Vietnam to Establish Decree for Halal Products and Services

As revealed by an official notice issued on June 25, 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is now soliciting public feedback to develop its draft “Decree on the Management of Halal Products and Services”. Please note that halal products cover a wide range of products, such as cosmetic products and medicines. In the food field, it can affect ordinary food, beverage, organic food, health supplement, etc.

As indicated by the MOST, the formulation of this draft is to go align with the increasing demand for halal product and service both in Vietnam and in other countries around the world. Any opinions can be sent to [email protected] prior to July 25, 2024.

Key Content

The draft outlines several key points crucial to the management of halal products and services in Vietnam. Certain aspects still lack detailed requirements and need to be developed afterwards.

Firstly, it mandates compliance with relevant published standards and Islamic regulations governing halal products. Since halal standards are different in different countries, to help Vietnam expand the overseas halal food market, the MOST will study and formulate Vietnam’s national standard mainly by taking reference from Codex Standards and the halal standards in Vietnam’s key exporting countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. For example, currently, Vietnam has 5 national standards regarding halal products: TCVN 12944:2020 Halal food — General requirements; TCVN 13708:2023 Good Agricultural Practices for Halal Production Facilities; TCVN 13709:2023 Halal animal feed; TCVN 13710:2023 Halal food – Requirements for animal slaughter; TCVN 13888:2023 Conformity assessment – Requirements for organizations certifying Halal products, processes and services. They are built in harmony with popular standards such as CODEX CXG 24-1997 General Guidelines for Use of the Term Halal, Malaysian Standard MS 1500:2019 Halal Food – General Requirements, etc.

Secondly, regarding the product label, the draft requires organizations and individuals involved in producing, exporting, importing, or circulating halal products in Vietnam to clearly mark packaging, labels, or accompanying documents with the applicable halal standards. This includes adherence to Vietnamese laws on product labeling. In addition, enterprises also need to label halal certification mark. Imported halal products certified by an authorized organization from their exporting country as conforming to international standards are permitted to use the exporting country's halal product certification mark.

Thirdly, this draft also includes chapters for assessment activities of halal product & service, inspection activities and penalties for violations.

Lastly, to support and promote the exportation of Vietnam’s halal products, the Draft revealed that Vietnam will promote signing agreements with Muslim-majority countries and issue policies to build Vietnam’s brand and support enterprises, etc.

For further updates on this decree, stay tuned with ChemLinked.