Principles for Applying the List of Food and Additive Products with Identified Commodity Codes

The use of the list of food items, food additives, food processing aids, and tools, packaging materials, and food containers must comply with the principles stipulated in Circular 05, specifically:

1. Principles of using the List:

- In cases where only the 2-digit code is listed, all 8-digit codes under that 2-digit chapter are applicable.- In cases where only the 4-digit code is listed, all 8-digit codes under that 4-digit group are applicable.- In cases where only the 6-digit code is listed, all 8-digit codes under that 6-digit subgroup are applicable.- In cases where the code is specified up to 8 digits, only those 8-digit codes are applicable.- Products and goods specified in the List and in the cases stipulated in points a, b, and c, Clause 1, Article 2 of Circular 05 must provide full information about the imported goods to the customs authority and commit to being responsible for the declared contents and use of the imported goods for the correct purposes upon importation.

2. For goods listed in the List but falling under one of the cases stipulated in Article 13 of Decree 15/2018/ND-CP or not intended for use as food, food additives, food processing aids, and tools, packaging materials, food containers, state inspection for imported food safety is not required.

3. In cases where goods have not been assigned an HS code or disputes arise concerning the HS code in the List issued with Circular 05, the Vietnam Food Administration will cooperate with the General Department of Customs to review and unify to facilitate smooth clearance of goods, and also propose amendments and supplements to the List.

Detailed List can be viewed at Circular 05/2018/TT-BYT effective from May 21, 2018.

- Thanh Lam -

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