VietGAP (Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices) is “good agricultural production practices in Vietnam” issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for each product and product group of cultivation, livestock and fishery products.

VietGAP standards include regulations on agricultural production, specifically the order, principles and procedures to guide individuals and organizations in production, harvesting and preliminary processing to ensure safety, improve food quality and people’s health, producers’s health, environmental protection.

I. Fields of application of VietGAP standards of Vinacontrol

All enterprises, organizations or individuals operating in the field of cultivation, animal husbandry and fisheries can apply VietGAP standards.

1. For the field of cultivation

The VietGAP standard, following TCVN 11892-1:2017, is applicable to the following products:

• Leafy vegetables, root vegetables, and fruit vegetables.
• Various types of fruits.
• All kinds of tea leaves.
• Different types of grains (rice, corn, soybeans, sweet potatoes, cassava, etc.).
• Coffee, cocoa, pepper, cashews, and others.

2. For the livestock sector

According to Decision No. 4653/QĐ-BNN-CN, VietGAP standards in livestock can be applied to the following livestock:

• Pigs.
• Beef cattle, dairy cattle.
• Ducks, geese, chickens.
• Bees and bee products such as royal jelly, honey, etc.

3. For the aquaculture sector

• Aquatic animals (cultivated).
• Aquatic plants (cultivated).

II. Criteria for evaluating Vinacontrol’s VietGAP certification:

Enterprises and organizations aiming to achieve VietGAP certification must meet the following four criteria:

Criterion 1: Production Techniques

Enterprises must comply with standards regarding cultivation practices, harvesting methods, as well as seed (for cultivation), and breed (for aquaculture and livestock) requirements. Water and soil sources must also meet the prescribed standards.

Criterion 2: Work Environment

The work environment must meet all necessary labor safety standards to prevent labor abuse and ensure the best possible health protection for workers.

Criterion 3: Food Safety

Ensuring food safety is a crucial and central aspect of VietGAP certification evaluation. Throughout all cultivation stages, enterprises must ensure that food is not contaminated and refrain from using preservatives with antibiotic residues. Only plant protection products listed in the authorized directory should be used.

Criterion 4: Product Origin

Products meeting VietGAP standards must have a clear origin to ensure product quality and facilitate legal verification of the product’s origin for regulatory authorities and customers.

III. VietGAP certification process at Vinacontrol HCMC

Step 1: VietGAP Certification Registration

Step 2: Examination and Enterprise Contract

Step 3: Preparation and Standard Evaluation

Step 4: Review

Step 5: Issuance of VietGAP Certification

Step 6: Regular Monitoring

Step 7: Recertification

VI. VietGAP certificate validity

• According to the provisions of Article 17 of Circular 48/2012-TT-BNNPTNT, the certificate of conformity with VietGAP standards will be valid for a maximum of 02 years from the date of issue.
• In case the production establishment is granted a certificate but does not re-register for it after it has expired, it will be extended for a maximum of 03 months.

V. Benefits for businesses when achieving VietGAP Certification

For production, processing and exporting units:

• Reduce production costs due to good control of input materials; more timely response to issues related to food safety.
• Bring trust and credibility to distributors, management agencies and consumers; At the same time, it helps build your own product brand, increase competitiveness.
• Products are highly appreciated, easily circulated on the market, consumed at supermarkets, convenience store chains with the best price.

For consumers:

• Quality-guaranteed products will be trusted and chosen by a large number of customers, creating a generation of wise consumers and improving reputation with customers thanks to the VietGAP certification mark printed on the product.
• Have more choices of products and good quality, thereby reducing healthcare/medical costs for yourself and society.

For society:

• Affirming the name and prestige for agricultural products in Vietnam.
• Change current production practices, bring a safe product; minimize negative impacts on the environment and ensure social benefits.
• Meet the State regulations on quality management and contribute to creating good consumption habits for the community.

IV. Your Choice – Vinacontrol HCMC

Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City is legally authorized to provide certification services.

• Vinacontrol HCMC was granted Registration Certificate No. 3640/TĐC-HCHQ by the General Department of Standards and Quality under Decree 107/2016/ND-CP
• Certificate of VietGAP – cultivation by Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City HCM grants have legal validity and are recognized when enterprises carry out quality announcement procedures and state inspection procedures

With Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City, service quality is always a top priority. Our commitment to quality is guaranteed through:

1. Reputable brand with over 65 years of establishment and development in inspection, testing, and certification fields.
2. Laboratory registered according to Decree No. 107/2016/NĐ-CP, equipped with modern facilities and VILAS standard-compliant testing methods, providing fast and accurate analytical results with high legal validity.
3. Dedicated and professional team of experts with an extensive network ready to advise and support customers.
4. Competitive and flexible cost structure along with a streamlined process.
5. A network of 28 member units and 7 laboratories distributed nationwide, ensuring timely response to arising demands.
6. International cooperation with more than 30 partners and quality alliances.