Currently, the demand for functional foods is increasing as people become more health-conscious. In addition to using domestic products, consumers also favor imported functional foods. Therefore, to meet this demand, many businesses have begun importing functional foods from abroad. However, to ensure quality and safety, completing the Importing Functional Foods Declaration procedures is mandatory. The following article will provide comprehensive information on the Importing Functional Foods Declaration procedures to help readers better understand the process! 

What is the Importing Functional Foods Declaration? 

The Importing Functional Foods Declaration is a mandatory legal procedure that allows functional food products from abroad to be distributed in the Vietnamese market. This process involves inspection, registration, and certification by relevant authorities. The purpose is to ensure that the products meet standards of food safety, quality, and compliance with current legal regulations.

Why is it necessary to have the Importing Functional Foods Declaration?

Importing Functional Foods Declaration is a mandatory requirement for several important reasons in the logistics sector: 

Ensuring consumer safety 

The declaration procedure ensures that imported functional food products have been inspected and meet food safety and hygiene standards. This reduces the risk of harm to consumers’ health from using products that do not meet quality standards. 

Ensuring product quality 

The declaration process mandates rigorous testing and evaluation of products to ensure they meet advertised quality standards as declared by the manufacturer. This helps consumers trust the origin and quality of the products they use. 

Compliance with legal regulations 

Importing Functional Foods Declaration is a mandatory requirement under Vietnamese law. Adhering to this process helps businesses avoid legal risks, penalties, and product recalls from the market. 

Building consumer trust 

When products are declared and meet standards, consumers are more confident in the quality and safety of the products, thereby enhancing the credibility and reputation of businesses in the market. 

Protecting the domestic market 

Importing Functional Foods Declaration helps prevent the import and circulation of low-quality products, safeguarding the domestic functional food manufacturing industry from unfair competition.

The list of goods requiring Importing Functional Foods Declaration

Includes the following categories according to Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT, Food Safety Law 2010, and Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP: 

Health protective foods

Supplementation to daily diet. 

Intended for improving, maintaining, or enhancing health. 

Containing one or more of the following substances:

a) Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other biologically active substances.

b) Natural sources including animals, minerals, and plants in the form of extracts, isolates, concentrates, and metabolites.

c) Synthetic sources of the components mentioned in points a and b above.

Presented in forms such as capsules, tablets, or compressed tablets. 

Medical nutrition foods

Used for medical purposes, can be administered orally or via tube feeding, adjusting the diet of patients. 

This group of foods requires supervision by healthcare professionals. 

Special dietary foods

Used for specific diets such as for dieting individuals, elderly persons, and other specific groups as regulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. 

Foods processed according to special formulas. 

Meeting specific dietary requirements based on physical condition, medical conditions, and specific disorders of the user.

Procedure for Importing Functional Foods Declaration

Imported functional food products that fully comply with the prescribed standards will undergo the procedure for declaration of imported functional foods immediately. 

For those functional food products that do not yet comply with the prescribed standards, the procedure for compliance declaration must be completed first. Subsequently, the procedure for Importing Functional Foods Declaration can be initiated. 

Procedure for Compliance Declaration 

The compliance declaration dossier include:

• Compliance declaration of functional food products according to Food Safety Law regulations under Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP. 
• Detailed product information according to the specified template. 
• Certified copies of third-party conformity assessment certificates. 
• Certified copies of HACCP or ISO 22000 standards compliance certificates or equivalent, in cases where organizations or individuals producing products have quality management systems certified to comply with HACCP or ISO 22000 standards or equivalent.

Model-Form-for-Acknowledgment-of-Registration-for-Importing-Functional-Foods-Declaration

Procedure for Importing Functional Foods Declaration 

The dossier for proceeding with the procedure for Importing Functional Foods Declaration includes: 

• Certified copy of business registration certificate. 
• Certificate of Free Sale, Certificate of Exportation, or Health Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health of the exporting country, demonstrating product safety for consumers or free sale in the market of the manufacturing/exporting country. 
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) of product components. 
• HACCP, ISO 22000, or GMP certification of the manufacturer. 
• Product labels circulating in the country of origin. 
• Draft of supplementary labels in Vietnamese. 
• Certificate of facility meeting food safety conditions. 
• Information and scientific documents proving the mechanism of action of the product. 
• Information regarding accurate product name, intended use, and product form. 

Receipt Location and Confirmation Time for Declaration 

Receipt Location: Department of Food Safety – Ministry of Health 

Processing Time: 30-35 working days 

Validity Period of Standard Certificate: 

• 5 years for products from manufacturing or trading facilities with certificates in advanced quality management systems: HACCP, ISO 22000, or equivalent. 
• 3 years for products from manufacturing or trading facilities without the above certificates.

Regulations on Importing Functional Foods Declaration

To prepare a complete and compliant dossier, it is mandatory to refer to relevant circulars and decrees. Below are 3 important regulations for implementing the declaration of imported functional foods: 

• Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP. 
• Circular 19/2012/TT-BYT provides guidelines on compliant declaration of functional foods. 
• Circular 43/2014/TT-BYT on management regulations of functional foods.

Lookup of Importing Functional Foods Declaration

Upon completing the registration process, if the declaration dossier for imported functional foods is valid, the company’s information will be published on the Ministry of Health’s website.

Interface of the Ministry of Health’s website for querying valid Importing Functional Foods Declaration 

• Step 1: Access the website at https://nghidinh15.vfa.gov.vn/ 
• Step 2: Navigate to “Lookup” and select the submenu “Registration dossier for product declaration”. 
• Step 3: Enter all displayed information on the screen and select the category “Health protective”. 
• Step 4: Verify the information and check the published product declaration number.

SSR Logistics – Reliable Customs Clearance Service Provider for Importing Functional Foods Declaration

Importing functional food declaration is a mandatory procedure that requires strict adherence to import-export regulations. This registration process is complex, time-consuming, and demands specialized expertise. Understanding these challenges, SSR Logistics was established with a mission to be a trusted partner assisting businesses in swiftly, effectively, and cost-efficiently completing the declaration procedures for imported functional foods. 

Why Choose SSR Logistics?

• Experienced team of professionals 
• Streamlined processes 
• 24/7 dedicated support 
• Competitive Pricing 

Customs Clearance Service for Importing Functional Foods Declaration by SSR Logistics 

SSR Logistics’ Declaration Services for Importing Functional Foods include: 

• Free consultation on the declaration procedures for imported functional foods. 
• Assistance in preparing the declaration dossier for imported functional foods accurately and completely. 
• Submission of dossiers and monitoring the progress of the declaration process for imported functional foods. 
• Providing solutions and advice in case of any arising issues. 
• Offering import and export cargo transportation services. 

With SSR Logistics, you can be assured of a smooth declaration process for imported functional foods. We are committed to providing you with professional, reliable, and efficient services, helping you save time and costs.

Through this article, SSR Logistics hopes that customers have gained an overall understanding of Importing Functional Foods Declaration. To explore more diverse knowledge in the field of logistics, please visit our Logistics Knowledge section.    

SSR looks forward to becoming your reliable logistics partner, providing optimal solutions for your importing and exporting business. Should you have any question regarding our services, please feel free to contact us for specific advice.   

With our experienced team, extensive network and flexible shipping & customs solutions, SSR Logistics is confident to deliver excellent services to our clients.  

Businesses that need customs and import-export, please contact SSR Logistics via Hotline (+84) 911 988 484 or leave your information here for specific advice. 

With a modern warehouse system and experienced transportation staff, SSR Logistics provides a variety of additional services such as: customs clearance, warehouse leasing, domestic transportation, international transportation by sea and air, and international express delivery.