February 11, 2010

Vietnam imposes stricter regulations on livestock feed imports

Tougher regulations have been stipulated in the Vietnamese government's newly-introduced Decree 8/2010/ND-CP on management over livestock feed, which will take effect on March 25, 2010.

According to the new regulations, all organisations or individuals can only import types of livestock feed named in the list of imports permitted for circulation in Vietnam. And they have to compensate breeders for damages due to low-quality goods.

The government also requires all organisations and individuals operating in the area of livestock feed to have business licenses, facilities, and necessary technology that meet the current standards.

Each year, Vietnam spends around US $1.5 billion on importing livestock feed, so the husbandry sector may suffer price pressure and become dependent on price fluctuations in the international markets.

So far, there are 225 factories producing and processing livestock breed in Vietnam, however, domestic enterprises hold only 30% of market share of livestock breed.