The European Union (EU) regulates agricultural imports under a unified legal framework applicable across all member states, rather than through country-specific regulations. The core of this framework is the EU Plant Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/2031), which has been fully in force since 2019 and is continuously updated through implementing regulations and technical lists.
For agricultural products imported from Vietnam, EU phytosanitary standards are designed not only to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms, but also to control pesticide residues, ensure traceability, and guarantee transparency throughout the entire supply chain.
Phytosanitary Certificate Requirements
All consignments of fresh agricultural products exported to the EU are required to be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country, in compliance with the standards of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
This certificate confirms that:
The consignment has been inspected and is free from quarantine pests listed by the EU.
The goods comply with specific phytosanitary requirements of the EU market.
Information related to the growing area, packing facility, and post-harvest handling is accurate and fully traceable.
Any discrepancy between documentation and the actual shipment may result in detention or rejection at the EU border.
Pest Lists and Risk Control Measures
The EU applies a regulated pest list under Regulation (EU) 2019/2072, which specifies prohibited and strictly controlled pests for different product categories.
For fresh fruits, particularly tropical products, EU requirements include:
Growing areas must be monitored and free from pests listed as prohibited.
Preventive measures, pest surveillance, and record-keeping must be implemented throughout cultivation.
In certain cases, post-harvest treatments or additional measures may be required depending on the specific product.
Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) for Pesticides
In addition to phytosanitary controls, agricultural products imported into the EU must strictly comply with Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides.
Key characteristics of the EU market include:
EU MRLs are often lower than those applied in many other markets.
Certain active substances permitted in Vietnam are prohibited or subject to very low limits in the EU.
The EU may conduct random inspections or apply reinforced controls to products with a history of non-compliance.
Failure to comply with MRL requirements may lead to notifications on the RASFF system, causing serious reputational damage to both the exporter and the sector.
Traceability and Official Control Systems
Under Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls, exporters are required to ensure full traceability from the growing area to the exported consignment.
Minimum required information includes:
Growing area codes
Packing facilities
Cultivation records
Post-harvest treatment documentation
From Q1 2026, the EU will strengthen requirements on the completeness and consistency of documentation, while expanding cross-checks through the electronic TRACES NT system.
Key Tightening Measures from Q1 2026
Starting in Q1 2026, the EU is expected to:
Increase inspection frequency for high-risk product groups.
Expand the list of pests subject to monitoring.
Require more detailed traceability records, particularly for new growing areas or those with a history of violations.
This means exporters can no longer rely on end-stage documentation alone, but must implement quality control from the growing area and cultivation process onward.
An Supply’s Role in Meeting EU Standards
An Supply supports partners in building control systems aligned with EU regulations, including growing area selection, cultivation monitoring, residue management, and export documentation preparation.
With practical experience in exporting agricultural products to high-requirement markets, An Supply acts as a coordinator and risk-reduction partner for companies entering the EU market.
Conclusion
EU phytosanitary standards represent an integrated regulatory system requiring consistent compliance from the growing area to the point of import. Proper understanding and application of these regulations not only ensure legal compliance, but also enhance the competitiveness and positioning of Vietnamese agricultural products in the EU market.
