Imported milk products must be put in quarantine

Customs officer checked import & export goods.

Earlier, the General Department of Customs sent a proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to remove obstacles related to one item (canned and powdered milk) managed by two ministries.

In particular, the case of Nhat Minh Tan Trading service Co., Ltd did import procedures for canned and powdered milk for children Pediasure made in Australia, packed in iron box tinplate, 800g/box, packing was guaranteed for food safety according to regulations of the Ministry of Health. Consignments of canned and powdered milk be certified on conformity and quality control of the Ministry of Health before clearance.

Based on Circular No. 25/2016/TT-BNN of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regulations on animal quarantine and terrestrial products, canned and powdered milk is subject to animal quarantine.

While the basis of Decision No. 3648/QD-BCT dated 8-9-2016 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the list of products of imported goods must be inspected for quality assurance, technical regulations, and food safety before clearance under the management responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, powdered milk canned goods are subject to food safety inspection before clearance.

Thus, based on two guiding documents, for powdered milk canned goods are subject to quarantine, and food safety inspection.

Regarding this issue, the Ministry of Finance (General Department Customs) has written to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health recommended: Processed food items (such as sour milk, canned food ) must be quarantined, and be subject to food safety inspection, but now only need to present either document for Customs cargo clearance.

Response to the Customs authorities and businesses, the Animal Health Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) said that under the provisions of Clause 3 of Article 37 of the Law on Veterinary Affairs Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued the list of animals and animal products subject to quarantine; the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Circular 25/2016/TT-BNN animal quarantine regulations, terrestrial animal products, dairy products which are subject to quarantine.

Explaining this, the Animal Health Department stated the provisions of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Codex Alimentarius Commission about quarantine certificates for milk and milk products in international trade; agreement on veterinary hygiene requirements for quarantine certificates for export milk and dairy products (including milk processing) in Vietnam.

Currently, the quarantine of milk and milk products by veterinary authorities is carried out at the border. The quarantine includes: Check the contents of certificates of quarantine contents are correct; organoleptic inspection and veterinary hygiene criteria include the transmission of microorganisms between humans and animals; or check, depending on the disease situation of exporting countries.