The Import–Export Department (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) has recently issued Official Dispatch No. 135/XNK-TMQT to the Departments of Industry and Trade of provinces and centrally governed cities regarding the removal of obstacles encountered in the implementation of state procedures for food safety inspections.

According to the dispatch, in implementing the directive of Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long set out in Official Document No. 1012/VPCP-KGVX dated January 31, 2026, issued by the Government Office on addressing petitions to resolve difficulties in carrying out state food safety inspection procedures in accordance with Government Decree No. 46/2026/NĐ-CP dated January 26, 2026, the Import-Export Department has requested the Departments of Industry and Trade of provinces and cities to coordinate in implementing a number of tasks.

For Departments of Industry and Trade in border provinces, the Import–Export Department has called for stronger exchanges and negotiations with local authorities and regulatory agencies of neighboring countries to promptly address difficulties and obstacles arising in the implementation of state food safety inspection procedures. At the same time, these departments are encouraged to extend customs clearance hours at border gates in order to facilitate clearance activities, particularly for Vietnam’s agricultural exports during holidays and the Lunar New Year, thereby avoiding congestion or bottlenecks at border areas.

In addition, border provinces are urged to regularly update developments in cargo handling and customs clearance at border gates, along with related issues, and to promptly communicate and report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade as well as other relevant ministries, sectors, and agencies to coordinate the handling of emerging problems.

For Departments of Industry and Trade in all provinces and cities, the Import–Export Department has requested close coordination with relevant local authorities to promptly implement solutions to remove difficulties and obstacles in state food safety inspection procedures. These departments are also asked to regularly update information and developments from border provinces so as to proactively consider and adjust the pace of transporting goods to border areas and importing goods into Vietnam in line with the customs clearance capacity of border gates.

Furthermore, efforts should be strengthened to disseminate information and provide guidance to import–export enterprises in their localities on complying with instructions from competent authorities regarding state food safety inspection procedures. Enterprises should also be kept informed of customs clearance developments at border gates to proactively formulate appropriate import–export plans, thereby minimizing congestion and other adverse impacts. The Departments are also requested to promptly exchange information and provide feedback to the Departments of Industry and Trade in border provinces, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and relevant ministries, sectors, and agencies in order to coordinate the resolution of arising issues.