(Chinhphu.vn) - As the European Union (EU) intensifies the implementation of the "European Green Deal," imported agricultural products—including those from Vietnam—are facing an increasingly stringent system of standards regarding the environment, food safety, and traceability. These "green barriers" are not only immediate challenges but also a test of the transformation capacity of the entire agricultural production chain.

Rising pressure from environmental and food safety standards

Launched on May 20, 2020, the "Farm to Fork" Strategy aims to build a sustainable food system, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and climate while preserving biodiversity. By reducing food waste, ensuring a stable and affordable supply for consumers, and supporting farmers in receiving fair prices for their products, this strategy contributes to food security while enhancing the global competitiveness of Europe's food system.

The EU is currently one of Vietnam's major agricultural export markets, but it is also among the most demanding. Under the "Farm to Fork" strategy, the EU has set five key objectives to be achieved by 2030, including: a 50% reduction in the use and risk of chemical pesticides and a 50% reduction in the use of more hazardous pesticides; reducing nutrient loss by at least 50% while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility; reducing fertilizer use by at least 20%; a 50% reduction in sales of antimicrobials for livestock and aquaculture; and converting 25% of agricultural land to organic farming.

Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the SPS Vietnam Office, stated that the EU is continuously updating regulations on Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides. Many active ingredients have had their thresholds lowered to extremely low levels, even as low as 0.001 mg/kg for substances such as Oxamyl. Furthermore, substances banned for use within the EU are not permitted to "re-enter" via imported goods.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the general trend is a significant tightening of residue thresholds, moving toward the harmonization of standards between domestic and imported goods. This exerts direct pressure on Vietnam's key sectors such as fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea, and pepper.

Beyond chemical residues, the EU also imposes strict requirements on: comprehensive traceability across the production chain; phytosanitary certification; and environmental and sustainability standards.

Notably, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requires products such as coffee, cocoa, and rubber to prove they are not linked to deforestation occurring after 2020.

From challenges to restructuring opportunities

New regulations are creating visible pressure. According to evaluations from specialized agencies, exporting enterprises must change from the roots of production through to processing if they wish to maintain their market share in the EU.

However, adaptation efforts have yielded positive initial results. The number of EU food safety violation warnings for Vietnamese agricultural products dropped sharply from 64 cases in 2024 to 17 cases in 2025. This indicates that when standards are met, "passing through" the EU gates is entirely feasible.

Nevertheless, significant challenges remain: production costs have risen due to procedural changes; many farming households are not yet accustomed to international standards; and the supply chain remains fragmented, making quality control difficult.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment suggests that in the face of increasingly dense "green barriers," experts believe Vietnamese agricultural enterprises cannot take a "coping" approach but rather need a systemic transformation.

First, change from the raw material areas. Businesses need to build standardized growing areas, applying processes such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, or organic standards while gradually reducing dependence on chemicals. Controlling inputs is the decisive factor in meeting MRLs.

Second, transparency and digitalization of traceability. The EU requires every shipment to be traceable back to each production stage. Therefore, businesses need to apply digital technology, QR codes, and blockchain to manage the supply chain.

Third, shift to green and circular agricultural models. New standards extend beyond food safety to assess environmental impact. Thus, low-emission and resource-efficient production models will become competitive advantages.

Fourth, invest in deep processing and quality control. Enhancing added value helps businesses reduce dependence on raw exports and makes it easier to meet EU technical standards.

Fifth, proactively update regulations and chain linkages. EU regulations change rapidly and are complex. Businesses need to coordinate with industry associations and regulatory bodies for timely updates, while linking with cooperatives and farmers to ensure consistent quality.

Reality shows that the EU's "green barriers" are not just obstacles but also a driving force promoting the restructuring of the agricultural sector toward sustainability. By meeting the highest standards, Vietnamese agricultural products will not only secure the EU market but also enhance their global competitiveness.

In the long term, adapting to green standards will help: improve the quality and branding of agricultural products; expand high-end export markets; reduce the risk of warnings and product returns; and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Source: Bao Dien tu Chinh phu - Cong Thong tin dien tu Chinh phu