The EU requires imported agricultural products to meet strict pesticide residue levels; some chemicals are not allowed to be used; there must be a phytosanitary certificate...

The Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden has just informed that the European Union (EU) is applying stricter regulations on food safety and sustainability to minimize environmental impacts and ensure product quality.

Specifically, the EU requires imported agricultural products to meet strict pesticide residue limits (MRLs). Some chemicals that are not allowed to be used in the EU will be completely banned on imported products.

For example, according to Regulation 2023/915, the maximum residue level of cadmium is reduced for fruits such as strawberries, citrus fruits, mangoes, bananas and pineapples.

Or the requirement for phytosanitary certificates. Most fresh agricultural products imported into the EU need a phytosanitary certificate. This certificate ensures that the product does not carry harmful organisms.

This regulation is exempted for some types such as bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durian (which do not require this certificate). However, the regulation of additional heat treatment for mangoes or similar measures is encouraged to prevent fruit flies.

At the same time, the EU applies a higher inspection rate for products with a high risk of chemical residues from some countries. Such as 50% of peppers from the Dominican Republic; 30% of oranges and peppers from Egypt; 10% of beans and 20% of peppers from Kenya.

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, the Northern European market, including Sweden, Denmark and Norway, is famous for its high requirements for agricultural product quality, posing challenges but also bringing great opportunities for Vietnamese exporters.

Northern European supermarkets often require their own standards, which are more stringent than EU regulations. Therefore, to export agricultural products to the Northern European market, businesses need to comply with chemical residue regulations.

Exporters need to ensure that their products do not exceed the permitted chemical residue level and meet the strict requirements of Northern European importers.

Through necessary actions, such as using plant protection chemicals approved by the EU; testing chemical residues at internationally standardized laboratories before exporting.

In particular, ensuring phytosanitary certification is a mandatory requirement for products to enter the EU market.

In addition, businesses need to cooperate closely with quarantine agencies in Vietnam to ensure proper inspection and certification processes. Apply treatment measures to eliminate the risk of harmful organisms.

In addition, Vietnamese businesses also need to prepare to deal with high inspection rates. Because according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, products from Vietnam may be in the high-risk category, leading to higher inspection rates.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve quality control at the source, especially for agricultural products such as chili, beans, and tropical fruits. As well as preparing complete documents on production and inspection processes to promptly resolve problems when they arise.

At the same time, it is necessary to take advantage of EU standards to create a competitive advantage. "Good compliance with EU regulations not only helps products meet requirements but also builds prestige with Nordic customers," emphasized the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden.

Strengthen the promotion of commitments on quality and transparency in the supply chain. Connect with major import partners in Nordic countries and participate in trade fairs to expand the customer network.

Nordic consumers are particularly interested in sustainable products that do not harm the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate efforts to protect the environment through certifications such as GlobalGAP, Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade. Apply measures to minimize environmental impacts throughout the supply chain.

"The Nordic market places high demands on the quality and traceability of agricultural products, requiring Vietnamese exporters to prepare carefully and meet high standards. With the right strategy, businesses can not only overcome challenges but also take advantage of opportunities to expand market share in this region," the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden affirmed.

Source: VnEconomy