Performing procedures to apply for a Certificate of Food Safety is a mandatory condition that enterprises providing food services, restaurants, and food processing…shall comply with. This is a legal basis for enterprises to conduct business operations, avoiding the case of being sanctioned for violations, recalling goods, suspending or being required to terminate business operations.
Enterprises operating in the field of food and beverage will need to have a Certificate of food safety, except in the following cases:
- Small initial production;
- Food production and trading without a fixed location;
- Small preliminary processing;
- Retail food business
- Trading in pre-packaged foods;
- Producing and trading in applicators and materials for packaging and storing food;
- Restaurants in hotels;
- The collective kitchen does not have a registered food business;
- Street food business;
- The facility has been granted one of the following Certificates: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Food Safety Management System ISO 22000, International Food Standard (IFS), Global Food Safety Standards (BRC), Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000) or valid equivalent.
Procedure to register for a Certificate of Food Hygiene and Safety
| Process | Detailled description |
| Step 1 | Preparation
Enterprises need to evaluate the scale of operations to prepare information about technical facilities and personnel that meet corresponding standards; Develop processes for processing, preserving, and treating waste and water sources to ensure they meet the requirements at the inspection team’s facility inspection. Draft documents to submit to the licensing authority. |
| Step 2 | Submit and handle documents
Submit a complete dossier to the licensing authority. Depending on the scale and field, the licensing authority will also be different. The licensing authority will receive and review the application; If the dossier is valid and complete, the licensing authority will work with relevant local authorities to conduct a direct inspection of the production and business facility to ensure the actual facility and operating procedures in food safety and hygiene factors. Please note that manufacturing facilities are not allowed to conduct business activities until certification has been completed. |
| Step 3 | Get results
In case the actual inspection results meet the food hygiene and safety conditions, the licensing agency will issue a Certificate of Food Safety. In case of failure, the licensing authority will notify. In this case, the enterprise will correct the unsatisfactory content and resubmit. |
