What is the Vietnam Organic Standard?

Like many countries worldwide, organic agriculture is an increasingly popular and preferred trend. In response, the Ministry of Science and Technology has conducted research, drafted, and officially issued the Vietnam Organic Standard TCVN 11041:2017 for organizations involved in organic production, crop cultivation, and livestock farming.

The set of organic agriculture standards TCVN 11041:2017 includes the following parts:

• TCVN 11041-1:2017 – Part 1: General requirements for production, processing, and labeling of organic agricultural products.

• TCVN 11041-2:2017 – Part 2: Organic crop cultivation.

• TCVN 11041-3:2017 – Part 3: Organic livestock farming.

• TCVN 11041-4:2017 – Part 4: Requirements for certification bodies assessing organic production and processing systems.

Additional standards apply to specific products:

• TCVN 11041-5:2017 – Part 5: Organic rice.

• TCVN 11041-6:2018 – Part 6: Organic tea.

• TCVN 11041-7:2018 – Part 7: Organic milk.

• TCVN 11041-8:2018 – Part 8: Organic shrimp.

• TCVN 11041-9:2023 – Part 9: Organic honey.

• TCVN 11041-10:2023 – Part 10: Organic seaweed.

• TCVN 11041-11:2023 – Organic mushrooms.

• TCVN 11041-12:2023 – Organic sprouts.

• TCVN 11041-13:2023 – Organic cultivation in greenhouses and containers.

When all criteria specified for each part and sector are fully met, products may be granted organic certification and allowed to use the Organic label. This helps consumers identify high-quality organic products and provides farmers with opportunities to bring their products closer to the market.

Although there are many opportunities, Vietnam’s organic certification also faces challenges from international standards such as USDA (USA), JAS (Japan), and EU Organic (Europe). This situation requires stronger certification activities and supportive policies from the Government to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s organic agriculture in the global market.

Basic requirements of the Vietnam Organic Standard

Vietnam Organic Standards include various criteria applied to production, processing, cultivation, and livestock farming. Key general requirements include:

• Water used in production must be clean, traceable, non-contaminated, and compliant with requirements of TCVN 5942:1995.

• Organic production areas must be designed to effectively isolate pollution sources.

• The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and growth stimulants is prohibited; only authorized inputs may be used.

• Human waste and organic waste from urban refuse are prohibited.

• External animal manure must undergo heat treatment before use.

• Prohibited materials must not be used for transportation or storage.

• Burning of branches or straw is not allowed except in traditional shifting cultivation practices.

• GMO inputs are not permitted.

• Parallel production between organic and conventional crops on the same land is not allowed.

• Buffer zones must be established to prevent contamination from neighboring conventional farms.

• Short-term crops must follow a full organic lifecycle from soil preparation to harvest to be marketed as organic.

Benefits for enterprises obtaining Organic Product Certification under TCVN 11041

For production, processing, and export enterprises

• Demonstrates commitment to sustainable agricultural production.

• Certified enterprises may use the organic label, enhancing product reputation, competitiveness, and consumer trust.

• Opportunities for promotion, marketing, and access to supermarket chains and large retail systems nationwide at better prices.

• Contributes to environmental protection and human health by eliminating harmful chemicals in production.

• Reduces risks related to product recalls, compensation, recycling costs, and regulatory inspections; minimizes complaints regarding product quality.

For consumers

• Organic food is not only a trend but also one of the safest consumption choices.

• Enhances consumer awareness and trust through certified organic labeling.

For society

• Organic farming supports the growing demand for safe and healthy food.

• Promotes local economic development as organic products are increasingly prioritized in trade.

These are key insights into the benefits for enterprises obtaining Organic Product Certification under TCVN 11041. We hope this article provides useful information for readers.

ISSQ Institute is always ready to accompany enterprises in the process of integration and development.

Please contact Hotline: +84 981851111 or email vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn — we are honored to serve you.

Published date: 27/12/2023