Product self-declaration

Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP replaced the prior pre-approval regime with a two-track declaration system. Self-declaration (tự công bố sản phẩm) is the default path for most prepackaged processed foods sold in Vietnam. Who must self-declare: • Domestic and imported prepackaged processed foods (except those requiring registered declaration — TPBVSK, medical-nutrition foods, special-dietary foods, infant nutrition for under-36-month children, and certain new food additives). • Food additives and processing aids with single, established functions. • Food packaging and food-contact materials. Procedure: 1. Test the product at an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory designated or recognised by the State; the test report must be issued within 12 months of the declaration date. 2. Prepare Self-Declaration Form No. 1 (Appendix I of Decree 15/2018) with product name, ingredients, nutritional facts, intended use, target consumer, and applicable technical regulations. 3. Post the self-declaration publicly — on the company website, at the office, or in the public media (Clause 2, Article 5). 4. Submit a copy to the local competent authority (provincial Department of Health for MOH-managed categories, or the corresponding sectoral department). Effect: the product may be distributed immediately upon completing the self-declaration — no waiting for pre-approval. The local authority publishes received self-declarations on its public portal; this enables consumer lookup and post-market verification. Important — transition state (as of 2026): Decree 46/2026/NĐ-CP, issued 26 January 2026 to replace Decree 15/2018, has been suspended by Government Resolutions 09/2026/NQ-CP and 15/2026/NQ-CP until the revised Food Safety Law and its implementing decrees take effect. Decree 15/2018 therefore continues to apply.

Currently in force: • Law on Food Safety No. 55/2010/QH12 — passed 17 June 2010, effective 1 July 2011. Sets the framework for product declaration, conditions for producing and trading food, advertising, labelling, testing, and inspection. • Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP — issued 2 February 2018. Implements the Food Safety Law and introduces the self-declaration vs registered-declaration system. Article 4 covers products subject to self-declaration. Article 5 sets the procedure. Forms in Appendix I. Issued but suspended: • Decree 46/2026/NĐ-CP — issued 26 January 2026 to replace Decree 15/2018. Suspended by Government Resolution 09/2026/NQ-CP (4 February 2026) and then extended indefinitely by Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP (6 April 2026) until the revised Food Safety Law and its implementing decrees take effect. • Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP (27 January 2026) on food-product declaration and registration — also suspended. Cross-references: • For registered declaration (TPBVSK and other special categories), see Supplements → Market entry & registration.

2026 — Decree 46 issued, then suspended: Decree 46/2026/NĐ-CP was issued on 26 January 2026 to replace Decree 15/2018 and tighten food-product declaration rules. On 4 February 2026 Government Resolution 09/2026/NQ-CP suspended the new decree until 15 April 2026 to give businesses time to prepare. On 6 April 2026, Resolution 15/2026/NQ-CP extended the suspension indefinitely — until the revised Food Safety Law and its implementing decrees take effect. Decree 15/2018 continues to apply. 2026 — Revised Food Safety Law in preparation: The National Assembly is reviewing an amendment to the 2010 Food Safety Law. The suspension of Decree 46/2026 is explicitly tied to the new law's effective date. Standing — Post-market focus: Within the Decree 15/2018 framework, VFA and provincial Departments of Health continue to publish public self-declaration databases and to conduct post-declaration sampling, particularly for high-risk categories.