What are regulations on import of livestock and animal products in Vietnam?

Animal products include meats, eggs, milk, bee's honey, beeswax, silkworm cocoons, swallow’s nests, bones, horns, claws, internal organs, hair, non-processed skin and other products made from domesticated animals.

Pursuant to Article 78 of the Law on Animal Husbandry in 2018 (takes effect from 01/01/2020) stipulating regulations on import of livestock and animal products in Vietnam as follows:

1. There must be records of origin of livestock and animal products imported meeting requirements for food quality and safety and disease resistance as per law provisions.

2. Livestock and animal products imported must undergo inspection of food quality and safety and disease resistance as per Vietnamese law provisions before entering the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam through the specified border checkpoint.

3. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall consider and decide to check legal documents, enforcement system and conditions for production of and trading in livestock and animal products of the exporting country under provisions of the Vietnamese laws and international agreement to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a signatory in the following cases:

a) Assessment for mutual recognition;

b) First import of livestock and animal products;

c) Discovery of risk of effects on quality, environment, food safety and resistance to diseases from animal products imported into Vietnam.

d) Inspection visit to production facilities of the exporting countries before import is required if the animal product intended for export poses a high risk to food safety and disease resistance.

4. Animal products imported against law provisions on food safety and quality and disease resistance must be withdrawn and handled as per law provisions.

5. The Government shall elaborate Point d Clause 3 this Article and stipulate import of live animals for slaughter purpose and border checkpoints permitted to receive live animals imported into Vietnam.

Above are regulations on import of livestock and animal products in Vietnam.

Best regards!