Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a dispatch on February 3, requesting relevant ministries, agencies and localities to urgently address difficulties and bottlenecks in the implementation of Government Decree No. 46/2026/NĐ-CP, which provides detailed guidance on a number of provisions and enforcement measures under the Law on Food Safety.
The move was made amid growing concerns over disruptions to food imports, exports and domestic supply chains following the decree’s entry into force.
The PM instructed ministries, sectors, and localities to closely coordinate and focus on implementing the assigned tasks comprehensively.
The PM directed the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and other relevant ministries and agencies to urgently issue documents guiding the implementation of the Decree No. 46/2026/NĐ-CP, dated January 26, 2026, in line with their functions, tasks, authority, and assigned management areas.
They are responsible for directing and urging their subordinate units and localities to fully prepare the necessary infrastructure, human resources, and equipment to organize the implementation according to regulations; ensuring that specialized inspection and customs clearance activities are carried out promptly and smoothly, preventing any congestion or backlog of food and goods for import and export.
The Ministry of Health was tasked with leading an inter-ministerial review of the decree’s provisions, working with the ministries of Agriculture and Environment, Industry and Trade, Justice and other agencies to assess implementation progress, identify obstacles and submit specific recommendations at the Government’s regular meeting, scheduled for February 4.
The ministries of health, agriculture and environment, and industry and trade are also required to establish 24/7 hotlines, publicise the contact details through mass media, and assign staff to provide real-time guidance and handle emerging issues, particularly those related to new provisions under the decree.
The Ministry of Finance was required to direct the Customs Department to deploy round-the-clock staffing at border gates, closely coordinate with other competent forces, and swiftly clear congestion to ensure timely customs clearance. The electronic customs clearance system must remain fully operational during this peak period.
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