Vietnamese Seafood Industry Adapts to EU's New Arsenic Regulations

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HÀ NỘI – Facing recent changes in European Union (EU) regulations, Vietnam's seafood industry is quickly adapting to comply with new limits on inorganic arsenic in seafood. The EU's draft amendment to Regulation (EU) No 2023/915 sets specific maximum residue levels (MRLs) for inorganic arsenic in fish and other marine products, which will be implemented starting July 2023.

The Vietnam SPS Office, responsible for overseeing sanitary and phytosanitary matters, has proactively communicated with relevant authorities, including the Directorate of Fisheries and the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), to ensure an immediate response to the EU's heightened border inspections.

Despite no recent detections of inorganic arsenic in Vietnamese seafood over the past five years, Deputy Director Ngô Xuân Nam emphasised the importance of vigilance. The focus has shifted to ensuring that all aquaculture water and sediment are thoroughly monitored, as arsenic is often present in farming environments rather than in the processing stage.

On the ground, Vietnamese seafood producers and processors are intensifying their quality controls and investing in technology to meet the new EU standards. Meanwhile, the industry is keeping a close eye on water quality in aquaculture areas to prevent any contamination.

The EU regulation stipulates that MRLs for inorganic arsenic in seafood will range from 0.05 to 1.5 ppm, affecting not just fish but also crustaceans and bivalve molluscs. This new move aims to protect consumer health within the EU and aligns with the SPS Agreement requirements.

Vietnamese exporters, eager to maintain their position in the EU market, are taking these regulatory changes seriously. With Vietnamese seafood accounting for 3.7% of the EU's total imports, maintaining compliance is crucial for sustaining this vital export relationship.

Last year, the Vietnamese seafood industry recorded a notable $10 billion in exports, with $1 billion directed towards the EU. The EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is anticipated to further enhance these trade figures, potentially boosting Vietnamese seafood exports by about 2% annually up until 2030. This proactive adaptation not only aims to secure market access but also reinforces the reputable brand of Vietnamese seafood on the international stage, reported Vietnam News.