Food Production and Processing Licensing Consulting Service

The food production and processing licensing consulting service supports enterprises in completing legal procedures according to food safety regulations. Obtaining a license is not only a mandatory condition for legal operation but also builds trust with partners and consumers. This consulting service helps shorten dossier processing time, limit errors, and ensure rapid licensing efficiency.

Conditions for Licensing Food Production and Processing

To operate in the food production and processing sector, establishments must strictly adhere to legal conditions regarding food safety. The Law on Food Safety 2010 clearly stipulates the basic requirements that each enterprise must meet to ensure product quality and protect consumer health. Specifically:

General conditions for food production and business establishments (Article 19):

• Having an appropriate location and area, with a safe distance from toxic sources, polluting sources, and other harmful factors.
• Having sufficient water meeting technical standards for food production and business.
• Having adequate equipment suitable for processing raw materials, preparing, packaging, preserving, and transporting different types of food; having sufficient equipment, tools, and means for washing and disinfecting, antiseptic water, and equipment for preventing and controlling insects and harmful animals.
• Having a waste treatment system that is operated regularly according to environmental protection laws.
• Maintaining food safety conditions and keeping records of the origin of raw food materials and other documents related to the entire food production and business process.
• Complying with regulations on the health, knowledge, and practices of persons directly involved in food production and business. Our food production and processing licensing consulting service helps ensure these conditions are met.

Conditions for food preservation (Article 20):

• Preservation places and means must have sufficient area to store each type of food separately, allow for safe and accurate handling techniques, and ensure hygiene during preservation.
• Preventing the effects of temperature, humidity, insects, animals, dirt, strange odors, and other adverse environmental impacts; ensuring sufficient light; having specialized equipment to adjust temperature, humidity, and other climatic conditions, ventilation equipment, and other special preservation conditions as required for each type of food.
• Complying with the preservation regulations of food production and business organizations and individuals.

Conditions for food transportation (Article 21):

• Food transportation vehicles must be made of materials that do not contaminate food or food packaging and are easy to clean.
• Ensuring food preservation conditions throughout the transportation process according to the instructions of the producing or trading organization or individual.
• Not transporting food with toxic goods or goods that can cause cross-contamination affecting food quality.

Furthermore, food production and processing establishments also need to comply with regulations on safety assurance conditions for different food groups, such as fresh raw food or processed food. Regulations for each type of food are clearly stated in Chapter III of the Law on Food Safety 2010.

Understanding and fully complying with legal regulations not only helps businesses obtain operating licenses but also serves as an important foundation for building brand reputation and creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the market. This is a key focus of our food production and processing licensing consulting service.

Additionally, enterprises must have registered business lines for food and other lines suitable for the food production and processing activities they will supply.

After meeting all conditions regarding business registration, facilities, equipment, production processes, preservation, and transportation as stipulated by the Law on Food Safety, food production and processing establishments need to apply for a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility to operate legally.

Thus, after complying with all the stated conditions, enterprises, organizations, and individuals can begin the procedure to apply for a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.

>>> See more: Rights and obligations of organizations and individuals producing food

Procedure for Issuing a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility

To be issued a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility, food production and business organizations and individuals need to complete the following steps as per legal regulations:

• Step 1: Prepare the dossier. The dossier includes the following documents:
  • An application for a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.
  • A copy of the Business Registration Certificate with food-related business lines.
  • A written explanation of the facilities, equipment, and tools ensuring food safety and hygiene conditions.
  • A health certificate of the establishment owner and persons directly involved in food production and business (issued by a district-level or higher medical facility).
  • A certificate confirming that the establishment owner and persons directly involved in food production and business have received training on food safety knowledge. The food production and processing licensing consulting service ensures this dossier is complete.
• Step 2: Submit the dossier to the competent state agency as regulated. Depending on the business activity, the competent authority for processing and issuing the Certificate will vary, typically including:
  • Ministry of Industry and Trade, Department of Industry and Trade: For food production and business establishments.
  • Ministry of Health, Department of Health: For processing establishments and food service businesses.
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Agriculture and Environment: For wholesale markets, agricultural product auctions, etc.
• Step 3: Receive the results. Within 15 days from receiving a complete and valid dossier, the competent authority will conduct an on-site inspection of food safety conditions at the establishment. If the establishment meets all requirements, the authority will issue a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. In case of refusal, a written reply stating the reasons must be provided.

Additionally, this Certificate is valid for 03 years from the date of issuance. If the establishment continues to operate after this period, it must submit an application for re-issuance 6 months before the expiry date. The dossier and re-issuance procedure are the same as for a new issuance, as described in the steps above.

Adhering to the correct procedure and preparing a complete dossier not only saves businesses time and costs but also ensures legality and reputation in food production and business activities. Our food production and processing licensing consulting service facilitates this.

Food Production and Processing Licensing Consulting Service at Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides a comprehensive food production and processing licensing consulting service, from initial in-depth consultation to completing the necessary procedures to bring the establishment into business operation.

Scope and Content of Service

Consultation on Food Production and Processing Regulations

Long Phan Consulting Company offers comprehensive consulting services related to applying for a certificate of food safety and hygiene eligibility:

• Consulting on licensing procedures suitable for the type of operation of the food production or processing establishment.
• Consulting on conditions to be met according to the Law on Food Safety and related decrees and circulars.
• Consulting on the dossier, sequence, and procedures for applying for a certificate of food safety eligibility.
• Consulting on the dossier and procedures for re-issuing the certificate upon expiry or for continued operation.
• Consulting on legal issues arising during food production and business. This forms part of our food production and processing licensing consulting service.

The expert team at Long Phan Consulting Company has in-depth knowledge and practical experience in food safety law, always ready to support clients effectively and in compliance with regulations.

Drafting Dossiers for Related Licensing Procedures

Our dossier drafting services include:

• Drafting the application for a certificate of food safety eligibility.
• Drafting the written explanation of facility conditions, equipment, and tools ensuring hygiene.
• Preparing a complete legal dossier in accordance with current legal regulations.
• Reviewing and checking the legality of the dossier before submission to ensure it is not returned or requires supplementation.

Authorized Representation, Receiving Results

Long Phan Consulting Company provides authorized representation services for the entire process:

• Representing clients in submitting dossiers to competent state agencies.
• Monitoring dossier processing progress, promptly updating clients.
• Working directly with authorities to explain and supplement dossiers when requested.
• Receiving results and handing over the certificate to clients.

Using representation services saves time and effort and ensures dossiers are processed quickly and on schedule. The food production and processing licensing consulting service is enhanced by this representation.

Process of Providing Food Production and Processing Licensing Consulting Service

• Step 1: Initial Consultation and Service Contract Signing We receive information from clients regarding their intended food production, processing, or business activities. Based on the food type and facility model, we provide preliminary advice on necessary legal conditions, competent licensing authorities, and the procedural roadmap. After agreeing on the scope of work, Long Phan Consulting Company will send a service proposal and draft contract, proceeding to signing and payment as agreed.
• Step 2: Site Survey and Information/Document Collection Our specialists conduct an on-site survey of the facility (or work via images/video if appropriate), assessing compliance with conditions regarding facilities, equipment, layout, and environmental hygiene as regulated. Concurrently, we coordinate with clients to collect necessary legal documents and technical information for dossier preparation.
• Step 3: Drafting and Preparing the Licensing Dossier Based on the collected information, we draft all necessary forms, declarations, and technical documents according to legal regulations. The completed dossier will be sent to the client for review, feedback, and approval before official submission. This meticulous preparation is key to our food production and processing licensing consulting service.
• Step 4: Dossier Submission and Processing Progress Monitoring Long Phan Consulting Company represents clients in submitting dossiers to the competent authority (Food Safety Sub-Department or specialized agency by sector). We closely monitor processing progress, provide regular updates, and assist in explaining or supplementing dossiers if requested by the authorities.
• Step 5: Support for On-site Appraisal and Receiving Results After the dossier is accepted as valid, the authorities will conduct an on-site appraisal of actual conditions at the facility. We will guide clients in preparing all necessary documents, personnel, and actual conditions for the inspection, and provide direct support if needed. After achieving satisfactory results, we receive and hand over the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility to the client.
• Step 6: Post-Licensing Consultation Long Phan Consulting Company continues to support clients by guiding them on post-licensing obligations such as: displaying the certificate, periodic reporting, and complying with specialized inspections. We also assist with procedures for adjusting, re-issuing, or extending the Certificate when necessary.

We commit to preparing complete dossiers in accordance with legal regulations, representing clients in working with state agencies, and regularly updating clients on the situation. If dossier amendments or supplements are required, we will coordinate closely with clients for quick and effective completion. This comprehensive support defines our food production and processing licensing consulting service.

After-Sales Policy and Customer Care

Long Phan Consulting Company’s after-sales policy includes periodic free consultation after licensing completion, support in answering queries about reporting obligations, and compliance with current legal regulations. Customer care services are maintained throughout the validity period of the certificate. Specifically:

• Providing information on the latest changes in the legal system related to food safety and hygiene if clients have a need. Timely updates help businesses prevent legal risks and maintain stable operations. We inform about new regulations affecting food production and processing activities.
• Consulting and dossier drafting services when clients need to adjust license content or extend it. We support adding business lines and carrying out procedures for extending the certificate of food safety eligibility. The process is performed quickly and accurately to save clients time.
• Supporting the resolution of legal issues arising during the operation of food production facilities. Long Phan Consulting Company acts as a liaison between businesses and state management agencies when necessary. We ensure clients’ rights and support legal compliance in all situations.

Commitment to Information Security and Service Quality

Long Phan Consulting Company commits to:

• Absolute confidentiality of client information during service provision.
• Not disclosing or sharing information with any third party without client consent.
• Applying appropriate security measures to protect client information and documents.
• Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and legal compliance in drafting and preparing dossiers.
• Providing services on schedule, ensuring the fastest possible dossier processing time.
• Refunding service fees if the work is not completed as agreed.

The expert team at Long Phan Consulting Company always prioritizes client interests, ensuring the delivery of quality, professional, and effective services. This commitment is fundamental to our food production and processing licensing consulting service.

Contact Information for Food Production and Processing Licensing Consulting Service

Clients needing consultation on the food production and processing licensing consulting service, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company through our official channels. We are always ready to receive information and respond promptly to all client requests. Our professional consultants will assist you from the first contact.

• Head Office Address: TM7 Commercial Lot, Lavita Garden Apartment, 17 Street No. 3, Truong Tho Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
• Working Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Online Consultation Hotline: 1900.63.63.89
• Email: info@longphanpmt.com
• Zalo: 0906.735.386 – Long Phan
• Facebook: Long Phan Investment Consulting and Legal Services LLC

The expert team at Long Phan Consulting Company is ready to advise and support clients, ensuring all queries are answered and full information about the food production and processing licensing consulting service is provided.

Frequently Discussed Topics Regarding Food Production and Processing Licensing Consulting Service

Below is a summary of frequently discussed topics related to our food production and processing licensing consulting service:

Applicable Technical Standards for Water Used in Food Production and Processing?

Water used in food production and processing must meet National Technical Regulations on drinking water quality and other relevant standards depending on the specific use (e.g., domestic water, water for the food industry). Compliance with these standards is mandatory to ensure product safety.

Mandatory Nature of Quality Management Standards like GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000 for Food Production Facilities?

Standards such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points System), and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System) are not always mandatory conditions for issuing a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. However, they are strongly encouraged quality management systems, and in some cases (such as specific foods, exports), they may be mandatory requirements under specialized regulations or partner requests.

Determining an Establishment’s Food Group and Applicable Specific Regulations?

An establishment’s food group (e.g., agricultural products, aquatic products, processed foods, functional foods) is determined based on the main product list it produces/trades. Specific regulations for each food group are often issued as Government Decrees and Circulars from specialized Ministries (Health, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade).

Requirement for Product Declaration or Product Registration Besides the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility?

Yes. After obtaining a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility, many types of food products (especially processed foods, functional foods, food additives) will require procedures for self-declaration of product conformity or registration of product declaration with competent state agencies before market release.

Basic Distinction Between “Food Processing Establishments” and “Food Service Businesses” in Licensing?

Although both relate to food, “food processing establishments” typically refer to factories and enterprises producing food on an industrial scale with complex production lines. “Food service businesses,” on the other hand, are restaurants, eateries, and collective kitchens where food is prepared for direct on-site consumption or delivery. Depending on their nature, the managing authority and specific criteria may differ, although the Ministry of Health is the general governing body for both.

Possibility of Online Submission for Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility Dossiers?

Depending on the competent authority and specific local regulations, many administrative procedures, including submitting dossiers for a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility, have been implemented through the National Public Service Portal or provincial/ministerial public service portals. Businesses should check specific information at the dossier receiving agency.

Common Reasons for Rejection or Failure of On-site Appraisal for Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility Dossiers?

Common reasons include incomplete or invalid dossiers; facilities and equipment not meeting hygiene standards (e.g., cracked floors, moldy walls, lack of ventilation); unhygienic production processes; employees lacking health certificates or food safety training certificates; or failure to ensure preservation and transportation conditions.

Conclusion

Undertaking the procedure for licensing food production and processing requires a deep understanding of legal regulations and practical experience. Long Phan Consulting Company, with its team of experienced legal experts, is ready to accompany businesses throughout the licensing process. Clients needing consultation should contact our hotline at 1900.63.63.89 for free advice and a detailed fee quote for our consulting and sub-licensing services for food production and processing. This comprehensive support is the core of our food production and processing licensing consulting service.