13 groups of imported foods are not subject to food safety inspection according to HS codes

On August 17, 2017, the Ministry of Health issued Decision 3417-QD - BYT announcing the cancellation of Decision 818/2007/QD-BYT according to which 13 groups of imported foods will not be subject to food safety inspection according to the HS code.

1. Meat and fish preparations;
2. Animal or vegetable fats and oils;
3. Milk and dairy products;
4. Sugar and sugar candies;
5. Cocoa and cocoa products;
6. Preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk; cakes;
7. Coffee, tea, pepper;
8. Preparations from vegetables and fruits;
   Spice;
9. Beverages, wine and vinegar;
10. Food packaging and containers;
11. Functional foods and health protection products;
12. Food Additives.

According to Decree No. 38/2012/ND-CP, the Ministry of Health also allows 6 types of imported foods to be exempt from state safety inspection, including:

1. Food brought on entry for personal consumption within the quota is exempt from import tax
2. Food in diplomatic bags, consular bags
3. Food in transit, transshipment
4. Food sent to a bonded warehouse
5. Food is an experimental or research sample
6. Food is a model for exhibitions and fairs.

For imported goods other than those mentioned above, importing organizations and individuals must carry out procedures for a product announcement and state inspection of imported food safety according to current regulations.