Vietnam Acts to Ensure Dragon Fruit Export in EU

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to sustain dragon fruit exports to the European Union, facing new and stringent food safety regulations. The EU's updated standards demand a "hazard-based" approach, potentially limiting pesticide residues to 0.01mg per kilogram. Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is working to ensure compliance amid these evolving requirements.

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The stricter EU regulations follow last year's move to enhance inspection practices for imports, requiring 30% of Vietnamese dragon fruit shipments to be checked under Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793. This shift in regulatory approach focuses on high-risk substances, raising concerns about its impact on Vietnam's agricultural production processes, including potential links to cancer or endocrine disruptions.

Deputy Minister Dang Ngoc Diep mentioned that the ministry is engaging with local and specialized agencies to assess and address these regulatory changes. Training programs are being conducted to keep stakeholders informed and compliant. Notably, food safety warnings from the EU fell significantly from 64 cases in 2024 to 17 in 2025, reflecting Vietnam's strengthened inspection and corrective measures.

Furthermore, a positive inspection report from the EU Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety last June has laid a foundation for negotiations to potentially reduce inspection frequencies. Huynh Tan Dat, Director of the Department of Plant Production and Protection, emphasized promoting sustainable farming and biological plant protection to meet EU standards. These steps aim to enhance transparency and ensure adherence to international requirements.

Diep also highlighted the dual nature of the EU's regulations as both a challenge and an opportunity for Vietnam to elevate its agricultural standards. This development could significantly bolster the reputation and market presence of Vietnamese produce globally.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 14 May 2026