can help avoid unnecessary delays and complications during the import process.
New regulations on imported food safety inspection take effect on July 17, 2026
On June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BCT, promulgating the List of imported goods (together with their HS codes) subject to state food safety inspection under the Ministry’s authority. The Circular officially takes effect on July 17, 2026.
The new list is intended to standardize the regulatory scope for certain categories of imported food products that are widely distributed in the market. It also provides businesses with a clear basis for determining whether their products are subject to food safety inspection before customs clearance.
Categories of imported food products subject to inspection
From the effective date of the new regulation, the following five categories of imported food products will be subject to state food safety inspection under the management of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
| Food Category | Scope of Application |
|---|---|
| Beverages | Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, beer, and food-grade alcohol |
| Processed milk | Excluding raw fresh milk managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment |
| Vegetable oils | Imported vegetable oil products |
| Flour and starch products | Food products made from flour and starch |
| Cakes, jams, and confectionery | Imported cakes, jams, and confectionery products |
These product groups are widely available in the Vietnamese market and fall within the scope of food safety management for imported goods.
Product names alone are not enough to determine inspection requirements
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is assuming that a product’s commercial name alone determines whether it is subject to food safety inspection. In practice, the competent authorities assess multiple factors before making this determination.
| Assessment Criteria | Purpose |
| Declared HS code | Determines the applicable product classification |
| Product nature and composition | Identifies the actual characteristics of the product |
| Product declaration dossier | Verifies the legal information of the product |
| Product label | Reviews the information displayed on the product |
| Manufacturer’s technical documents | Clarifies ingredients and intended use |
| Specialized regulatory authority | Determines the competent management authority |
Considering multiple factors enables the authorities to accurately determine whether a product falls within the inspection requirements. However, it also means that many businesses encounter difficulties when preparing import documentation. If an incorrect HS code is declared or the supporting documents do not accurately reflect the nature of the product, businesses may be required to revise or supplement their dossiers, resulting in longer customs clearance times and additional costs.
Cases exempt from imported food safety inspection
In addition to products that are subject to inspection, the law also provides several exemptions from state food safety inspection for imported goods under Article 13 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, except where food safety warnings have been issued.
| Case | Inspection Exempt |
| Products that have been granted a Certificate of Receipt for Product Declaration Registration | ✓ |
| Gifts within the duty-free allowance | ✓ |
| Products for beneficiaries of diplomatic privileges and immunities | ✓ |
| Goods in transit, transshipment, border-gate transfer, or temporary import for re-export | ✓ |
| Samples for testing or research purposes | ✓ |
| Products imported for exhibitions or trade fairs | ✓ |
| Raw materials or products used exclusively for export production or internal manufacturing and not sold in the domestic market | ✓ |
| Goods sold at duty-free shops | ✓ |
| Goods imported to meet urgent requirements as directed by the Government or the Prime Minister | ✓ |
Businesses should note that these exemptions apply only if the imported goods are not subject to any food safety warning issued by the competent authorities.
How businesses can reduce import compliance risks
To ensure a smooth import process, businesses should review all product information before preparing their import dossiers rather than waiting until customs procedures begin. The first step is to determine the correct HS code to identify whether the product falls within the inspection scope. Businesses should also verify that the product composition, labeling, and declaration documents are consistent with one another. Where products have complex characteristics or may fall under multiple regulatory authorities, identifying the correct competent authority in advance will help businesses prepare complete documentation and minimize the need for amendments during the customs clearance process. A proactive review of import documentation not only shortens customs clearance time but also helps reduce compliance risks, avoid unnecessary costs, and minimize disruptions to business operations.
Conclusion
Imported food safety inspection is an important compliance requirement that businesses should pay close attention to from July 17, 2026. Properly identifying the applicable product category, preparing complete documentation, and understanding the available inspection exemptions will help ensure a smoother import process while maintaining compliance with Vietnamese regulations. If your business needs assistance with import procedures, legal documentation, or regulatory compliance, Green NRJ is ready to provide professional and practical support tailored to your business needs.
