On Monday, September 19 NAEGA hosted a group of Vietnamese grain importers and plant quarantine officials. The 13-person team was concerned with managing insects in imports of DDGS, wheat and corn from the United States. Vietnam is taking measures to prevent two insects that are prohibited in imports – Trogoderma Inclusum, LeConte which is often called the larger cabinet beetle and referred to as TI and Trogoderma Varibile often reffered to as TV.  As a result Vietnam has for some time required fumigation of DDGS prior to export and beginning September 25 will also begin to require fumigation of wheat and corn.

The Vietnamese team, sponsored by U.S. Grains Council is seeking cooperation in the U.S. They reported that the Vietnamese Plant Protection Department (PPD) is concerned that fumigation in the US is may not be sufficient and that they would like to avoid the added costs of fumigation at origin as well as destination and from potential shipment rejection.  NAEGA agreed to consult with its members and revert to US Grains Council regarding potential cooperation to assist.

Meanwhile, on August 15 the Vietnamese Plant Protection Department (PPD) informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of changes to its articles of Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine. The articles amend the current rules on plant epidemics and the temporary suspension of imports and exports. The USDA is seeking comments on this notification by September 30. A copy of the articles can be found here.

Member advice and questions related to Vietnam’s import requirement are appreciated.