Product Self-Declaration: Avoid Common Compliance Mistakes (2026)

Product Self-Declaration is an important regulatory requirement for organizations and individuals involved in the food industry before products are placed on the market. However, many businesses are still uncertain about who must complete the procedure, what documents are required, and which products are exempt. In this article, Green NRJ provides an overview of the key regulations on Product Self-Declaration under the current legal framework, helping businesses better understand the requirements and prepare for compliance.

What Is Product Self-Declaration?

Product Self-Declaration is the process by which organizations and individuals manufacturing or trading products publicly declare product information to the competent state authority before placing those products on the market. Through this procedure, businesses take responsibility for the quality, safety, and accuracy of the information they declare.

Under Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, the self-declaration mechanism was introduced to simplify administrative procedures while ensuring that businesses remain accountable for food safety compliance. Once the self-declaration has been completed in accordance with the applicable regulations, the product may be manufactured, distributed, and legally circulated in the Vietnamese market.

For businesses operating in the food sector, complying with this requirement is more than a legal obligation. It also helps strengthen brand credibility, build customer confidence, and demonstrate a commitment to regulatory compliance.

Who Must Carry Out Product Self-Declaration?

Not every organization or individual involved in the food industry is subject to the same regulatory requirements. Under the current regulations, certain groups are required to complete Product Self-Declaration before placing products on the market.

Food manufacturing, processing, and packaging facilities are among the most common entities required to complete this procedure because they are directly responsible for product quality before products reach consumers.

Food importers are also required to complete Product Self-Declaration to ensure imported products comply with Vietnam’s food safety regulations before entering the domestic market. In certain circumstances, distributors or retailers may act as the declarant and assume responsibility for imported products.

Products Requiring Product Self-Declaration and Exemptions

According to Article 4 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, organizations and individuals engaged in food production and business activities must complete Product Self-Declaration for specific categories of products before they are placed on the market. The Decree also provides exemptions for certain products based on their intended use.

Determining whether a product falls within the mandatory or exempt category is an essential step before preparing the required documents. Making the wrong assessment may lead to unnecessary delays or additional administrative procedures. Businesses should therefore review the applicable regulations carefully before proceeding with Product Self-Declaration.

What Documents Are Required for Product Self-Declaration?

To complete the Product Self-Declaration procedure, businesses must prepare the required documents in accordance with Article 5 of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP. Preparing the dossier correctly from the outset helps avoid unnecessary delays during the submission process.

Under the current regulations, the Product Self-Declaration dossier consists of two main documents.

The first is the Product Self-Declaration Form, prepared using Form No. 01 in Appendix I issued together with Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP. This document provides essential product information and represents the organization’s or individual’s commitment to product quality and food safety.

The second is the Food Safety Testing Report. The testing report must remain valid for 12 months from the date of issuance and must be issued by a laboratory designated by the competent authority or by a laboratory accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.

Preparing these documents accurately and completely helps businesses streamline the declaration process and reduce the likelihood of additional administrative requests.

Important Considerations When Carrying Out Product Self-Declaration

After preparing the required documents, businesses should also understand the regulations governing where declarations are submitted and how product information should be updated after the declaration has been made.

If an organization or individual operates two or more manufacturing facilities producing the same product, only one Product Self-Declaration needs to be submitted to a competent state authority selected by the organization or individual in the locality where one of the manufacturing facilities is located. Once the authority has been selected, all subsequent declarations for the same product must continue to be submitted to that authority.

If any changes are made to the product name, country of origin, or product composition, the organization or individual must complete a new Product Self-Declaration in accordance with the regulations.

For changes relating to any other information, there is no requirement to complete the declaration again. Instead, the business only needs to submit a written notification describing the changes to the competent state authority and may continue manufacturing and marketing the product immediately after the notification has been submitted.

Understanding these requirements helps businesses maintain regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle while minimizing legal risks during inspections or regulatory reviews.

Conclusion

Product Self-Declaration is an essential regulatory requirement for many food products before they can be legally marketed in Vietnam. Understanding who must comply, preparing the required documents correctly, and following the provisions of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP can help businesses save time, reduce compliance risks, and bring products to market with confidence. If you need professional support with Product Self-Declaration, Green NRJ is ready to assist you with practical guidance and reliable compliance solutions tailored to your business