Organic certification has become an important development trend in global agriculture. To enter strict and high-standard markets, this certification is one of the key prerequisites. Below, the Institute for Standards and Quality Development Studies (ISSQ) provides guidance on the process for organic certification in accordance with TCVN 11041.

What is Vietnam Organic Certification?

Vietnam organic certification is a type of certification granted to food-related products to verify and confirm that they are clean, organic, and safe for consumers.

There are different forms of Vietnam organic certification, each with specific requirements depending on the percentage of organic content in the product composition and other related factors.

Basic Principles of Vietnam Organic Agriculture Certification

Health Principle

Organic agriculture must sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the Earth as one unified and indivisible entity.

Ecology Principle

Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and natural cycles, operate in harmony with them, comply with their rules, and help maintain their integrity and balance.

Fairness Principle

Organic agriculture should build relationships that ensure fairness to the shared environment and provide equitable living opportunities for all organisms.

Precaution Principle

Organic agriculture must be managed in a careful and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of present and future generations as well as the environment.

Process for Organic Certification under TCVN 11041

Step 1: Information Exchange with Clients

The purpose of information exchange between the certification body and the client is to ensure consistency of information and to guarantee that certification assessment meets both standard requirements and client needs. The exchanged information includes:

• Basic documentation requirements

• Certification procedures

• Certification criteria

• Estimated costs

• Work plan and schedule

Step 2: Preliminary Assessment

Enterprises submit the following documents to the certification body:

• Application for organic certification

• Documents and records related to the implementation of TCVN 11041 organic certification

• Product quality control documentation

The certification body assigns qualified experts to conduct an initial on-site review to identify weaknesses in documentation and the implementation of quality control procedures. After the preliminary review, experts provide recommendations for corrective actions. This step helps enterprises prepare effectively for the official assessment.

Step 3: Official Assessment and On-site Audit

The audit team conducts on-site inspection and verification to assess the conformity between documentation and actual practices and recommends corrective actions for any nonconformities identified.

The effectiveness of the product quality control system will be evaluated during the on-site certification audit. At the end of the audit, a closing meeting is held, allowing the enterprise to provide feedback on audit findings.

Step 4: Sampling and Testing

Experts collect representative samples according to the sampling methods specified in TCVN 11041 organic certification requirements.

Product testing is conducted in accordance with the relevant requirements of TCVN 11041.

Step 5: Issuance of Organic Certification

Enterprises will be granted TCVN 11041 organic certification if the following two conditions are met:

• All documentation is consistent with actual practices, and all nonconformities have been satisfactorily corrected and verified by the audit team leader.

• Product testing results comply with applicable requirements.

Validity of TCVN 11041 Organic Certification

The certificate is valid for 2 years. Surveillance assessments are conducted at least once every 12 months.

This is the first national standard system on organic agriculture in Vietnam, issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2017 under Decision No. 3883/QĐ-BKHCN dated December 29, 2017. The certification system includes standards applicable to organic crop production and livestock farming.

Achieving organic agriculture certification under TCVN 11041 demonstrates a commitment to sustainable agricultural production. Certified organizations are allowed to use the organic label on their products, which confirms product quality and enhances market competitiveness.

The Institute for Standards and Quality Development Studies (ISSQ) hopes this article provides useful information for enterprises.

ISSQ is always ready to accompany companies during integration and development.

• Hotline: +84 981 851 111
• Email: vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn

Publication date: March 27, 2023