Wholesale Agricultural Product License Procedures [2025]

The legal process to secure a wholesale agricultural product license is mandatory for any organization or individual involved in distributing agricultural goods in Vietnam. Strict compliance with business registration and food safety laws ensures the legality of an operation. It also builds a transparent market. This analysis from Long Phan Consulting details the components and legal requirements of this procedure.

Core Stages for a Wholesale Agricultural Product License

To complete the wholesale agricultural product license procedure and operate legally, a business must complete two primary stages. Understanding these steps is the foundation for a smooth, fast, and compliant process.

Stage 1: Business Registration

This is the first and mandatory step. The business must select a suitable legal structure, such as an enterprise (LLC, JSC) or a sole proprietorship. The registration occurs at a competent state authority. Completing the business registration establishes the legal entity for market participation.

Stage 2: Food Safety Eligibility Certificate

This is a core requirement of the wholesale agricultural product license process. Except for specific exemptions, all agricultural wholesalers must prove their facility meets all hygiene and food safety standards. A competent authority must issue a certificate to validate these conditions.

These two stages are interconnected. They are necessary and sufficient conditions for a facility to wholesale agricultural products domestically. Each stage has specific dossier requirements, procedures, and responsible agencies. Careful preparation ensures legal and operational stability.

Note: This article focuses on the procedure for a domestic wholesale agricultural product license. Businesses involved in import or export must complete additional procedures for import-export permits as per separate regulations.

Detailed Steps in the Licensing Procedure

To be licensed for agricultural wholesale, a business must complete two main legal procedures: business registration and obtaining a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. These are core legal requirements. They ensure the facility has legal status and meets product quality and safety standards.

Business Registration with Correct Industry Codes

The initial phase is to establish the business. An operator must choose a structure that fits the scale and orientation of the business, either as a sole proprietorship or an enterprise. This choice directly impacts the legal structure, property liability, management, and tax regulations.

For a small-scale operation (sole proprietorship), the dossier includes:

• An application for registration of a business household.
• A valid copy of the legal documents of the household head and family members (if applicable).
• A valid copy of the meeting minutes of family members on establishing the business household (if applicable).
• A valid copy of the authorization document from family members for one person to act as the head of the business household (if applicable).

The dossier is submitted to the district-level business registration office where the business is located. The resolution time is 03 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier.

For a larger-scale operation (enterprise), the dossier includes:

• An application for enterprise registration.
• The company’s charter.
• A list of members or founding shareholders, depending on the company type.
• Valid copies of the legal documents of the legal representative and founding members/shareholders.
• Other documents as specified in Articles 19, 20, 21, and 22 of the Law on Enterprises 2020.

The dossier is submitted to the Business Registration Office of the Department of Planning and Investment where the enterprise is located. The processing time is 03 working days from receipt of a valid dossier.

Note on Business Industry Code Registration:

According to Decision 27/2018/QĐ-TTg, the wholesale of agricultural products falls under level-4 code 4620 – Wholesale of raw agricultural and forestry products (except wood, bamboo) and live animals. It is necessary to register the specific level-5 codes corresponding to the products:

• 46201: Wholesale of rice, corn, and other grains.
• 46202: Wholesale of flowers and plants.
• 46203: Wholesale of live animals.
• 46204: Wholesale of feed and raw materials for livestock, poultry, and aquatic animals.
• 46209: Wholesale of other raw agricultural and forestry products (except wood, bamboo).

Obtaining the Food Safety Eligibility Certificate

After receiving the Business Registration Certificate, the next vital step is to obtain the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility. This is a mandatory requirement, except for cases exempted under Article 12 of Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP (such as small-scale trading, pre-packaged foods, small-scale preliminary processing, or facilities with existing GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000 certificates).

>>> Refer to related articles about GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000 certificates: 

• HACCP certification procedures and implementation costs
• Distinguishing between HACCP and ISO 22000: Which choice is appropriate?
• Procedures for applying for GMP Certificate for health protection foods
• Procedures for applying for ISO 22000 certificate – Food safety management system.

This permit is essential for any wholesaler involved in the preliminary processing or repackaging of agricultural products. The certificate is a state recognition that the facility meets standards for infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. This ensures the safety of agricultural products before they enter the market. To complete this, one must understand the dossier requirements, competent authorities, and procedure.

Dossier Requirements

Based on Clause 1, Article 36 of the Law on Food Safety 2010 and Clause 14, Article 1 of Circular 17/2024/TT-BNNPTNT, the application dossier includes:

• An application for a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility.
• A copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
• A description of the facility, equipment, and tools that ensure food safety and hygiene conditions.
• A certificate of food safety knowledge training for the facility owner and direct personnel.
• A health certificate for the facility owner and direct food handlers.

Licensing Authority

The authority to issue the Certificate is based on the main product being sold. For agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, the competent agencies are typically specialized units assigned by the provincial/city People’s Committee, such as:

• Sub-department of Cultivation and Plant Protection.
• Sub-department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine.
• Sub-department of Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Management.

Procedure

According to Clauses 14, 15, and 16 of Article 1, Circular 17/2024/TT-BNNPTNT, the issuance procedure is as follows:

• Step 1: Dossier Submission: The facility submits one set of documents to the competent authority via the online public service portal, by post, or in person.
• Step 2: Dossier Review: Within 03 working days, the receiving agency checks the completeness and validity of the dossier. If incomplete, a written request for additions or amendments will be issued.
• Step 3: On-site Inspection: Within 15 working days of receiving a valid dossier, the functional agency will conduct an on-site inspection. The inspection covers records, workshops, equipment, quality management processes, and traceability.
• Step 4: Certificate Issuance: If the inspection result is “Pass,” the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility will be issued within 05 working days. If “Fail,” the agency will provide a written response stating the reasons.

>>> See more at: Wholesale Rice License: A Guide [2025]

Consulting Services for Wholesale Agricultural Product License at Long Phan Consulting Company

With a team of legal experts experienced in administrative procedures and business licensing, we commit to partnering with businesses from preparation to completion of the entire licensing process.

Expert Consultation and Strategy

• Free consultation on business conditions and legal obligations related to wholesale agricultural product sales.
• Guidance on selecting appropriate registration industry codes.
• Advice on requirements for facilities, storage conditions, transportation, and preservation of agricultural products.

Dossier Preparation

• Drafting of all documents for business registration and the food safety eligibility certificate.
• Guiding clients to prepare materials, site plans, quality commitments, and specialized forms.
• Verifying the validity of the entire dossier before submission.

Representation and Follow-up

• Submitting dossiers and working directly with licensing authorities on your behalf.
• Monitoring the processing progress and responding quickly to any requests for additional information.
• Receiving and delivering the results to the client in full and on time.

The consulting service for the wholesale agricultural product license at Long Phan Consulting provides a comprehensive solution for businesses. Long Phan Consulting helps businesses complete all procedures from business registration to food safety certification quickly and effectively.

Clarification on Key Regulatory Issues

In practice, specific legal questions often arise. This section addresses the most common inquiries from clients.

Defining Small-Scale Businesses Exempt from Food Safety Certification

A small-scale food business is one not required to register as a business by law (e.g., households, individuals selling street food, snacks, or on a per-trip basis). It can also be a registered business that operates at a household scale without a fixed location. The specific definition of “small-scale” is determined by the guidance of the provincial-level People’s Committee in each locality.

Validity and Renewal of the Food Safety Eligibility Certificate

The Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility is valid for 03 years from the date of issuance. Six months before the certificate expires, the business must submit a renewal application to ensure its commercial activities are not interrupted.

Procedure for a Change of Business Address

A change of address requires re-application. Both the Business Registration Certificate and the Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility are issued for a specific address. When a facility moves to a new location, it is mandatory to carry out the procedure to change the business address and apply for a new food safety certificate for the new location.

Requirements for E-commerce and Website Sales

The law governs the nature of the business activity, not the sales channel. Therefore, whether selling through traditional channels or online platforms, a facility must still complete business registration and obtain a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility for its warehouse, processing, and packaging areas. Additionally, activities on e-commerce websites must comply with the regulations in Decree 52/2013/NĐ-CP on e-commerce.

Penalties for Operating Without a License

Operating a business without the required license is subject to administrative sanctions. Fines can reach tens of millions of VND depending on the severity and scale of the violation, according to Decree 115/2018/NĐ-CP (amended by Decree 124/2021/NĐ-CP). Furthermore, the business may be forced to recall products and suspend operations.

Authorized Food Safety Training Providers

Food safety knowledge training and certification must be conducted by units designated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Typically, provincial-level specialized agencies such as the Sub-department of Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Management or authorized training centers will organize these courses.

Specific Conditions Inspected by Authorities

During an on-site inspection, the team will check practical conditions such as: the storage area must be clean, dry, with measures to control pests and harmful animals; products must be placed on shelves or racks off the floor and away from walls; there must be separation between different types of agricultural products to prevent cross-contamination; appropriate temperature and humidity must be maintained for each product type; and a clear traceability system must be in place.

Conclusion

Completing the wholesale agricultural product license procedure is a fundamental legal requirement for lawful and stable business operations. The process demands precision in every stage, from business registration to obtaining the food safety permit. To ensure a smooth process, clients can contact Long Phan Consulting Company for professional legal advice and support via hotline 1900.63.63.89