Core export markets including the EU, the United States, and South Korea have concurrently updated their SPS regulations, increasing quarantine and food safety requirements for imported goods.

Escalating import control requirements

According to a synthesis by the Vietnam SPS Office, during the first half of June 2026, World Trade Organization (WTO) members dispatched 43 SPS notifications, consisting of 18 draft notifications for comments and 25 notifications that have already entered into force.

Notably, the United States published 6 notifications related to establishing, amending, or exempting maximum residue limits (MRLs) for plant protection drugs on multiple agricultural commodities, foods, and animal feed. Some proposals include prescribing residue levels for active ingredients such as inpyrfluxam, and mancozeb on longan fruits, while simultaneously amending regulations related to various other plant protection active ingredients.

Besides, the United States also reopened the comment period for the proposed amendment to regulations on food additives and color additives, while concurrently issuing a final rule on residue levels for certain active ingredients on imported agricultural products.

In the EU market, 7 new notifications focused on temporary increases of official controls on goods imported from third countries, amending regulations on animal feed additives, and phytosanitary measures.

Of particular note, the EU continues to maintain control measures against 4 Vietnamese commodities. Within this, fresh or frozen durians remain subject to a 20% inspection frequency; okra and peppers of the genus Capsicum (other than sweet) must be accompanied by an official certificate displaying sampling and analysis results with a 50% inspection frequency; and dragon fruits maintain a 30% inspection level.

In Japan, new notifications focused on managing invasive alien species and preventing animal infectious diseases. This country plans to add live rabbits and live honeybees to the list of animals subject to notification prior to importation. Starting January 1, 2027, shipments falling under this category must be notified to Japanese quarantine authorities at least 40 days prior to import.

Meanwhile, South Korea promulgated new quarantine regulations for seeds, pollen, honey, and bee-related products. According to the regulation expected to apply from September 5, 2026, all batches of seeds for planting and pollen used for pollination imported into South Korea must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, regardless of quantity or transport mode.

For honey and pollen used as bee feed, South Korea will add them to the import animal quarantine list. These products must fully satisfy requirements regarding quarantine certification, sanitary conditions, and disease prevention before being permitted for import.

Enterprises need to closely follow policy changes

Another notable development is that Colombia is open for comments on a draft resolution banning the import, manufacturing, registration, commercialization, and utilization of veterinary drugs containing antimicrobial groups critical to veterinary medicine. The draft also tightens labeling and usage requirements for certain antimicrobial groups still permitted for circulation, aiming to restrict risks of antimicrobial resistance and guarantee food safety. The deadline for comments on this draft extends until August 14, 2026.

According to Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the Vietnam SPS Office, the continuous updating of SPS regulations by multiple markets demonstrates an increasing trend in requirements regarding food safety, animal and plant quarantine, and traceability. Therefore, exporting enterprises need to regularly monitor SPS notifications, proactively adjust production processes, control quality, and perfect technical dossiers to satisfy the requirements of each market, avoiding risks arising during export activities.

The 43 SPS notifications issued and open for comments by WTO members in the first half of June 2026 reflect a global trend of intensifying quality control on imported agricultural products and foods, adding pressure but also driving the upgrading of production standards for Vietnamese enterprises.

Source: Bao Cong Thuong