Plant Protection Product Import License in Vietnam

Obtaining a plant protection product import license is a procedure to control the quality, origin, and safety of pesticide products entering Vietnam. This legal requirement protects the environment, public health, and ensures sustainable agricultural production. This analysis from Long Phan Consulting Company details the complete procedure.

Conditions for a Plant Protection Product Import License

According to subsection 2.10, Section I, Part A, Section II of the Administrative Procedures amended, supplemented, and annulled in the field of cultivation and plant protection, issued with Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT on June 23, 2025, individuals and organizations must meet specific conditions. The import and use of plant protection products containing methyl bromide must comply with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The specific terms are:

• Plant protection products containing methyl bromide can only be imported from countries that are parties to the Montreal Protocol.
• The import and use of methyl bromide are restricted to plant quarantine, pre-shipment (QPS) fumigation of agricultural exports, and other cases specified by the Montreal Protocol.

Application Dossier for a Plant Protection Product Import License

As regulated in subsection 2.3, Section I, Part A, Section II of Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT, the required application documents vary by the type of plant protection product.

For importing products not on Vietnam’s list of permitted plant protection products for temporary import, re-export, or domestic production for export under a foreign contract:

• An application form for a plant protection product import license (Form No. 01, Appendix I, Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT).
• Import contract, export contract, or processing contract with the foreign partner.
• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) from the exporting country (submitted only for the first application).

For importing fumigants containing methyl bromide and active ingredients with acute toxicity levels I or II under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS):

• An application form for a plant protection product import license (Form No. 01, Appendix I, Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT).
• A report on the import, use, and trade of methyl bromide for previous imports (Form No. 02, Appendix I, Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT).

For importing products not on Vietnam’s list for testing or research purposes related to product registration:

• An application form for a plant protection product import license (Form No. 01, Appendix I, Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT).
• A plant protection product testing permit or a Chemical Safety Data Sheet for the test sample.
• A research outline for the proposed import (for research purposes).

For importing products for foreign-funded projects in Vietnam, as samples for exhibitions, trade fairs, or in special cases approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment:

• An application form for a plant protection product import license (Form No. 01, Appendix I, Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT).
• Import contract.
• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) from the exporting country if the product contains an active ingredient not yet on Vietnam’s permitted list.

For importing products on Vietnam’s list of banned substances for use as laboratory standards:

• An application form for a plant protection product import license (Form No. 01, Appendix I, Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT).

Methods of Dossier Submission

Under subsection 2.2, Section I, Part A, Section II of Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT, an applicant can submit the dossier through these methods:

• Direct submission at the Public Administration Service Center or the Single-Window Department.
• Online submission via the National Public Service Portal.
• Submission via postal service.

Procedure for Issuing a Plant Protection Product Import License

The procedure, outlined in subsection 2.1, Section I, Part A, Section II of Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT, involves the following steps:

Step 1: Dossier Submission The applicant submits one complete set of the application dossier to the Public Administration Service Center or the Single-Window Department.

Step 2: Dossier Review for Completeness The receiving authority confirms the dossier’s completeness immediately for direct submissions. For online or postal submissions, the authority provides a written response on completeness within 01 working day.

Step 3: Dossier Appraisal and License Issuance Within 05 working days of receiving a valid and complete dossier, the authority appraises the documents. It then submits them to the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee for the final decision on issuing the plant protection product import license. If the application is rejected, the authority must issue a written notification stating the reasons.

>>> See more at: Granting of certificate of eligibility to trade in pesticides in 2024

Consulting and Execution Services for Licensing

Long Phan Consulting Company provides expert legal services for the plant protection product import license procedure. Our expertise ensures an accurate and efficient process, from initial consultation to license delivery.

Comprehensive Consulting Services

• We analyze the compliance of your proposed import product against Vietnam’s official pesticide-approved lists.
• Our team assesses your company’s eligibility and structures solutions to meet all legal prerequisites.
• We develop a strategic roadmap and action plan to optimize the licensing timeline.

Dossier Preparation and Finalization

• Our specialists draft the official application form and all associated legal documents to match regulatory standards.
• We manage the notarized translation and consular legalization of all necessary documents originating from foreign countries.
• We conduct a final, comprehensive review of the entire dossier to guarantee accuracy, completeness, and consistency before submission.

Official Representation and Procedure Execution

• We act as your official representative to submit the completed dossier to the competent government authorities.
• Our team actively monitors the application’s progress, directly addressing any inquiries from state agencies.
• We receive the original plant protection product import license and deliver it directly to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about the plant protection product import license.

What is the validity period of the license?

According to subsection 2.7 of Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT, the license is valid for the entire shipment specified. Its effective period is stated on the license for each product type but does not exceed 12 months from the date of issuance.

What is the government fee for the license?

As stated in subsection 2.8 of Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT, the administrative fee for this procedure is 1,000,000 VND per application.

Where is the license form specified?

The official template for the plant protection product import license is provided in Form No. 03, Appendix I, issued with Circular No. 12/2025/TT-BNNMT.

Is a methyl bromide import license different from others?

Yes. Under subsection 2.7 of Decision 2286/QĐ-BNNMT, a license to import methyl bromide is valid only for the calendar year in which it is issued.

Conclusion

The procedure for a plant protection product import license involves complex technical and legal regulations. To ensure a smooth and timely process while avoiding errors, using a professional consulting service is an effective solution. For detailed consultation and support, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via our Hotline: 1900636389 to speak with our experts.