FOOD BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION SERVICES

FOOD BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION SERVICES

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For the food supply sector, which is an essential industry and directly affects consumer health, it is obviously necessary to require various sub-licenses.

Regardless of the business model you use to sell food and drinks (individual business, household business, enterprise, etc.), you must obtain a food safety and hygiene certificate.

Some of the services related to food production and business operations provided by Dai Quang Minh Law Firm are listed below.

I. FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE CERTIFICATE OBTAINING SERVICES (FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE CERTIFICATE)

After completing the necessary business procedures, food supply businesses must obtain a food safety certificate. This is a prerequisite for the legal operation of food service establishments.

Depending on the business model and scale, the cost of obtaining a food safety and hygiene license will vary, for example:

- From 12,000,000 VND for restaurants or establishments that only provide food and beverage services.

- From 15,000,000 VND for food production and processing facilities...

à With the service fee mentioned above, Quang Minh Law Firm will assist you in completing all of the following items:

- Provide advice on relevant legal requirements appropriate to each facility.

- Prepare the application dossier for a food safety and hygiene license according to the current forms.

- Submit the relevant licensing authority to the establishment (as there are currently three agencies authorized to issue food safety and hygiene certificates).

- Representatives will work with the food safety and hygiene assessment team when the team conducts on-site inspections at the facility.

- Track progress and deliver food safety certificates directly to your location (delivery service is free).

à The time required to complete the food safety and hygiene license application process will depend on the facility's ability to meet food safety requirements – typically ranging from 15 working days.

1: Procedures and documents for applying for a Food Safety Certificate

When using the food safety certificate service at Dai Quang Minh Law Firm, you need to provide the following information:

1. Notarized copy of the business license;

2. Notarized copies of health certificates for the business owner and employees directly working at the facility;

3. Floor plan design of the production and business facility.

In fact, if you handle the food safety registration procedure yourself, you have to attend food safety training, prepare many types of documents, and the process of applying for a food safety license is quite complicated.

1. Notarized copy of the business license;

2. Application for a food safety and hygiene license;

3. Floor plan design of the production and business facility;

4. A description of the facilities, equipment, and tools that ensure food safety and hygiene according to regulations;

5. Certificates of knowledge in food safety and hygiene for the business owner and those directly involved in production;

6. Health certificates for the business owner/individual business owner and all employees directly working at the establishment.

2: Which agency issues the Food Safety Certificate?

According to the Food Safety Law, there are three competent authorities that can issue certificates of food safety compliance for establishments:

2.1. Ministry of Health:

- For imported food products;

- For health supplements, food mixtures with novel uses, and food additives not included in the list of permitted additives or not intended for use in food as regulated by the Ministry of Health.

In summary, the Department of Health will issue certificates of eligibility for food safety and hygiene to food service establishments and food processing facilities.

2.2. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development:

- For primary production in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and salt, the entire process from cultivation to harvesting is included.

- For wholesale markets, agricultural products are auctioned.

2.3. Ministry of Industry and Trade:

- For alcoholic beverages, beer, soft drinks, processed milk, vegetable oils, processed flour and starch products, and other food products as regulated by the Government;

- Regarding policies, regulations, and business conditions at markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, convenience stores, etc;

- This applies to food, food additives, food processing aids, utensils, and food packaging and storage materials.

In summary, the Department of Industry and Trade will issue certificates of eligibility for food safety and hygiene to food production and business establishments.

Note: Food safety and hygiene permits are valid for 3 years. After issuance, the authorities will conduct another inspection. If the establishment violates production and business regulations, the issued permit will be revoked.

II. SERVICES FOR OBTAINING A FOOD SAFETY ASSURANCE COMMITMENT CERTIFICATE

However, for small food and beverage establishments, street vendors, and those selling food on the street (which generally do not have a fixed location), a food safety certificate is not required; instead, a commitment letter guaranteeing food safety will be provided.

à The cost of obtaining a food safety commitment certificate will vary depending on the province or city, as well as the size of each food establishment.

à When using Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm's food safety commitment form service, you only need to submit health certificates for the business owner and employees responsible for food production and sales.

1. General introduction

We provide services for obtaining food safety and hygiene commitment certificates for food businesses and catering establishments nationwide. The process is quick and efficient, with reasonable pricing.

A food safety commitment (or food hygiene and safety commitment) is a document proving that the owner of a food production or business establishment has fully met the food hygiene and safety requirements before commencing operations.

Although the food safety commitment serves a similar purpose to a food safety and hygiene license, the individuals required to sign it differ.

The following small-scale food production and business establishments are required to obtain a food safety commitment:

1. Small-scale processing facilities;

2. Initial production facilities are small-scale;

3. Individuals and households engaged in food production and business without a fixed location;

4. Small-scale food businesses;

5. Businesses selling pre-packaged food;

6. Collective kitchens that are not registered to conduct food business;

7. Street food business;

8. Restaurant in the hotel;

9. Establishments manufacturing and trading in tools, packaging materials, and food containers.

Therefore, small businesses such as eateries (noodle shops, rice stalls), beverage shops, cafes, grocery stores, fast food carts, etc., must all sign a food safety commitment.

Dai Quang Minh Law Firm's Food Safety Commitment Service

The procedure for obtaining a food safety commitment for food production and business establishments is not difficult, but if you lack experience, it can take you a whole month just to complete this process.

With years of experience in handling various food safety licenses and certificates, Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm can help you complete the application process for a food safety commitment for your business quickly and cost-effectively.

à Cost and time to complete the service:

The cost of obtaining a food safety commitment certificate at Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm is not fixed. Depending on the province, city, and the scale and business operations of the establishment, Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm will provide a specific fee and timeframe at the time of service.

à The only documents you need to provide to Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm are: Health certificates for the business owner and those directly involved in food production and sales.

2: The process for obtaining a food safety commitment at Dai Quang Minh Law Firm

2.1. The process for obtaining a food safety commitment certificate for food businesses and catering establishments, as implemented by Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm, is as follows:

- Provide advice on the facilities, equipment, and tools required for the establishment;

- Provide advice on the necessary documents to prepare, such as health certificates, business licenses, etc.

- Consultation on costs and time required to complete the procedures for obtaining a food safety commitment certificate;

- Signing of service contracts in accordance with the agreement between the client and Quang Minh Lawfirm;

- Prepare the necessary documents as required by government agencies and present them to clients for signing in person.

- On behalf of the establishment, submit the application to the competent state authority;

- Receive the food safety guarantee certificate and deliver it to the customer on time.

With a professional service delivery process, clear and transparent service contract terms, and a comprehensive price quote with no hidden costs, Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm is sure to satisfy you when using our services.

2.2. Conditions and procedures for signing the food hygiene and safety commitment agreement.

2.2.1. Conditions for obtaining a food safety commitment certificate.

Small-scale food production and business establishments must meet the following conditions to be granted a food safety commitment certificate:

- Food producers and their staff involved in food production and sales must meet health requirements and participate in food safety training.

- Food production and business establishments must be clean, well-ventilated, and located away from sources of contamination and toxins;

- Equipment and raw materials used in production and business must ensure food safety and hygiene, and have clear origins and sources as prescribed by regulations;

- The facility must collect and process waste and refuse in accordance with regulations;

- Submit the commitment letter to the competent state agency authorized by the Provincial People's Committee to manage food safety in the area.

Note:

If the establishment has already been granted one of the following certifications, it is not required to sign a food safety commitment but must send a copy to the competent authority delegated by the Provincial People's Committee to manage food safety, specifically:

- Giấy chứng nhận GMP;

- HACCP certification;

- ISO 22000 certification;

- BRC certification;

- IFS Certification;

- FSSC 22000 certification;

- Or other certifications of equivalent value.

2.2.2. Documents for signing the commitment to ensure food safety

The documents required for signing the food safety commitment include:

- Commitment to comply with food safety regulations (2 copies - printed on blue covers);

- A notarized copy of the certificate confirming knowledge of food safety of the business owner or person directly involved in the business, issued by a competent authority and still valid (some provinces do not require this);

- A notarized copy of the health certificate of the business owner and the person directly involved in the business, issued by a district-level or higher-level health authority in accordance with regulations (accompanied by the original for verification);

- A notarized copy of the business registration certificate.

Note:

In addition to the four basic documents mentioned above, the required documents for signing a food safety commitment form vary in different provinces and cities. If you use our services, Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm will prepare the complete and accurate documents according to the requirements of the State authorities.

2.2.3. Procedure for applying for a food safety guarantee certificate

à Step 1: Submit your application

Food production and business establishments submit one set of documents to the reception and results delivery department of the People's Committee of the ward/commune where the establishment operates.

- If the application is incomplete or invalid, the receiving officer of the People's Committee of the ward/commune will guide the owner of the food production and business establishment to complete the application and resubmit it;

- If the application is complete and valid, the receiving officer of the People's Committee of the ward/commune will issue an acknowledgment slip and schedule a date for returning the results to the applicant, then forward the application to the relevant department for processing.

à Step 2: Receiving and processing the application

The process for handling and resolving applications for food safety commitment agreements is typically as follows:

- If the application is valid, the processing department will accept the application and submit it to the leader for signing the food safety commitment for the establishment;

- If the application is invalid, the processing department will issue a written notice requesting the establishment to amend and supplement the application and resubmit it within the specified time.

Processing time: approximately 5 business days.

III: SERVICES FOR PUBLISHING PRODUCT AND GOODS QUALITY STANDARDS

Dai Quang Minh Law Firm offers a complete package service for processing and submitting documents for the declaration of product quality standards at only 1,000,000 VND per product – with product declaration completed within 1-3 days. Please contact Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm for advice on declaring your product in accordance with regulations on product quality declaration.

1. Regulations on the publication of product and goods quality standards

Product and goods standards declaration, also known by various other names such as: product declaration, product quality declaration, product basic standard declaration, etc.

Theo quy định, sau khi được cấp giấy phép vệ sinh an toàn thực phẩm hoặc chứng nhận ISO, sản phẩm, hàng hóa muốn lưu hành trên thị trường thì phải làm thủ tục công bố tiêu chuẩn chất lượng sản phẩm, hàng hóa.

At the same time, in order to have their product quality certified, businesses need to ensure they meet the following basic standards:

- It must not violate technical standards or legal regulations;

- It must be built in accordance with the progress of science and technology;

- The facility must meet the management and business production requirements.

The basic standards for products are published by economic organizations; social and professional organizations; State agencies; public service units and other agencies and organizations for application in their activities.

2. Product and Goods Quality Standard Publication Services at Dai Quang Minh Law Firm

Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm provides services for publishing product standards for all industries, domestic or imported products. Details of the product standard publication service at Quang Minh Lawfirm are as follows:

Complete product launch service package - VND 1,000,000/product (*).

(*) Applies to both domestic and imported products.

- Details of the work items that Dai Quang Minh Law Firm will perform

1. Product standard declaration;

Although the product declaration form (bearing the company seal) is for internal use only, the absence of this form can result in administrative penalties for businesses during inspections by relevant authorities.

For example, toothbrushes need to undergo testing and have a product standard declaration.

2. Procedures for publishing product quality standards;

Depending on the specific product or commodity, the procedure for declaring the basic standards will be carried out with different competent authorities.

For example:

>> Shampoo belongs to the cosmetics industry, so the product registration procedure must be completed with the Drug Administration of Vietnam. After the procedure is completed, the product will be published on the Drug Administration of Vietnam's online website.

>> Frozen beef belongs to the food industry, so the product declaration procedure must be submitted to the Sub-Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Product Quality Management. After completing the procedure (including related legal procedures such as food safety and hygiene certification or ISO 22000:2018), the product will be published on the online website of the Sub-Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Fisheries Product Quality Management.

- Mandatory related legal procedures

However, in order to market and sell a product, in addition to the product quality declaration procedure, you also need to complete the related legal procedures.

Here are 4 legal procedures you need to complete before launching your product, including:

- Food safety certificate or ISO 22000/ISO 9001 certificate;

- Announce the standards for facilities eligible to operate;

- Barcode.

3. Timeframe for completing product quality declaration procedures at Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm

Depending on the product composition, the goods requiring standard declaration, and the scope of work involved, the timeframe will vary, specifically:

- Testing time: 3-7 business days;

- Publication time: 1-3 business days.

Form of publication of basic standards:

- The serial number is on the label or packaging of the product;

- Product brochures and internal documents related to products and goods.

Documents for declaring product and goods quality standards.

The required documents are divided into two categories: documents provided to Dai Quang Minh Law Firm and documents prepared by you yourself.

When using product registration services at Dai Quang Minh Law Firm:

- Business certificate;

- Product test results (*);

- A photograph of the original product label to be published;

- The Vietnamese supplementary label for the product that needs to be declared (for imported products);

- The ingredient list and technical information of the product must be disclosed.

- Product sample (for example, if you need to register a razor product, you send the finished razor to Dai Quang Minh Lawfirm).

(*) If you have not yet completed product testing, you can refer to the product testing service at Dai Quang Minh Law Firm.

Note: Product test results are not required for items such as electric shavers, refrigerator deodorizers, etc.

When customers handle the product registration procedure themselves:

- Business registration certificate;

- A notarized copy of the production license;

- Product announcement;

- Form for publishing the company's standards;

- Product test results;

- A photograph of the original product label to be published;

- Food safety certificate or other equivalent documents/certificates;

- A supplementary label in Vietnamese for the product to be declared (for imported products);

- Scientific documents or explanations regarding the uses and ingredients of the product that need to be disclosed;

- Other relevant legal documents (depending on the specific product or goods).

Note: Depending on the product (imported/domestically produced) or industry group, the required documents may vary.

4. Procedures for publishing product quality standards.

Basically, to publish product quality standards, you need to follow these steps:

- Step 1: Prepare and submit the product declaration registration dossier to the competent authority (depending on the specific product or goods);

- Step 2: Within 7 working days from the date of receiving the application, the competent authority is responsible for reviewing the application and:

- Issue a certificate of acceptance for product declaration registration upon submission of a valid application.

- Send a notification requesting amendments or additions (once) if the application is incomplete or invalid;

- Step 3: Within 90 days of receiving the notification, you must amend and supplement your application as required by the authorities. After this deadline, the application will no longer be valid.

After the product announcement procedure is complete, if there are any changes to the product:

- Re-publication of product information is required for changes such as product name, origin, and ingredients;

- For the remaining changes, simply send a written notification of the changes to the competent authority responsible for publication.

5. Benefits of publishing product quality standards

Products and goods that have completed the quality standard declaration process will bring many benefits to businesses in the course of their business operations, for example:

- Confirming that the quality of products and goods meets technical standards;

- Demonstrating the sense of responsibility of manufacturers and businesses towards consumers;

- Increase brand credibility in communication and advertising campaigns;

- Creating favorable conditions to promote business and export of goods to foreign markets;

- Creating an advantage over similar products and goods from competitors that have not yet completed the registration procedures.