Vietnam's rice export regulations are undergoing significant changes as the government implements Decree No. 01/2025/ND-CP, effective March 1, 2025. This new regulation amends the existing Decree No. 107/2018/ND-CP, introducing stricter conditions for businesses engaged in rice exportation.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) has emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards within the rice export industry. Under the previous decree, the MOIT had set out seven specific circumstances under which the qualifications of rice-exporting businesses could be revoked. These included instances such as voluntary withdrawal of their export license, the bankruptcy or dissolution of the business, failure to export rice for 18 consecutive months, and other non-compliance issues.
With the introduction of Decree No. 01/2025/ND-CP, the MOIT has added an eighth condition for the revocation of export licenses: if businesses fail to submit requested reports within 45 days after the MOIT issues reminders.
This change is expected to tighten the management of rice exports significantly. The MOIT will inform the relevant parties, including businesses affected, the General Department of Customs, and local industrial departments, about the revocation of export qualifications.
One of the regulation's key enhancements focuses on ensuring accountability from rice exporters. The new decree stipulates businesses must now report their stock levels monthly, rather than weekly, to the MOIT, local trade departments, and the Vietnam Food Association. These reports will aid the MOIT's oversight efforts and help enforce compliance.
According to the new stipulations, businesses with export qualifications can only appoint others (trustees) to export rice if those parties also possess valid licenses to do so. This measure is aimed at mitigating risks associated with unverified export activities.
The responsibilities of various governmental departments concerning the rice export sector have been clearly outlined as well. The MOIT is tasked with actively promoting trade and enhancing the quality and branding of Vietnamese rice products on the global stage. This involves organizing programs and initiatives to boost rice exports and ensuring effective oversight and management of the sector.
Enhancements to the government's oversight do not end with just the responsibilities of the MOIT. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to allocate appropriate financial resources each year to support trade promotion activities connected to rice and its processed products.
Local authorities are also expected to play their role effectively. Within 45 days of businesses obtaining export qualifications, provincial governments are responsible for coordinating post-inspection activities to verify compliance with the export regulations.
The overall aim of these new amendments is to reinforce the integrity and reliability of Vietnam's rice export industry. With these regulatory enhancements, the government seeks to improve overall efficiency and transparency, ensuring compliance at every level of the export process.
With Vietnam's positioning as one of the world's top rice exporters, the successful implementation of these regulatory changes is seen as pivotal. They not only aim to maintain the country’s competitive edge but also serve to reiterate the commitment to quality and accountability within the agricultural sector.
Both exporters and stakeholders within the rice industry are advised to stay informed about these changes and prepare for their implementation effectively. The upcoming regulations present both challenges and opportunities for enhancing the global reputation of Vietnamese rice.