Vietnam Suspends Decree 46/2026 and Resolution 66.13 on Food Safety Declaration and Registration Until April 2026

Scope of the Suspension and Applicable Regulations

Decree 46/2026/ND-CP, which provides detailed measures for implementing the Law on Food Safety, is temporarily suspended during this period. At the same time, the application of Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP, which governs the declaration and registration of food products, is also paused.

During the suspension period, Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and its implementing regulations continue to apply. This means that existing requirements for food safety management, import procedures, product testing, declaration, and registration remain unchanged until further notice.

The government has indicated that the suspension reflects implementation and operational challenges, allowing additional time for authorities to prepare guidance and address industry concerns before the new framework resumes.

Enforcement Timeline and Resumption

Under Resolution No. 09/2026/NQ-CP, both Decree 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP are suspended from 4 February 2026 to 15 April 2026. Unless further government action is taken, both instruments are scheduled to resume effect on 16 April 2026.

Roles of Authorities During the Suspension

Relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and Ministry of Finance (MOF), along with local authorities, are tasked with preparing implementation conditions during the suspension period. This preparation phase suggests that additional guidance or adjustments may be issued before full enforcement resumes.

Why It Matters

This temporary suspension provides regulatory clarity and short-term stability by maintaining the current compliance framework under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. It supports operational efficiency for businesses by avoiding abrupt transitions, aligns enforcement with practical readiness, and minimizes immediate compliance burdens while authorities refine implementation conditions.

Who This Is Relevant For

This update is particularly relevant for Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Compliance, Supply Chain, and Import-Export teams, as well as IT and digital compliance teams supporting food safety documentation and registration workflows in Vietnam.

Next Steps

Companies should continue operating in accordance with Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, review internal food safety and registration processes for alignment, and closely monitor official guidance ahead of the expected resumption of Decree 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP after mid-April 2026.

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FAQs

What is Resolution No. 09/2026/NQ-CP?

Resolution No. 09/2026/NQ-CP is a government resolution that temporarily suspends the application of Decree 46/2026/ND-CP and related provisions of Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP from 4 February 2026 to 15 April 2026.

Which food safety regulations apply during the suspension period?

During the suspension, Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and its implementing regulations continue to apply for food safety, importation, testing, declaration, and registration.

When will Decree 46/2026/ND-CP and Resolution 66.13/2026/NQ-CP resume?

Both instruments are scheduled to resume effect on 16 April 2026, unless further government action is announced.

How can RegASK support companies affected by this suspension?

RegASK helps companies track regulatory suspensions, effective dates, and upcoming enforcement changes in real time, enabling teams to adjust compliance workflows, anticipate guidance updates, and prepare for the smooth resumption of new regulatory requirements.