In just three months, Europe will implement changes to its regulations on maximum residue levels for four active ingredients on agricultural products.

Bananas, mangoes, durians and many other agricultural products of Vietnam, when entering the EU, will have to pay close attention to the residue of active ingredients of plant protection drugs. In fact, the EU has reduced the residue level on vegetables by up to 3,000 times. Currently, businesses are urgently implementing solutions to meet this requirement. According to records, businesses have been proactive, and not only that, they also consider this an opportunity for Vietnamese agricultural products to maintain their position in the European market.

Fresh mangoes are the product that Yasaka Fruit Processing Co., Ltd. is bringing to the Netherlands. To prepare for the upcoming changes in regulations, the company said it has worked with farmers on the production process according to the new requirements. Understanding the regulations early and being prepared helps businesses be proactive with the upcoming changes.

"We are aiming for farmers to use organic products, gradually replacing chemicals or inorganic fertilizers. Thus, in the coming time, we will follow a roadmap to meet quality standards so that importers can feel secure", said Mr. Nguyen Trong Trung Dung - Deputy General Director - Yasaka Fruit Processing Company Limited.

For businesses from the EU specializing in purchasing agricultural products from Vietnam, currently, our businesses are updating and complying with new regulations from this market. Even from another perspective, this new regulation is not a barrier but an opportunity.

Mr. Vincent Gothknecht - Chief Representative in Vietnam - I. Schroeder KG Company (Germany) said: "We have discussed this issue with our Vietnamese partners and they can all comply with these new regulations. In fact, many countries in the region have not been able to follow the strict regulations of Europe, so this is a very good opportunity when many buyers from the EU can choose Vietnam as a destination to buy quality agricultural products".

Currently, Europe is an important market for Vietnamese agricultural products but it is also one of the most demanding markets. Because a violation in the European market regarding residues of active ingredients not only affects a single shipment but can even negatively impact the entire industry.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung - Vice President of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said: "We always recommend that businesses must carefully research when exporting to a market in the world, especially for fruits and vegetables, they must carefully research technical barriers...".

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association believes that if our country wants to maintain this market, the agricultural production chain must be well prepared, not only businesses but also households or cooperatives need to proactively adjust production processes, strictly control active ingredients at low levels to meet upcoming EU regulations.

Source: VTV