Viet Nam has issued a series of draft circulars to strengthen oversight of veterinary drugs through updated regulatory frameworks.
Viet Nam Updates Veterinary Drugs Management Framework
New rules tighten control over veterinary drug imports and use.
What changed
Product scope defined as veterinary drugs covering HS codes 300242, 300420, 300230, and 300490.
Existing regulations amended through draft circular to improve oversight and control.
International notification issued by the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.
Who it affects
Importers of veterinary drugs must ensure products fall under the specified HS codes.
Manufacturers of veterinary drugs need to comply with the updated management framework.
Animal health professionals must follow the new drug usage controls.
Compliance Analysis: Vietnam’s Draft Circular on Veterinary Drug Management
Direct Answer
Vietnam’s Draft Circular on Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of Circulars on the Management of Veterinary Drugs aims to streamline administrative procedures for veterinary drug production and trade while prioritizing animal health as its primary objective1. The draft does not align with any specific international standard (e.g., OIE, Codex) and introduces trade-facilitating measures, including reduced documentation requirements and cost savings for businesses1. Public comments are accepted until 9 March 2026, with implementation expected either immediately upon issuance or within six months of publication1.
Regulation Analysis
1. Key Objectives and Scope
The draft circular focuses on:
- Simplifying administrative procedures for veterinary drug production, business, and raw material management1.
- Reducing costs and processing time for businesses1.
- Primary regulatory goal: Animal health (not food safety, plant protection, or human disease prevention)1.
- Products covered: Veterinary drugs (no specific tariff/ICS codes provided)1.
- Geographic scope: Applies to all trading partners1.
International Standards:
- No relevant international standard (e.g., OIE, Codex, IPPC) is referenced1.
- The draft does not conform to any identified standard, though no deviations are specified1.
2. Regulatory Framework and Amendments
The draft amends provisions in five existing circulars governing veterinary drug management:
| Regulation | Key Focus | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Circular No. 13/2016/TT-BNNPTNT | Original veterinary drug management framework1. | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) |
| Circular No. 18/2018/TT-BNNPTNT | Updates to registration, licensing, or inspection procedures1. | MARD |
| Circular No. 13/2022/TT-BNNPTNT | Further amendments (details unspecified)1. | MARD |
| Circular No. 09/2024/TT-BNNPTNT | Recent revisions (likely procedural)1. | MARD |
| Circular No. 09/2025/TT-BNNMT | Latest base circular (shift to Ministry of Agriculture and Environment)1. | Ministry of Agriculture and Environment |
Note: The draft circular consolidates and amends these regulations to reduce redundancy1.
3. Administrative Procedures and Compliance Requirements
A. Simplified Procedures
- Documentation reduction: Businesses may submit fewer or streamlined documents for licensing, registration, or import/export approvals1.
- Cost savings: Lower fees or expedited processing for compliant entities1.
- Timeline: Administrative procedures are expected to take less time post-implementation1.
B. Comment and Implementation Timeline
| Milestone | Details | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Comment Period | 60 days from notification circulation (ends 9 March 2026)1. | National Notification Authority/Enquiry Point |
| Adoption Date | To be determined1. | Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) |
| Publication Date | To be determined1. | DAHP |
| Entry into Force | Option 1: Immediately upon issuance. Option 2: Six months post-publication1. | DAHP |
4. Enforcement and Contact Points
A. Responsible Agencies
| Authority | Role | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) | Primary regulator for veterinary drug management1. | No. 02 Ngoc Ha Road, Hanoi Tel: +(84 24) 3869 6788 Fax: +(84 24) 3869 1311 Email: quanlythuoc@gmail.com Website:1(http://www.cucthuy.gov.vn) |
| Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Notification Authority | Handles international notifications and public comments1. | No. 10 Nguyen Cong Hoan Street, Hanoi Tel: +(84 4) 3734 4764 Email: spsvietnam@mae.gov.vn Website:1(http://www.spsvietnam.gov.vn) |
B. Submission of Comments
- Deadline: 9 March 20261.
- Channels:
- National Notification Authority.
- National Enquiry Point (via SPS Vietnam or DAHP)1.
Summary Answer
Vietnam’s Draft Circular on Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of Circulars on the Management of Veterinary Drugs1 introduces trade-facilitating measures to simplify administrative procedures for veterinary drug businesses, with a focus on animal health1. The draft does not reference international standards (e.g., OIE, Codex)1 and amends five existing circulars (2016–2025)1. Key changes include reduced documentation, cost savings, and expedited processing1. Public comments are accepted until 9 March 2026, with implementation planned either immediately upon issuance or within six months of publication1. Enforcement falls under the Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) and the SPS Notification Authority1. Businesses should monitor the final adoption timeline and prepare for streamlined compliance requirements.
Sources
- ↩ Draft Circular on Amending and Supplementing certain Articles of Circulars on the Management of Veterinary Drugs https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=Q:/G/SPS/NVNM179.pdf&Open=True