Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit: A Guide

A Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit is an administrative procedure under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. This legal instrument governs the importation of forestry plant varieties into Vietnam. To comply with regulations, individuals and organizations must understand the specific conditions, procedural steps, dossier components, and legal responsibilities involved. This guide provides a detailed technical breakdown of the process for obtaining a Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit.

Requirements and Conditions for Permit Issuance

According to Decree 27/2021/ND-CP, a forestry plant variety is a plant population distinguishable by at least one characteristic that is heritable. It must be uniform in morphology, stable across breeding cycles, and have established cultivation and use value.

An import permit is required for forestry plant varieties that are not on the official List of Forestry Plant Varieties Permitted for Production and Business. The import purpose must be for one of the following activities:

• Research
• Testing or field trials
• Experimental production
• Use as ornamental plants or shade trees
• International cooperation
• Exhibition samples or gifts
• Implementation of investment programs or projects

An exception exists for a new plant variety that, while not on the list, has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Legal Basis: Article 26, Decree 27/2021/ND-CP.

Dossier Components and Submission Methods

The application dossier for a Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit must include the following documents:

• An application form for the permit, using Form No. 05/LN from Appendix II of Decree 27/2021/ND-CP.
• The original technical dossier of the plant variety, using Form No. 07/LN from Appendix II of Decree 27/2021/ND-CP (submitted only once for the first import).
• One of the following supplementary documents, depending on the import purpose:
  • For testing/trials: The technical design document for the experiment (original or copy).
  • For international cooperation: The cooperation agreement (foreign language original with a notarized Vietnamese translation).
  • For exhibitions: An official confirmation or invitation letter for the event in Vietnam (original or copy).
  • For gifts: A confirmation document between the two parties (foreign language original with a notarized Vietnamese translation).
  • For investment projects: The project approval document from a competent state agency or the enterprise itself (copy).

Submission Methods: The dossier can be submitted to the designated provincial agency through one of three methods:

• Direct submission
• Online submission via the government portal
• Postal service

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Application letter for granting license to export/import forest plant varieties

Dossier of forest plant varieties proposed for export/import

Competent Authority

While the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection holds overarching authority, Decree 136/2025/ND-CP delegates the power to the provincial level. The Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee is the competent authority responsible for:

• Issuing the Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit.
• Re-issuing permits that have been lost or damaged.

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Procedure for Permit Issuance

The application procedure is defined in Appendix IV of Decree 136/2025/ND-CP.

Step 1: Dossier Submission The applicant submits one complete dossier to the agency designated by the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, using one of the approved submission methods.

Step 2: Dossier Completeness Verification The receiving agency verifies the dossier’s completeness. For direct submissions, the response is immediate. For online or postal submissions, the response is provided in writing within 01 working day.

Step 3: Appraisal and Decision Within 04 working days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the designated professional agency appraises the application and submits it to the Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee. The Chairman then makes the final decision to issue the permit. If the application is denied, a written notification stating the reasons is sent to the applicant.

Consulting Services at Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides comprehensive services for the Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit procedure. Our services include:

• Advising on the specific conditions and legal requirements for your case.
• Consulting on the necessary dossier components and procedural workflow.
• Providing detailed guidance on executing each step of the procedure.
• Reviewing the legal validity of all documents before submission.
• Drafting and preparing the complete application dossier.
• Acting as the authorized representative to submit the dossier and monitor progress.
• Representing the client in meetings with the competent authority.
• Receiving and delivering the final permit with a clear explanation of its contents.

Our expert team ensures your application is processed efficiently and in full compliance with all legal regulations.

Answers to Common Inquiries

What is the validity period of the import permit?

The permit is valid for a maximum of 12 months from the date of issuance. Legal Basis: Clause 6, Article 26, Decree 27/2021/ND-CP.

What is the total processing time for the permit application?

The maximum processing time is 05 working days, assuming a complete and valid dossier is submitted initially. This includes 01 working day for completeness verification and 04 working days for appraisal and issuance. Legal Basis: Clause 2, Appendix IV, Decree 136/2025/ND-CP.

Under what circumstances can an application be rejected?

Rejection can occur if the dossier is incomplete, contains inaccurate information, or if the imported plant variety poses a risk to Vietnam’s environment or ecosystem.

Is an import permit required for all forestry plant varieties?

No. A Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit is only required for varieties that are not on the official List of Forestry Plant Varieties Permitted for Production and Business.

Can a lost or damaged permit be re-issued?

Yes. An applicant can apply for a re-issuance of a lost or damaged permit according to the procedure outlined in Clause 3, Appendix IV of Decree 136/2025/ND-CP.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Forestry Plant Variety Import Permit is a critical legal step. A complete and accurate dossier is essential for an efficient approval process. For detailed consultation and expert support, contact Long Phan Consulting Company at our hotline: 1900636389.