Vietnam streamlines planting area and packaging code issuance, cutting processing time to 3‑10 days

The Vietnamese government approved Resolution 36/2026/NQ‑CP, effective 31 July 2026, to simplify administrative procedures for issuing planting‑area codes (MSVT) and packaging‑facility codes (MSDG). For applicants not exporting to markets that require such codes, the commune People's Committee chair must issue the code within three working days; for exporters to those markets, the deadline is ten working days. The entire process is conducted online through the National Public Service Portal, based on self‑declaration and responsibility, with post‑issuance checks, supervision and traceability mechanisms. Pre‑inspection is required only when the importing country mandates the codes. Since the rollout of Decree 38/2026, more than 480 planting‑area codes and 340 packaging‑facility codes have been granted for products such as pomelo, mango, durian and banana, serving markets including China, the United States, South Korea, the EU and New Zealand. The resolution aims to reduce time and cost for exporters, improve traceability, and support Vietnam’s agricultural trade.

The new rules replace earlier, lengthier procedures and are part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to modernise export compliance and boost the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products.