Importing agricultural products from China to Vietnam has become an important topic in the field of agriculture and international trade. Applying and implementing appropriate import procedures is critical to ensuring food safety and legal compliance. In this article, we will learn about the increase in agricultural imports from China to Vietnam, along with related opportunities and challenges. As well as clarifying regulations and processes for importing agricultural products from China.

 

I. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

1. Opportunities in importing agricultural products from China

Product diversity: China offers a wide range of agricultural products, from vegetables to fruits and seafood. This helps Vietnam diversify its food supply sources and meet the growing demand of the domestic market.

Competitive prices: Chinese agricultural products often have competitive prices, helping to reduce price pressure for Vietnamese consumers and food businesses.

Experience and technology: China has invested heavily in improving agricultural production and using modern technology, which can assist Vietnam in improving the productivity and quality of domestic agricultural products. land.

2. Challenges and issues needing attention

Food safety: Testing and ensuring food safety for imported products is an important challenge. The quality and origin of products need to be carefully monitored.

Competition with domestic agricultural products: Importing too many products from China can cause significant competition with domestic agricultural products and affect Vietnamese farmers.

Dependence on foreign sources of supply: Dependence on China can create supply risks, especially in the event of a supply stoppage or an increase in the price of a product.

II. REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES

1. Regulations on importing agricultural products from China:

First of all, regulations for importing agricultural products from China are usually administered by the food and trade authorities of the exporting country and the importing country. This includes inspection by food, health and security inspection agencies.

Some important regulations often include:

Food quality inspection: All agricultural products imported from China must comply with food safety and quality regulations. Food quality inspection procedures must be implemented before products leave the port.

Certificate of origin: Imported agricultural products require a certificate of origin from a Chinese government agency. This ensures that the product meets international standards.

Food management: For agricultural and food products, inspection and certification from the food management agency is required. This is especially important to ensure the quality and safety of imported agricultural and food products.

2. Process of importing agricultural products from China:

The process of importing agricultural products from China may vary depending on the type of product and the importing country. However, the process usually includes the following steps:

Identify goods: Segment, item name, price, production time and expiration…

Find the seller and sign a commercial contract, determine the shipping method and delivery method according to the rules of incoterms. Agricultural products from China are often transported by sea or through border gates to the north: Mong Cai, Huu Nghi, Dong Dang…

Quality and safety testing: Product samples will usually be tested by agencies authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development to ensure quality and safety. If the product does not meet the standards, it may be refused entry or subject to remedial measures. The application for a plant quarantine permit includes:

• Application for issuance of import plant quarantine license (according to form)
• Commercial contract: copy
• Business registration certificate: copy

Register and apply for an import license: Importers need to register and apply for an import license from the trade management agency. Agricultural products are goods under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Profile include:

• Registration form (according to form).
• Quarantine permit
• Original quarantine certificate of the exporting country (Phytosanitary Certificate)
• Sales contract, Commercial invoice, Packing list, Bill of lading, etc.

Document appraisal: Customs authorities will appraise documents related to the import process and certification of origin. Documents needed to provide:

• Sales contract/Sales Contract
• Commercial Invoice/ Commercial Invoice
• Packing list/ Packing list
• Bill of lading (BL)
• Certificate of Origin
• Phytosanitary Certificate (Phyto)

For agricultural products from China that receive tax incentives under signed agreements, documents are only needed: sales contract, commercial invoice, packing slip, original bill, C/O, Phyto.

Taxes and fees: Importers need to pay import taxes and fees according to regulations. According to the ASEAN-China Goods Trade Agreement (ACFTA), agricultural products (mainly vegetables, fruits, etc.) are items that enjoy 0% import tax and 0% VAT.

Storage and distribution: After going through all inspection and payment procedures, agricultural products from China will be stored and distributed to sales points.

As such, importing agricultural products from China requires strict compliance with the importing country’s regulations and procedures to ensure food safety and product quality.