Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility: A Guide for Food Businesses

The Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility enables food production and business establishments to affirm legal compliance and product quality commitments. Possession of this Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is not merely a mandatory requirement for legal operation; it builds trust with consumers, partners, and regulatory authorities. This Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is a crucial initial step for sustainable brand development in the food industry.

Entities Required to Obtain the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility

As per Clause 1, Article 11 of Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP, food production and business establishments must possess a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. Exceptions are specified in Clause 1, Article 12 of Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP, including:

• Small-scale initial production.
• Food production or business without a fixed location.
• Small-scale preliminary processing.
• Small-scale food business.
• Business of pre-packaged foods.
• Production or business of food packaging tools and materials.
• Restaurants within hotels.
• Collective kitchens not registered as food businesses.
• Street food vendors.
• Establishments holding one of the following valid certificates: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, International Food Standard (IFS), Global Standard for Food Safety (BRC), Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), or equivalents.

Establishments exempt from the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility must still adhere to relevant food safety conditions as stipulated by regulations.

Therefore, entities typically requiring the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility encompass:

• Industrial-scale food production facilities.
• Food businesses with fixed locations.
• Large-scale food processing establishments.
• Enterprises producing health supplements.
• Establishments producing food contact materials and tools.
• Restaurants and hotels registered for food business.
• Collective kitchens registered as food businesses.
• Food distribution and wholesale establishments.

Correct identification of an establishment’s status saves time and costs in the application process for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.

Authorities Issuing the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility

Article 35 of the Food Safety Law 2010, guided by Points 5 and 6 of Official Dispatch 5845/BCT-KHCN, outlines the authority to issue the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (formerly Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) hold this authority, contingent on product type. Applicants must identify the correct competent authority for submitting their application dossier for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.

Decentralization of Issuing Authority:

• Ministry of Health, Department of Health: Functional foods, micronutrient-fortified foods, foods for children under 36 months.
• Ministry of Industry and Trade, Department of Industry and Trade: Alcohol, beer, beverages, industrially processed foods.
• Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Environment: Animal-derived foods, plant-derived foods, aquatic products.

For establishments producing multiple products managed by two or more ministries, the issuance of the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility follows Joint Circular guidelines. Pending a Joint Circular, establishments may submit dossiers according to decentralization or to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

In Ho Chi Minh City, all applications for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility are submitted to the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department. Ho Chi Minh City is the first locality in Vietnam with a dedicated Food Safety Department.

The Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department was established by a City People’s Council resolution and officially began operations on January 1, 2024. This department advises and assists the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee in state management of food safety.

Procedure for Obtaining the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility

The application procedure for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is executed as follows:

Required Dossier

Article 36 of the Food Safety Law 2010, guided by Official Dispatch 5845/BCT-KHCN, specifies the dossier requirements for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. The dossier comprises five main components. Applicants must prepare all documents thoroughly to ensure dossier validity.

Dossier Components

• An application form for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.
• A notarized or certified copy of the valid Business Registration Certificate.
• A description of physical facilities, equipment, and tools ensuring food safety and hygiene conditions, per state agency regulations.
• Health certificates for the establishment owner and individuals directly involved in food production/business, issued by district-level or higher medical facilities.
• Certificates of food safety and hygiene training for the owner and direct food handlers, per regulations of the relevant managing ministry.

The description of physical facilities must detail production processes, workshop layout, wastewater treatment systems, and water sources. Health certificates must confirm employees are free from foodborne infectious diseases.

Two sets of the application dossier for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility are required: one original and one certified copy.

Certification Process

The process for obtaining the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility involves four specific steps. Applicants must understand each step for effective preparation and coordination with the appraisal authority.

Execution Steps:

• Step 1 – Dossier Submission: The establishment submits the dossier to the competent authority and receives an acknowledgment receipt.
• Step 2 – Dossier Appraisal: The authority reviews the dossier’s completeness and validity within 03 working days.
  • If amendments are required, the authority notifies the establishment in writing within 05 working days of receiving the complete dossier.
  • If the establishment fails to supplement or complete the dossier within 30 days of notification, the dossier becomes invalid. A new application for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is then necessary.
  • If the dossier meets requirements, the authority forms an appraisal team and prepares an appraisal record within 15 working days of receiving the complete dossier. The appraisal team includes officials, health experts, and university representatives専門 (senmon) in food safety.
• Step 3 – On-site Inspection and Certificate Issuance: The appraisal team conducts an on-site inspection within 15 days.
  • If the appraisal results are satisfactory, the authority issues the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility within 05 working days from the result date.
  • If results are unsatisfactory but rectifiable, the team records specific deficiencies, requirements, and a remediation period (not exceeding 30 days) in the appraisal record.
  • Following the establishment’s remediation report, the team assesses corrections within 05 working days and records conclusions. If corrections are satisfactory, the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is issued within 05 working days.
  • If corrections are unsatisfactory, the authority informs the establishment and local management in writing, requesting local supervision and requiring the establishment to cease operations until the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is obtained.

The Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is valid for 03 years. Establishments must apply for renewal 06 months before expiration.

Services for Obtaining the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility at Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides professional support services for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility application procedure. Our team of experts, with extensive experience in food safety, delivers optimal solutions for businesses. Long Phan Consulting Company’s services save client time and ensure success in obtaining the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.

Comprehensive Service Package:

• Dossier analysis, identification of competent licensing authorities, guidance on prerequisite conditions.
• Compilation of a complete dossier according to legal stipulations. Client guidance on dossier preparation.
• Representation for dossier submission to competent authorities.
• Consultation for appraisal team reception, guidance on rectifying deficiencies.
• Progress monitoring, regular liaison with licensing agencies, dossier status updates.
• Receipt and delivery of the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility to the business establishment.

Long Phan Consulting Company consistently updates on the latest regulations regarding the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility to provide precise client advice. With the commitment “Entrust Faith – Receive Solutions,” Long Phan Consulting Company is a reliable partner for businesses in completing legal procedures, including securing the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Procedure for Obtaining the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility

Refer to these questions for more details:

Cost of Obtaining the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility?

The fee for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility ranges from 500,000 – 2,000,000 VND, depending on establishment scale and product type. Additional costs include food sample testing, dossier consultation, and miscellaneous expenses like photocopying and notarization.

Processing Time for the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility Dossier?

Total processing time is 23-38 working days, including: 3 days for dossier appraisal, 15 days for appraisal team formation, 15 days for on-site inspection, and 5 days for certificate issuance. If remediation is needed, the period may extend by an additional 30 days.

Online Dossier Submission Availability?

Some localities have implemented online submission via public service portals. In Ho Chi Minh City, submission is possible through the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department’s portal. However, on-site inspection remains a direct, physical process.

Number of Certificates for Establishments with Multiple Branches?

Each production or business location requires a separate Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. For multiple branches in different provinces, applications must be filed with the respective local competent authorities for each establishment’s Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.

Permissibility of Operation While Awaiting the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility?

Food production or business operations are not permitted without a valid Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility, except for cases exempt from this requirement by regulation.

Conclusion

The procedure to obtain the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility requires businesses to understand legal regulations and prepare dossiers professionally. Long Phan Consulting Company, with its team of experienced experts, assists clients in completing all procedures swiftly and effectively. Contact our hotline at 1900.63.63.89 for a free consultation and a detailed fee schedule for services related to the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.