Dong Thap Strengthens Support for Exporters to the Chinese Market

(DTO) On May 8, the Dong Thap Department of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Mekong Delta Branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), held a conference titled “Implementation of Decree No. 280 of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC): New Requirements and Solutions for Enterprises Exporting to China.” 

The event aimed to help businesses promptly update, correctly understand and fully grasp China’s new regulations, enabling them to proactively adapt, minimize risks, and maintain stable, effective export activities. 

GACC’s Decree No. 280 will take effect on June 1, 2026, replacing Decree No. 248. The new decree introduces additional requirements for goods imported into China. 

In his opening speech, Deputy Director Dang Van Tuan emphasized that China remains one of Vietnam’s largest and most important export markets, including for Dong Thap Province. However, as China tightens quality control, traceability, and food safety standards, its authorities continue updating regulations to raise import requirements. 

Decree No. 280 directly affects Vietnam’s export enterprises, with stricter rules on exporter registration and management; product traceability; quality control and food safety compliance; labeling, packaging, and product information; as well as quarantine and inspection procedures mandated by Chinese authorities. 

At the conference, representatives from the VCCI (Mekong Delta Branch) provided an overview of local exports of agricultural and food products to China. In 2025, Dong Thap’s export turnover reached 769.52 million USD, a 30% increase year-on-year, driven mainly by growth in aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and rice. 

Next, a representative from the Vietnam SPS Office under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment presented key contents of GACC’s Decree No. 280; GACC Notification No. 219 dated November 7, 2025 on the list of agricultural products requiring official confirmation letters; and Notification No. 27 dated March 18, 2026 guiding the implementation of regulations on the registration of foreign food manufacturers exporting to China. 

Delegates were also guided through procedures for registering agricultural products with GACC; the requirement for each product to have a recommendation letter from competent authorities; rules on product renewal; and important notes for complying with the new GACC requirements. 

At the conference, experts addressed numerous questions from businesses regarding issues related to Decree No. 280. 

Understanding the implications of GACC’s Decree No. 280 not only helps enterprises comply with China’s import requirements but also reduces risks, saves costs, and enhances credibility and competitiveness in the international market. 

By H. THONG
Translated by ANH DUC