Starting July 2, dried noodles, vermicelli, and pho noodles from Vietnam will no longer require strict inspection or food safety certificates at European border gates. This decision by the European Commission acknowledges Vietnam’s efforts in food safety and opens opportunities for Vietnamese exporters in the EU’s market of over 450 million people.
After over a year of rigorous inspections with no detections of ethylene oxide, the EU decided to lift the controls. This change helps manufacturing businesses streamline their export processes.
Ms. Trinh Ngoc Phuong, Sales Director of VIFON Joint Stock Company, expressed relief: “We no longer need to spend money on ethylene oxide analysis or health certificates for product ingredients as required by European partners.”
Mr. Kaneda Hiroki, General Director of Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company, noted the benefits: “Previously, customs supervision could delay shipments by over 2 weeks. Now, with reduced wait times, storage costs at EU ports will also decrease.”
While the European market is more accessible, the Ministry of Industry and Trade urges businesses to continue adhering to EU food safety regulations to maintain this favorable status. Non-compliance could result in stricter inspections.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Quan, Vietnam Trade Counselor in Belgium and the EU, emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance: “Ethylene oxide residue must remain below 0.01%. We recommend businesses continue testing products at standard laboratories.”
With Vietnam exporting about 30,000 tons of instant noodles each month, the EU’s recognition is a positive step for more Vietnamese agricultural products to enter the EU market.
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Source: Vietnam Insider