Many markets continuously update SPS standards
Vietnam SPS Office (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) has compiled draft and effective notifications on food safety and animal and plant quarantine (SPS) measures from World Trade Organization (WTO) members during the period from July 16 to 31, 2026. Accordingly, there were 53 SPS notifications during this period, including 48 draft notifications for public comment and 15 effective notifications. New regulations mainly focus on amending the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of pesticides, animal and plant quarantine conditions, requirements for food additives, animal feed additives and materials in contact with food. This move shows that many importing markets continue to strengthen food safety control measures, protect consumer health and tighten technical requirements for imported goods.
Notably, European Union (EU) issued three notifications concerning the conditions for importing animals and the licensing of animal feed additives. Regulation 2026/1052 amends regulations for importation, movement and handling of consignments of animals, reproductive products and products of animal origin into EU; it removes gelatin and collagen from scope of regulation, adds an exception mechanism for import of birds for conservation purposes and clarifies risk management requirements for milk and egg products. EU also updated regulations for licensing use of certain essential oils as flavoring agents in animal feed additives and added requirements to ensure consumer safety.
In the United States, new notifications focus on food additives, animal feed additives and pesticide residues. Notably, the United States continues to phase out several outdated food colorings such as Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, while also proposing to allow use of ethyl cellulose as a binder in ruminant feed and adjusting the MRL for active ingredient of epyrifenacil.
Meanwhile, Japan announced eight revised MRLs for various pesticide active ingredients. Specifically, tetraniliprole was adjusted across many agricultural and animal-derived product groups, alongside a range of other active ingredients such as prosulfocarb, mepronil, carbaryl, triforine, kasugamycin, acephate, and phenthoate.
Proactive adaptation to reduce export risks
Besides major markets, many other countries also simultaneously updated their SPS regulations. Brazil had the highest number of announcements with 17, focusing on revising 44 monographs on pesticide active ingredients, adjusting residue levels and withdrawal periods for many commonly used active ingredients. Vietnam also added phytosanitary requirements for some imported goods. Israel revised its regulations on food contact materials to harmonize with new EU regulations, notably banning the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food-contact plastic materials and strengthening controls on potentially harmful substitutes.
Meanwhile, Canada updated its regulations on animal feed, food contaminants and pesticide residue levels; Morocco revised regulations for sauces, fruit jams, spices, dried herbs and wine; and Chile added new requirements on veterinary hygiene, phytosanitary control and traceability for imported pork.
In an interview with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of Vietnam SPS Office, stated that regularly monitoring SPS notifications from WTO members is of particular importance to export businesses. Changes in pesticide residue levels, quarantine conditions, food additives or import regulations, if not updated promptly, can put businesses at risk of warnings, product returns or export disruptions.
To adapt, businesses need to shift from a "response when required" mindset to a "proactive adaptation" mindset. First, they need to strictly control pesticide residue levels right from the source, proactively take samples for testing before export, and build a comprehensive traceability system.
In addition, businesses need to pay special attention to regulations on labeling, allergens, food additives, and packaging materials that come into direct contact with food. These are areas where the EU is increasing its controls, and many businesses have already received warnings or had their products recalled due to non-compliance with regulations.
Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam also recommended that businesses carefully study regulations for products of animal origin and prepare for the EU's upcoming digitalization of import procedures.
In particular, EU market assesses risks by industry, not just by individual businesses. A single violation can lead to increased inspection frequency or stricter control measures for the entire Vietnamese industry. Therefore, compliance with SPS regulations not only protects the export activities of individual businesses but also contributes to maintaining reputation and image of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn