Guidelines for publishing food quality standards in accordance with legal standards

One of the important but often overlooked procedures is declaring food quality standards – a mandatory step to bring products to the market legally and transparently. The following article will help you understand the process, documents and notes when declaring quality standards.

In the food production and business sector, complying with legal regulations not only ensures lawful operations but also affirms a business's credibility with consumers. One important yet often overlooked procedure is the declaration of food quality standards – a mandatory step to bring products to market in a legal and transparent manner.

This article will help you understand the process, required documents, and important notes when declaring food quality standards in accordance with current regulations.

1. Classification of declaration types under legal regulations

According to Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP of the Government – the foundational legal document on food safety management – food quality standard declarations are classified into two main forms:

1.1. Self-declaration (applies to regular food)

Businesses may self-declare food quality standards for categories such as:

Bottled water, mineral water, packaged foods
Confectionery, coffee, tea, spices, instant noodles, ready-to-eat products
Imported products that are not functional foods

Businesses are legally responsible for product quality and are only required to submit the documents to the relevant authorities for record-keeping.

1.2. Product registration declaration (applies to strictly controlled food groups)

Mandatory registration with the Ministry of Health is required for products in the following categories:

Health supplements (functional foods)
Medical nutrition foods, special dietary foods
Food additives, flavorings, processing aids

The competent authority will review the documents, verify, and issue a registration number before the product is circulated on the market.

Food safety license declaration

2. Required documents for food quality standard declaration

Whether self-declaration or registration is applied, the dossier must clearly demonstrate the product’s quality standards, safety, and origin. Specifically:

2.1. For self-declaration

Self-declaration form (as per Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP)
Product test result certificate (valid within the last 12 months)
Product label (clear photocopy or design)
Business registration certificate with relevant food industry

2.2. For product registration declaration

Product declaration form (as per regulation)
Scientific evidence proving efficacy (for functional foods)
Test results meeting standard requirements
Manufacturing license and food safety certification
Documents proving the origin of ingredients and additives
Note: Imported products must include CFS (Certificate of Free Sale), CO/CQ, and a Vietnamese sub-label.

3. Step-by-step guide to a lawful declaration process

To help businesses declare food quality standards in compliance with the law, here is the latest detailed process:

3.1. Step 1: Classify the product

Clearly determine whether the product is subject to self-declaration or registration declaration.

3.2. Step 2: Prepare complete documents

Gather all required materials: business license, test results, product label, internal quality standards, etc.

3.3. Step 3: Submit the documents

Self-declaration: Submit to the District People's Committee or the local Department of Health/Food Safety Sub-Department.
Registration declaration: Submit directly to the Food Safety Department – Ministry of Health or via the online system.

3.4. Step 4: Track the processing progress

Self-declaration: The product can be marketed immediately after submission.
Registration declaration: Wait for approval and issuance of a registration number before distribution.

3.5. Step 5: Archive and manage post-inspection

Keep the documents on file at the company and ensure responsibility for product quality throughout its circulation.

Food safety license declaration

4. Common mistakes and notes when declaring food products

Although the food quality standard declaration process is not overly complex, many businesses still make common mistakes that result in returned or delayed dossiers:

Failure to correctly classify the declaration type → submitted to the wrong authority
Using expired or non-compliant test results
Incomplete labeling according to Decree 43/2017/NĐ-CP
Missing quantitative/qualitative info in internal quality standards
Uncertified photocopies or improper translations
Not updating the dossier when changing packaging, formula, or manufacturer

Complying fully and accurately with legal regulations helps products circulate legally, avoiding penalties or recalls.

5. Full-package service for food quality standard declaration

Thien Di Law Firm is a reputable provider of food quality standard declaration services, offering fast, legal, and reliable solutions. With a team of experienced lawyers and legal experts, we are committed to:

Consulting on product classification and appropriate declaration form
Drafting quality standards and legal documentation
Representing clients to submit documents and work with authorities
Monitoring and addressing additional requests (if any)
Guaranteeing on-time, lawful service and confidentiality

Contact Thien Di Law Firm today for free consultation and quick dossier processing – helping you confidently bring your product to market in a professional and transparent way!

Contact Information:

THIEN DI LAW CO., LTD
Address: 36 A4 Street, Ward 12, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0982 020 789 - 0868 083 683
Phone: 028.6293 9377
Email: info@luatthiendi.com
Website: luatthiendi.com