Certificate of eligibility for food safety is a document certifying that the facility meets hygiene and food safety requirements according to the provisions of law. The order and procedures for applying for a Certificate of eligibility for food safety are regulated very specifically and in detail by Vietnamese law. The article below will provide detailed information about subjects, conditions, procedures for applying for certificates as well as consulting services to support businesses in this process.

Subjects must apply for a food hygiene and safety license

According to Articles 11 and 12 of Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, food production and business establishments must have a Certificate of establishment meeting food safety conditions when operating. However, in some cases the establishment is not subject to the issuance of a Certificate of eligibility for food safety, specifically:

• Small initial production
• Food production and trading does not have a fixed location
• Small preliminary processing
• Retail food business
• Sales of pre-packaged foods
• Producing and trading in tools, packaging materials, and food containers
• Restaurant in the hotel
• The collective kitchen is not registered as a food business
• Street food business
• The facility has been granted a valid certificate of GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, IFS, BRC, FSSC 22000 or equivalent

Establishments that are not required to have a Certificate must still comply with the corresponding food safety requirements. Determining who needs a license is an important step in the food safety management process, helping to ensure consumer health and improve product quality on the market.

Conditions for obtaining a food safety certificate

To be granted a Certificate of eligibility for food safety, units must meet the conditions prescribed in Clause 1, Article 34 of the Law on Food Safety. 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 Food Safety Law.
• Have registered a food business in the Business Registration Certificate.

For health food production facilities, it is necessary to comply with additional requirements specified in Article 28 of Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. These conditions include requirements for facilities, equipment, personnel and production processes.

Fully meeting the above conditions not only helps businesses achieve Certificates but also ensures product quality, creating trust for consumers. The process of preparing and maintaining these conditions requires long-term investment and commitment from the business side.

Procedures for applying for a Certificate of eligibility for food safety

Application for food safety and hygiene license

According to the provisions of Clause 3, Article 2, Decree 155/2018/ND-CP and Clause 1, Article 36 of the Law on Food Safety 2010, the application for a Certificate includes:

• Application for issuance of Certificate of establishment meeting food safety conditions according to Form No. 01 Appendix I of Decree 155/2018/ND-CP.
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate or Business Registration Certificate with appropriate industry (confirmed by the establishment).
• List of food producers and food service businesses who have been trained in food safety knowledge with confirmation from the establishment owner.
• Explanation of facilities, equipment, and tools to ensure food hygiene and safety conditions.
• Certificate of good health of the facility owner and person directly producing and trading food issued by a district-level medical facility or higher.
• Certificate of training in food safety and hygiene.

Preparing complete and accurate documents is an important step, helping the license application process go smoothly. Businesses need to pay attention to the validity and validity of the documents in the dossier.

Procedure for applying for a Certificate of eligibility for food safety

The process of applying for a Certificate of eligibility for food safety is carried out according to the following steps:

Step 1: Submit application: Enterprises submit applications through the online public service system, by mail or directly at the receiving agency.

Step 2: Document appraisal: After receiving all valid documents, the competent authority will conduct a physical inspection at the facility. .

Step 3: Additional requests (if any): If documents need to be amended or supplemented, the receiving agency will notify in writing within 05 working days.

Step 4: Establish an appraisal team: The agency receiving the dossier establishes an appraisal team or authorizes an appraisal within 15 working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier.

Step 5: Issuance of Certificate: If the appraisal results are satisfactory, the Certificate will be issued within 05 working days.

Step 6: Request remediation (if necessary): In case the requirements are not met, the appraisal team will clearly state the content that needs to be remedied within no more than 30 days.

This process ensures transparency and efficiency in issuing Certificates, helping state management agencies strictly control food production and business activities.

Consulting and support services for applying for Certificate of eligibility for food safety

Consulting and support services for applying for a Certificate of eligibility for food safety play an important role in supporting businesses. Long Phan provides these services, including:

• Consulting on conditions that need to be met: Experts will evaluate the current status of the business and provide an improvement roadmap to meet the requirements.
• Support for document preparation: This service helps businesses fully and accurately prepare necessary documents, avoiding documents being returned due to omissions.
• On behalf of the business, the authorized representative contacts the authorities and works with the competent agencies to help the license application process take place quickly and effectively.
• Remedial consulting: In case the business does not meet the conditions, the consulting service will propose specific remedial measures.
• Post-licensing support: This service helps businesses maintain and improve food safety conditions after certification.

Using consulting services not only helps businesses save time and resources but also ensures the licensing process goes smoothly and in accordance with the law.

A Certificate of eligibility for food safety is an important legal requirement for food production and business establishments. To receive this certificate, customers need to fully meet the conditions and follow the correct procedures as prescribed. If you need support during the license application process, please contact us via hotline 0906735386 for detailed advice and comprehensive support.