Strengthening decentralization not only enhances the initiative and accountability of local authorities but also helps reduce compliance costs and shorten administrative processing times, thereby significantly improving the business and investment environment.

On June 8, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, in collaboration with Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, organized a conference to implement Government Resolutions and the Ministerial Circular on decentralization, reduction of business conditions, and simplification of administrative procedures.

The initiative is considered a major breakthrough aimed at unlocking resources and reducing compliance costs for businesses and citizens operating in the fields of crop production, plant protection, and plant quarantine.

According to experts, this represents an important step in institutional reform and reflects a new regulatory mindset: shifting decisively from pre-inspection to post-inspection.

At the conference, the provisions of Resolution No. 17/2026/NQ-CP, Resolution No. 66.19/2026/NQ-CP, and Circular No. 22/2026/TT-BNNMT were translated into specific implementation measures.

One of the most significant highlights is the decentralization of authority to provincial People’s Committee Chairpersons for four key administrative procedures.

Specifically, from July 1, 2026, provincial authorities will directly undertake state inspections of imported pesticide quality and the certification and re-certification of fragrant rice varieties eligible for import tariff exemptions under quota arrangements.

In addition, since May 19, 2026, the procedure for issuing Special Recognition Decisions for Plant Varieties has also been delegated to provincial authorities.

This transfer of authority enables local governments to provide more proactive support to exporters, particularly for strategic products such as fragrant rice exported to the European Union and the United Kingdom.

In line with the objective of supporting businesses, the reform package eliminates 11 administrative procedures and simplifies an additional 17 procedures.

Reducing business conditions: Opening opportunities for agricultural markets

Mr. Nghiem Quang Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, stated that most of the abolished procedures relate to intellectual property rights assessment for plant varieties.

These include the reissuance of Representative Service Practice Certificates, the issuance, reissuance, and revocation of Assessor Cards, and the issuance, reissuance, and revocation of Certificates for Assessment Organizations.

Notably, from July 1, 2026, the state inspection procedure for imported fertilizer quality will also be eliminated, enabling businesses to significantly reduce customs clearance times.

The list of 17 simplified administrative procedures covers most core business activities, including the issuance and extension of fertilizer circulation recognition decisions, plant variety protection registration, and the issuance of certificates for fertilizer production and pesticide trading eligibility.

These changes are expected to remove unnecessary barriers and allow enterprises to focus resources on improving product quality.

Another noteworthy development concerns regulations governing the importation of plants with soil attached to their root systems.

Under Decree No. 38/2026/ND-CP, effective from April 29, 2026, inspections of pest status at production sites in exporting countries will no longer be required for specified cases.

This adjustment helps reduce international procedural burdens for importers.

Regarding food safety management, from September 1, 2026, state inspections of imported plant-origin food products will be fully delegated to agencies assigned or designated by provincial People’s Committee Chairpersons.

This marks an important shift that will enable food safety management to be more closely aligned with local conditions and realities.

To ensure effective implementation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued a series of guiding documents, including Official Letter No. 5135/BNNMT-PC, Decision No. 1674/QD-BNNMT, and Decision No. 1883/QD-BNNMT, which provide detailed information on amended, supplemented, and abolished administrative procedures.

The Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection affirmed its commitment to supporting local authorities and businesses while creating the most favorable conditions possible for implementation.

The Department also encouraged industry associations and the business community to actively coordinate with authorities and promptly report any emerging difficulties to facilitate timely resolution.

With these breakthrough policy reforms, Vietnam’s agricultural sector expects to create a more transparent and business-friendly environment, promote export growth, and strengthen its position in international markets.

Source: Bao Chinh phu