A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has addressed the growing concern over stalled shipments of dragon fruit and pepper to the EU, caused by the lack of a designated authority to issue food safety certificates for plant-based products.

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Dragon fruit exports to the EU are currently stalled. Illustrative photo: Thien Chi

As previously reported by VietNamNet, Huynh Canh, Chairman of the Binh Thuan Dragon Fruit Association, said dragon fruit exports in the region have been severely disrupted. More than 100 tons of fruit have spoiled due to over 20 days of delays, with an additional 50–70 tons still sitting in storage.

According to Canh, the problem stems from the absence of a state authority authorized to issue food safety certificates required for plant-based exports.

The issue goes beyond dragon fruit. Two companies from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) are also stuck with stockpiles worth an estimated $2.4 million that cannot be exported for the same reason.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), said his agency had previously issued guidelines to local authorities. However, local departments argued that these guidelines only applied within Vietnam and did not meet the specific requirements of importing countries.

As a result, the Department is urgently revising the administrative procedures to ensure compliance with international standards. “All departments are required to submit feedback on the revised procedures by 2 p.m. today, after which the final proposal will be submitted for approval,” Hieu stated.

Additionally, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection has formally requested that the EU accept Vietnam’s current certificate format, though no response has yet been received, Hieu added.

In a recent emergency petition to the Ministry, Ho Chi Minh City's Food Safety Authority outlined numerous procedural issues and called for clearer guidance. These concern the official inspection process for plant-based food exports.

To resolve the export impasse for key items such as dragon fruit, okra, and chili peppers, the Authority urged the Ministry to swiftly issue clear regulations on required documentation. This would provide a legal basis for local authorities to issue certificates that meet EU import standards.

Tam An