Issuance of a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate is a mandatory legal process for food production and business establishments in Vietnam. This certificate confirms that the business meets hygiene standards and ensures consumer safety. The certification process includes many steps, from document preparation to actual inspection. This article will provide detailed instructions on the procedures for applying for a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate.

Conditions for issuance of a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate

To be granted a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate, food production and business establishments need to meet the conditions prescribed by the Law on Food Safety 2010 and Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. Specifically:

• Have enough conditions to ensure food safety suitable for each type of food production and business according to the provisions of Chapter IV of the Law on Food Safety and Hygiene 2010
• Have registered food business in the Business Registration Certificate

Fully meeting the above conditions not only helps businesses be granted a Certificate but also improves product quality and creates reputation with consumers. Customers should note that these conditions may change according to new regulations of the authorities.

Competent authority to issue a food hygiene and safety certificate

According to the provisions of Article 35 of the Law on Food Safety 2010, the competent authority to issue the Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate includes:

• Issued by the Ministry of Health to establishments producing and trading functional foods, foods fortified with micronutrients, food additives, and food processing aids.
• Issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to establishments producing and trading fresh food of animal and plant origin.
• Issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to establishments producing and trading beverages, processed milk, vegetable oil, flour and starch processed products.

Depending on the type of food production and business, businesses will submit documents to the corresponding state management agency. Clearly defining the authority to issue certificates helps the application process take place quickly and effectively.

Customers need to identify the correct competent authority to avoid submitting documents to the wrong address, causing a waste of time. In case of uncertainty, these agencies can be contacted directly for specific instructions.

Procedures for issuing a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate

Profile components

The application for a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate includes the following documents:

• Application for issuance of Certificate of establishment meeting food safety conditions (according to the form prescribed in Decree 155/2018/ND-CP).
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate or Enterprise Registration Certificate.
• Explanation of facilities, equipment, and tools to ensure food hygiene and safety conditions.
• Certificate of good health from the owner of the facility and the person directly producing and trading food.
• Certificate of training in food safety and hygiene of the facility owner and those directly producing and trading food.

Customers need to fully prepare the above documents to avoid having their documents returned. Documents need to be true copies or authenticated according to regulations. The explanation must clearly state the hygiene and food safety conditions of the facility, in accordance with current regulations.

Reference content: Clause 1, Article 36 of the Law on Food Safety 2010.

Execution order

The process of issuing a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate is carried out according to the following steps:

Step 1: Submit documents to the competent authority.

Organizations and individuals producing and trading food that submit an application for a Certificate of food safety eligibility to a competent state agency include:

• The Department of Health issues certificates of food safety eligibility to food service establishments and food processing establishments.
• The Department of Industry and Trade issues certificates of food safety eligibility to food production and business establishments.

Step 2: The competent authority receives and checks the completeness of the dossier.

Within 15 days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the competent state agency shall conduct an actual inspection of food safety conditions at food production and business establishments.

Step 3: Issue a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate

If eligible, a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate must be issued; In case of refusal, they must respond in writing and clearly state the reason

Customers need to pay attention to comply with the correct procedures and prepare for the inspection team when arriving at the facility. Good coordination with authorities will help the licensing process go smoothly and quickly.

Reference content: Clause 2, Article 36 of the Law on Food Safety 2010.

Time limit for issuing a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate

According to the provisions of Article 36 of the Law on Food Safety 2010, the time limit for issuing a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate is 15 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents.

Consulting and support services for applying for a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate at Long Phan

Applying for a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate is an important process for food production and trading enterprises. Long Phan provides consulting services and support for applying for a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate for businesses.

Services include:

• Consulting on conditions for granting a Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate for each type of food production and business
• Consulting and supporting applications for food safety certificates
• Detailed instructions on procedures for applying for a food safety certificate
• Instructions for applying for a certificate of good health, a certificate of training, checking and reviewing documents to ensure completeness and validity
• Enterprise representatives work with authorities: Submit documents and monitor the progress of processing explanations, supplement documents as requested by authorities, coordinate during the actual inspection process at the facility .
• Support to overcome arising problems: Consulting on improving facilities and production processes (if necessary), providing additional support and completing documents as required

With a team of experienced experts, Long Phan is committed to supporting businesses in applying for Certificates quickly and effectively. Long Phan’s services help businesses save time, costs, and ensure compliance with legal regulations.

Interested customers can contact Long Phan directly for detailed advice on services and fees appropriate to the size and type of business. Complying with regulations not only helps businesses operate legally but also enhances reputation and product quality. If you need support with procedures for applying for a Certificate, please contact Long Phan via Hotline: 0906735386 for detailed advice.