Importing organic fertilizers

Importing organic fertilizers into Vietnam requires strict compliance with legal regulations and administrative procedures. Below is a detailed and professional guide for the necessary steps to successfully complete this process.

1. Business Registration and Import Conditions

Business Registration:

• The enterprise must have a Business Registration Certificate with activities related to the production, trading, and import of fertilizers.
• The specific industry code must be clearly stated in the Business Registration Certificate, according to the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification (VSIC).

Import Conditions:

• According to Decree No. 108/2017/ND-CP on fertilizer management, the enterprise must have a Certificate of Eligibility for Fertilizer Production and Trading issued by the Plant Protection Department.
• The enterprise must meet the requirements regarding facilities, equipment, and specialized personnel.

2. Registration for Fertilizer Quality Inspection

Import License:

• The enterprise must apply for an import license for fertilizers from the Plant Protection Department or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• The application for the import license includes:
  • An application form for importing fertilizers as prescribed.
  • A notarized copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
  • Import contract (Contract) and commercial invoice (Invoice).
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA) of the product from the foreign manufacturer.

Quality Inspection Registration Dossier:

• The required dossier includes:
  • An application form for quality inspection as prescribed.
  • Technical documents on fertilizers (Material Safety Data Sheet – MSDS).
  • Quality certificates from the competent authority of the exporting country.
  • Sample labels and usage instructions.

3. Plant Quarantine and Quality Inspection

Plant Quarantine:

• Imported organic fertilizers must undergo plant quarantine to ensure they do not carry harmful pathogens or insects.
• The enterprise must contact the Plant Quarantine Sub-Department to perform quarantine when the goods arrive at the port.
• The quarantine dossier includes:
  • Phytosanitary Certificate from the competent authority of the exporting country.
  • Plant quarantine declaration form as prescribed.

Quality Inspection:

• The Plant Protection Department will take samples of the fertilizers for quality inspection at the laboratory.
• The inspection process includes determining nutritional components, additives, and other safety indicators according to national technical standards.
• If the standards are met, the Department will issue a quality inspection certificate.

4. Customs Procedures

Customs Dossier:

• The enterprise must prepare a complete dossier for customs procedures, including:
  • Import customs declaration form as prescribed.
  • Import license for fertilizers issued by the Plant Protection Department.
  • Plant quarantine certificate.
  • Quality inspection certificate.
  • Import contract, commercial invoice, and other related documents.

Clearance:

• After submitting the dossier and paying import duties, the customs authority will inspect and clear the goods.
• The enterprise can transport the fertilizers to storage or distribution after completing the procedures.

5. Fertilizer Circulation Registration

Circulation Certificate:

• The enterprise must register the circulation of the fertilizer product at the Plant Protection Department or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• The circulation registration dossier includes:
  • Application form for circulation registration as prescribed.
  • Quality inspection certificate.
  • Quality inspection results.
  • Technical documents and product labels.

6. Storage and Distribution

Storage:

• Imported organic fertilizers must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place and ensure safety.
• Storage facilities must comply with regulations on fire prevention and product preservation.

Distribution:

• The enterprise can distribute fertilizers to dealers or directly to consumers.
• The product must have clear labels, conforming to regulations on product information and usage instructions.

Regulations and Technical Standards

National Technical Standards:

• Imported organic fertilizers must comply with national technical standards for fertilizers (QCVN) issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• The standards include indicators on nutritional components, heavy metals, harmful microorganisms, and other hazardous substances.

Safety and Environmental Protection:

• Organic fertilizers must ensure safety for human health and not harm the environment.
• The production, transportation, and use of fertilizers must comply with environmental protection regulations.

Following the above procedures will help enterprises import organic fertilizers smoothly, ensuring product quality and compliance with current legal regulations. Mastering and complying with legal regulations not only helps enterprises avoid legal risks but also builds credibility and trust with customers and partners.