The European Union (EU) began strict phytosanitary  inspections on agricultural imports, including those originating from Vietnam, from September 1, according to the Plant Protection Department.

The department has asked local plant quarantine sub-departments to step up inspections of each export batch, ensuring they are in accordance with plant quarantine rules of the EU.

Regarding fresh citrus fruits and mangoes, they must be planted in certified orchards, and must not be affected by oriental fruit flies. 

To assure traceability, information related to gardens without infection of oriental fruit flies and quality control parameters must be declared in plant quarantine certificates.  

Vietnam is currently the second biggest ASEAN trade partner of the EU, which is one of the key trade partners of the Southeast Asian nation. Bilateral trade reached 55.8 billion USD in 2018.

Experts have said that the EU is a promising market for Vietnamese fruit and vegetables, despite strict quality and food safety requirements. In the first half of 2019, Vietnam shipped 73.1 million USD worth of fruit and vegetables to the EU.

Source: Vietnam Plus

• USTR Makes Findings and Proposes Action in 60 Section 301 Investigations Relating to Failures to Take Action on Trade in Forced Labor Goods
• [VCCI] The US officially initiates a Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam on Intellectual property
• General Secretary and President To Lam's working visit to three ASEAN countries: Demonstrating the stature of proactive and constructive diplomacy.
• Viet Nam accelerates innovation drive as skilled workforce becomes key to science and technology growth
• The US is increasing controls on AI chip exports