Regulations on import and export licensing for aquaculture breeds in Vietnam

The Minister of Agriculture and Environment has recently issued Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BNNMT dated March 9, 2026, regulating the management of aquaculture breeds, aquafeed, and environmental treatment products used in aquaculture. Compared to previous regulations, this circular introduces several new provisions aimed at clearer decentralization, shorter administrative processing times, and enhanced risk control in the import and export of aquaculture breeds.

Previously, the licensing of aquaculture breed imports—especially for species not included in the permitted business list—was mainly handled by central-level authorities, leading to prolonged processing times and limited flexibility for research and exhibition activities.

Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BNNMT has adjusted this approach by decentralizing authority to local governments. Specifically, the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee is authorized to grant and reissue import licenses for aquaculture breeds not listed in the permitted catalog, serving purposes such as experimental trials, scientific research, trade fairs, and exhibitions.

The procedure has also been significantly streamlined. Previously, application processing could take many working days, but now, within 4 working days from receiving a complete dossier, the Department of Agriculture and Environment must appraise and submit it to the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee for decision. The reissuance of licenses has also been shortened to 2 working days.

In addition to facilitating procedures, the circular introduces additional control mechanisms. Provincial-level specialized agencies are responsible for monitoring the use of imported breeds. At the same time, if risks related to environmental impact, quality, or biosafety are identified, the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee may decide to inspect breeding production systems in the exporting country. This is a new measure aimed at strengthening early-stage risk management.

For export activities, previous regulations were largely principle-based and did not clearly distinguish specific cases such as exports for scientific research or international cooperation. The new circular clarifies this by specifying that the authority lies with the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) in granting export licenses for aquaculture breeds that are either on the prohibited list or subject to conditional export but do not meet standard requirements, in cases serving scientific research or international cooperation purposes.

Application dossiers and procedures have also been standardized, with clearer requirements regarding documents proving the purpose of export. The processing time is now specifically regulated at 7 working days from the receipt of a complete and valid application, instead of depending on individual cases as before. For reissuance of licenses, the processing time is 2 working days. Clearly defining timelines, responsibilities, and licensing conditions enhances transparency while providing a more solid legal basis for international cooperation activities in the aquaculture sector.

A key highlight of Circular No. 16/2026/TT-BNNMT is the combination of administrative simplification with strengthened quality control and biosafety management. Compared to previous regulations, the new framework introduces stronger decentralization to local authorities for import licensing; clearer and more specific provisions for special export cases; significantly shortened processing times; and additional monitoring and inspection mechanisms to mitigate risks. These changes are expected to facilitate research, production, and business activities related to aquaculture breeds, while ensuring strict regulatory oversight, thereby contributing to the sustainable, safe, and internationally integrated development of the aquaculture sector.

According to Báo Quân đội nhân dân

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