August 16, 2026 | Vietnam + |
Vietnamese agricultural exporters are being urged to adapt proactively to increasingly diverse sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements in major markets. The EU is preparing stricter maximum residue limits for eight pesticide active ingredients, with some proposed thresholds falling substantially. New rules are expected in 2027, making careful pesticide management at the farm level increasingly important.
Vietnamese durian, dragon fruit, okra, and chilli peppers remain subject to enhanced EU border inspections, although improved compliance has reduced the number of controlled products. Authorities have requested lower inspection rates for dragon fruit following a period without detected violations.
Officials emphasize that SPS compliance should begin during production rather than at export inspection, reducing the risk and cost of rejected shipments. Requirements increasingly cover traceability, digital records, sustainability, and quality control throughout the supply chain.
Regulatory standards are also diverging across markets. While the EU continues tightening some pesticide residue limits, the UK has relaxed certain requirements following Brexit. Some EU member states, including Germany, have also introduced stricter national measures. Exporters therefore need to monitor destination-specific regulations and adjust production and documentation accordingly to maintain market access and competitiveness.
