Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture moves to cut planting area code processing time

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has drafted a government decree to shorten the time required to issue planting‑area codes (mã số vùng trồng). Applications for domestic consumption will be processed within three working days, while export‑related applications may take up to ten working days to allow technical checks for foreign market requirements. The proposal emphasizes that faster issuance does not mean relaxed oversight; it will rely on existing land‑identification data and require confirmation from commune authorities for unregistered areas. The ministry also plans a coordinated campaign to build a nationwide digital database of planting‑area and packaging‑facility codes, linking them to traceability systems and food‑safety records. Officials highlighted the need for larger, consolidated production zones to improve brand credibility and reduce administrative burden for smallholders. Discussions with Chinese counterparts are under way to ensure prompt mutual recognition of the new codes for durian exports. The draft is currently open for public comment before being submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.