Decision No. 1503/QD-BNN-TCTS on issuing good aquaculture practices (VietGAP) in Vietnam

DEPUTY MINISTER
DEPUTY MINISTER
(Signed)

VU VAN TAM

Basic standard

Control Content

Compliance Criteria

1.1

Legal Requirements

1.1.1

The operation of the aquaculture facility must comply with national regulations.

There must be valid documents according to current national regulations such as: land use right certificate or land allocation decision or lease agreement; environmental impact assessment report or environmental protection commitment or environmental protection plan; documentation proving that the aquaculture facility meets the conditions for safe food production; documentation proving that the aquaculture facility meets labor usage requirements.

1.1.2

The aquaculture facility must have a valid registration for production activities.

It must register production activities with the competent authority as prescribed by the state and have valid documentation.

1.1.3

The geographical location of the aquaculture facility must be clearly defined.

There must be documentation regarding geographic coordinates and layout diagrams of each pond. These coordinates need to specify the center of the production area (if less than 1 hectare) or the corners of the layout (if more than 1 hectare). Coordinates (latitude and longitude in degrees and minutes) must be accurate to two decimal places of the minute unit (e.g., 15⁰ 22,65' N; 22⁰ 43,78' E) according to the VN2000 coordinate system.

Geographic coordinate data must be entered into the VietGAP database managed by the competent authority immediately upon implementation.

1.1.4

The aquaculture facility must be located within the planned development area for aquaculture.

The aquaculture facility must be located within the planned aquaculture area and referenced according to the VN2000 coordinate system or have a local government document confirming that the aquaculture area is legal or has been approved by the competent authority.

1.2

Record Keeping

1.2.1

The aquaculture facility must establish marking systems for each production area and display them on maps/diagrams.

There must be signs and markings for each pond and maps/diagrams indicating specific areas such as the pond area, inlet channels, outlet channels, storage ponds, warehouses, and may be referenced according to the marking system.

1.2.2

There must be comprehensive and detailed records for each pond including information on aquaculture activities conducted at the facility.

Records must contain complete information about the production process from cultivation to harvest in all ponds and other related activities of the facility, including:

- Purchase records including contracts, purchase invoices, notes on each product received, and inspection reports for incoming goods.

- Inventory records of materials related to production activities and annual inventory.

- Production records from pond renovation to harvest (including daily logs for each pond). These records must provide sufficient information as required by VietGAP.

- Records of orders received and invoices issued if applicable.

1.2.3

The aquaculture facility must have records and guidance documents on ensuring food safety conditions (Food Safety).

There must be records proving that the aquaculture facility complies with food safety conditions and documents guiding the facility to meet national food safety regulations.

1.3

Traceability

1.3.1

In cases where the aquaculture facility only applies for VietGAP certification for part of the product, there must be a system to distinguish between certified and non-certified products.

The breeding facility must declare information on all farms currently owned and products produced of the same type, and apply for additional VietGAP supplementary codes to distinguish products certified with VietGAP from those not certified.

There must be a system capable of distinguishing on-site to avoid confusion between certified and non-certified VietGAP products. This can be achieved through visual identification or through processing procedures, related records (such as pond numbers).

1.3.2

Any movement of farmed aquatic animals within the breeding facility, from outside inwards or vice versa, must be recorded and traceable.

There must be traceability records for all animal movement activities throughout their entire life cycle: movements within the breeding facility, from outside inwards or vice versa. Information includes species name, quantity, biomass, pond/area number.

Basic standard

Control Content

Compliance Criteria

2.1

Drugs, chemicals, and biological products.

2.1.1

The breeding facility must inventory and update all types of drugs, chemicals, and biological products stored in the warehouse.

A list of drugs, chemicals, and biological products in the warehouse must be established and regular monthly inventories conducted. This list must continuously be updated for all incoming, stored, and used products.

2.1.2

The breeding facility may only use drugs, chemicals, and biological products listed in the permitted circulation directory approved by the competent authority and treatment methods guided by specialized staff for specific species.

Only drugs, chemicals, and biological products listed in the permitted circulation directory approved by the competent authority and treatment methods guided by specialized staff for named specific species may be used.

There must be a list of all chemicals that may be used at the breeding facility as part of the Aquatic Animal Health Management Plan (standard 3.1.1).

2.1.3

The breeding facility must store drugs, chemicals, and biological products according to instructions on the label, as required.

Drugs, chemicals, and biological products must be stored in a secure warehouse with locks and other conditions as indicated on the label.

Drugs, chemicals, and biological products must be stored separately in the warehouse to eliminate cross-contamination risks, placed in sturdy, well-ventilated areas, and not exposed to other chemicals.

2.1.4

Expired drugs, chemicals, and biological products must be disposed of properly.

Expired drugs, chemicals, and biological products must be disposed of according to regulations and there must be records documenting this.

2.2

Sanitation

2.2.1

The breeding facility must have a risk assessment for hygiene safety.

The risk assessment for hygiene safety must include environmental risks. Risks depend on the products being produced and/or supplied. Risk assessments must be reviewed, adjusted annually, and updated when changes occur.

2.2.2

The breeding facility must have hygiene safety guidelines.

Hygiene safety guidelines must be posted, displayed in visible locations, using clear signs (with illustrations) and/or common languages for workers. At minimum, guidelines must include:

- Hand washing requirements;

- Covering open wounds on skin;

- Limiting smoking and eating at work;

- Warning about all infection risks or similar conditions, including symptoms of illness (such as vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea), which if present, will prohibit workers from direct contact with aquaculture products and food;

- Wearing appropriate protective clothing.

2.3

Waste

2.3.1

Types of waste and potential pollution sources must be identified at the breeding facility.

There must be a list of waste types (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic, oil, etc.) and pollution sources (e.g., excess fertilizer, exhaust gases, oil, fuel, noise, sludge, chemicals, bathing/washing water, leftover feed, algae from cleaning nets, etc.) generated during breeding.

2.3.2

The breeding facility must have a system and implement collection, sorting, accumulation, and proper disposal of waste.

Waste must be collected, sorted, accumulated, and disposed of properly as required.

There must be records documenting the collection, sorting, accumulation, and disposal of waste by the breeding facility.

2.3.3

The breeding facility must clean up waste.

There should be no waste around the breeding area or storage facilities.

Do not burn waste from plastics, paper, or leave these materials in the environment.

All waste must be cleaned up, including spilled fuel.

2.3.4

The breeding facility must have sufficient septic toilets and domestic wastewater from toilets must not contaminate production areas and water supply systems.

There must be sufficient septic toilets for workers at the breeding facility and ensure that domestic wastewater from toilets is collected and discharged through the sewage system without contaminating production areas and water supply systems.

There must be records documenting the removal of domestic waste and collection means must be available for inspection.

2.4

Harvesting and Post-Harvest

2.4.1

Harvesting and transporting aquaculture products must be carried out correctly, ensuring food safety.

Harvesting and transporting products (if the breeding facility transports them) to consumption sites must be done under hygienic conditions. Records of harvesting and transportation processes must be kept. Workers must be knowledgeable about this.

2.4.2

Between two breeding cycles, the breeding facility must carry out disinfection and/or temporary cessation of breeding.

There must be records of disinfection procedures and/or suitable periods of temporary cessation of breeding between two breeding cycles, depending on the species and specific breeding conditions.

Basic standard

Control Content

Compliance Criteria

3.1

Health management plan for farmed aquatic animals

3.1.1

A health management plan for farmed animals must be established and confirmed by specialized staff.

There must be a Health Management Plan for Farmed Aquatic Animals (HMPFAA) accompanied by the signature of confirmation from specialized staff.

The contents of the plan include: Name and location of the breeding facility; Statistics on previously detected diseases; Preventive measures to address encountered diseases; Procedures for preparing breeding ponds; Vaccine usage procedures (if applicable); On-site inspection programs to detect related pathogens; Water management procedures to prevent disease; Records of periodic inspections conducted by specialized staff; Frequency and methods for removing diseased or dead individuals; Isolation procedures for infected ponds; Other preventive methods if applicable; Transportation procedures for seedlings and harvested products; Contingency plans for disease outbreaks including reporting disease progression to specialized staff and relevant parties; Procedures to prevent the spread of disease.

3.1.2

All treatment measures for farmed aquatic animal diseases must be applied and recorded in accordance with current regulations (if applicable) and the HMPFAA.

Breeders must know the treatment measures for farmed aquatic animal diseases that have been, are being, or will be implemented and prove that these methods comply with current regulations (if applicable) and the HMPFAA.

3.2

Seedlings and feed

3.2.1

Seedlings for release must be purchased from breeding facilities certified by authorized agencies.

Documentation proving that seedlings were sourced from certified facilities must be available. Seedling suppliers to breeding facilities must be registered/ certified according to regulations.

3.2.2

Seedlings introduced into breeding facilities must meet Vietnamese National Standards (TCVN) and must undergo quarantine.

There must be a quarantine certificate for seedlings issued by the competent authority; the quarantine certificate must show negative results for common infectious diseases.

Seedlings must meet TCVN standards (regarding size, age).

Documentation regarding seedlings (quarantine certificates, TCVN certification) must be available at the breeding facility.

3.2.3

The quantity and feeding regimen of feed must be appropriate to the needs of farmed aquatic animals.

There must be an on-site monitoring system to ensure that the amount of feed provided meets the needs of farmed aquatic animals and daily feeding regimens are recorded.

Feeding regimens must follow a reasonable breeding process or a breeding process prescribed by the competent authority.

3.2.4

Feed used must have a clear origin. If it is industrial feed, it must have a circulation permit from the competent authority.

Industrial feed must be purchased from a licensed feed manufacturer (or distributor) and the type of feed must be included in the list of permitted circulation by the state management agency.

Self-prepared feed is allowed but must meet quality standards according to TCVN and record the components and sources of raw materials used for feed.

3.2.5

Breeding facilities must maintain documentation on any additives used in feed.

Detailed documentation on all additives used in feed for aquatic animals such as coloring agents, antioxidants, immune stimulants, probiotics... must be maintained if used.

Feed and additives used in breeding facilities must be sourced from legally licensed suppliers.

3.2.6

Types of feed, including medicated feed, must be stored and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Breeders must be trained and guided on how to store and use feed. Feed must be stored and used according to the manufacturer's instructions (warehouse requirements, storage conditions, usage methods, and expiration dates).

3.3

Article 1

3.3.1

Do not use hormones or antibiotics to stimulate growth or prevent disease throughout the entire breeding process.

Hormones and antibiotics shall not be used to stimulate growth or prevent disease.

Antibiotics may only be used when aquatic animals are diagnosed by specialized staff as having infectious diseases.

There must be a record of all types of antibiotics and dosages used during the breeding process.

3.3.2

The breeding facility must retain records regarding the purchase and use of legitimate veterinary drugs, including the use of medicated feed.

Products used or stored in the warehouse must be recorded according to the prescribed format. Purchase records include: Date of purchase; Product name; Quantity purchased; Batch number; Expiry date; Supplier's name. Treatment records include: Batch number; Start date of treatment; Species treated; Quantity or biomass of treated aquaculture animals; Dosage and total amount of medication used; End date of treatment; Expiry date; Earliest harvest date for farmed aquatic animals; Name(s) of person(s) administering medication on a daily basis.

3.4

Monitor survival rate

3.4.1

The quantity of seedlings, average weight, stocking density, and total biomass of farmed aquatic animals must be monitored regularly.

The quantity of seedlings, average weight, stocking density, and total biomass of farmed aquatic animals must be controlled regularly at each production unit. Records documenting this must be available.

3.4.2

Signs of stress or illness in farmed aquatic animals must be recorded daily.

Signs of stress or illness in farmed aquatic animals must be recorded daily in the Breeding Logbook.

3.4.3

Daily inspection and removal of dead farmed aquatic animals must be carried out.

Dead farmed aquatic animals in ponds must be removed properly every day. In special cases (such as bad weather, low mortality rates), removal can occur weekly. The number of dead farmed aquatic animals and reasons for death must be recorded.

Each production unit must have a Breeding Logbook recording daily mortality rates and causes of death (if known). Workers must be knowledgeable about the health status of farmed aquatic animals and the reasons for their deaths.

3.4.4

The breeding facility must report outbreaks of disease to relevant authorities as required.

Reports of disease outbreaks must be made to relevant authorities as stipulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

3.4.5

The breeding facility must have a system for collecting and treating dead farmed aquatic animals as required.

Dead farmed aquatic animals must be collected and treated properly in accordance with state regulations to ensure they do not affect the environment and minimize the risk of spreading pathogens.

There must be a logbook recording this process.

Basic standard

Control Content

Compliance Criteria

4.1

Environmental Impact Management

4.1.1

The breeding facility must conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) involving the community and publicly announce the results.

There must be an EIA report that includes all activities at the breeding facility.

The procedures and EIA reports must comply with state regulations and follow the implementation guidelines of VietGAP.

4.1.2

Breeding facilities established after May 1999 must be located OUTSIDE mangrove ecosystems or other natural wetlands of significant ecological importance as stated in the EIA.

Facilities established after May 1999 must have a local government document confirming the land status and usage from May 1999 until the establishment date.

The breeding facility must have local government documents confirming the construction time (month and year) of the breeding ponds.

4.1.3

The location of the breeding facility and related infrastructure must be OUTSIDE the boundaries of National or International Protected Areas (PAs).

If the PA falls under categories V or VI of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), approval from the PA management authority is required.

Proof must be provided that the location of the breeding facility and related infrastructure does not fall within national or international PAs (categories Ia to IV of IUCN) or areas designated under international conventions (e.g., RAMSAR or World Heritage Sites). Evidence must include geographic coordinates at registration. If the conservation area falls under categories V or VI, the inspector must contact the PA management authorities to determine if the breeding facility aligns with PA management objectives. Information must be made public.

4.2

Water Usage and Discharge

4.2.1

The breeding facility’s infrastructure must ensure that the source water is not contaminated.

The water supply and discharge systems must be independent and managed to avoid contaminating the source water.

4.2.2

Water usage and discharge must comply with requirements set by regulatory agencies.

Annual records of water intake volume must be kept. Discharged water must meet quality standards set by the state.

4.2.3

Do not use potable water (tap water) to dilute or reduce salinity in breeding ponds.

Potable water (tap water) shall not be used to dilute or lower salinity in breeding ponds (for brackish water farming). If underground water (well water) is used, it must comply with legal provisions.

4.2.4

The breeding facility must regularly monitor and manage water quality.

Risks to farmed aquatic animals must be assessed based on on-site water quality monitoring and management systems. Risk assessments must include appropriate sampling points (at each breeding system or the entire facility) and water quality parameters such as temperature, salinity, clarity, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, ammonia nitrogen.₂ S. Records must be available at each breeding facility. Water quality monitoring frequency depends on specific species as per current regulations.₃, H₂The breeding facility must not contaminate freshwater sources.

4.2.5

The breeding facility must be designed and managed to limit contamination of freshwater sources. Saline water must not be discharged into freshwater sources.

Relevant authorities and local communities must be notified when groundwater becomes saline.

4.2.6

The competent authorities and the local community must be notified when underground water is contaminated with salt.

The breeding facility must notify relevant authorities and the local community when salinity intrusion occurs related to aquaculture activities (for brackish water breeding).

4.2.7

Waste sludge from the breeding facility must be collected and stored properly.

Sludge dredged from channels, ditches, and ponds to maintain depth must be collected and stored properly to prevent salinity intrusion into land, groundwater, and avoid ecological damage to mangrove areas or other sensitive ecosystems.

The disposal of thick sludge must be carried out according to regulations. In the absence of specific regulations, thick sludge must be collected and disposed of in a separate and managed area.

4.3

Pest control

4.3.1

Methods causing death to animals must not be applied for pest control.

Equipment for preventing pests in farmed aquatic animals must ensure safety for natural wildlife species. This requirement applies to all pests during farming except for aquatic animals during pond preparation.

4.3.2

The operation of the breeding facility shall not cause the death of species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam.

Necessary protective measures must be taken when species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam are likely to appear in the area.

Basic standard

Control Content

Compliance Criteria

5.1

Working Conditions

5.1.1

All hired workers at the breeding facility must be at least 15 years old.

Only workers aged 15 and above may be employed, and a list with certified copies of identity cards of all workers at the breeding facility must be maintained.

5.1.2

For workers under 18 years old, the breeding facility must apply the following working conditions:

1 - Right to attend school (if desired);

2 - Total working hours not exceeding 8 hours/day;

3 - Limited to light and simple work;

4 - Not life-threatening

A daily job description must be provided for each worker under 18 years old.

Light and simple work refers to tasks that do not harm the health and development of workers, do not affect their studies, or weaken their ability to absorb knowledge.

Life-threatening work refers to work where the nature or working conditions harm the health, safety, and spirit of workers.

5.1.3

Workers must be allowed to take leave and receive full pay for their last day of work upon submission of a reasonable resignation notice.

There must be a clear employment contract. Workers are permitted to manage their own rest time. Employers may not retain any part of wages, bonuses, property, or documents of workers to compel them to continue working for themselves.

5.1.4

Workers have the right to establish or join organizations to protect their interests (including collective bargaining rights) without interference from employers and without facing any consequences for exercising this right.

Workers have the right to participate in organizations protecting their interests such as collective agreements or trade unions as stipulated by the Labor Law.

5.1.5

Workers must not suffer any form of discrimination from employers or other workers at the breeding facility.

There must be a written anti-discrimination policy established and issued by the breeding facility owner (which may be included in the Code of Conduct). Discrimination based on race, status, place of origin, religion, disability, gender, age, or any condition that could be a source of discrimination is prohibited.

5.1.6

The breeding facility owner must respect the dignity of all hired workers.

Workers must always be treated with respect (e.g., no physical abuse). Workers shall not have their wages deducted due to disciplinary actions.

5.1.7

Overtime work must meet the following conditions:

1 - Voluntary;

2 - Not exceeding the maximum limit set by the state;

3 - Occurring only in special cases (not regularly);

4 - Paid at a higher rate than the standard.

Workers must confirm that overtime work is voluntary. The attendance record must confirm the maximum number of overtime hours per week and that overtime only occurs in special cases rather than regularly. The contract must specify the overtime pay rate in accordance with the Labor Law.

5.1.8

The living conditions of workers must ensure hygiene.

Hand washing facilities, drinking water, dining areas, kitchens, food, and rest areas for workers must be clean and hygienic.

5.2

Occupational safety and health

5.2.1

The owner of the breeding facility must have a document assessing risks to worker health and safety and the procedures for addressing them.

There must be an Assessment of Risks to Worker Health and Safety, which must be updated whenever there are changes (such as new machinery, new workshops, new pesticides, changes in farming techniques, etc.).

Procedures for addressing issues related to worker health and safety must be appropriate for the conditions of the breeding facility, including measures to deal with accidents, emergencies, preventive plans, personal protective equipment, identified risks, and accident insurance.

5.2.2

The owner of the breeding facility must create a safe living and working environment for workers.

Workers must be protected from hazards such as drinking water, living conditions, hygiene, and a safe living environment. Housing for workers must be constructed from durable, safe, and sanitary materials.

5.2.3

All workers must be trained and instructed on occupational health and safety.

The owner of the breeding facility must train workers on health and safety when there are relevant documents or equipment.

5.2.4

All accidents must be recorded and specific actions taken for each accident.

There must be a record of all accidents, regardless of their severity, and the specific actions taken to address them. Evidence of these actions (such as payment receipts for medical expenses, etc.) must be available.

5.3

Contracts and Wages

5.3.1

Regular workers must have employment contracts and understand the terms set out in their employment contracts.

All regular workers at the breeding facility must have Employment Contracts.

In cases where labor is provided by members of the owner's family, there is no need to sign an employment contract.

5.3.2

The maximum probationary period must comply with current state regulations.

Employment contracts and interviews with workers confirm this.

5.3.3

The owner of the breeding facility must pay wages that are not less than the minimum wage stipulated by current laws.

Legal documents prescribing the minimum wage applicable to the breeding facility must be fully adhered to.

Employment contracts of workers, salary lists, and interviews with workers demonstrate compliance with the minimum wage regulations.

5.3.4

There must be a timekeeping sheet recording the hours worked by each worker at the breeding facility.

There must be a list of employees and a timekeeping sheet based on hours.

5.3.5

Wages or remuneration must be paid in cash or by the most convenient method for the worker.

Interviews with workers show that the breeding facility complies with this requirement.

5.4

Communication Channels

5.4.1

The owner of the breeding facility must ensure that all workers have appropriate communication channels with the employer regarding labor rights and working conditions.

A suggestion box must be available at the breeding facility. Interviews with workers show that the breeding facility complies with this requirement.

5.4.2

All difficulties raised by workers must be considered and responded to by the owner of the breeding facility.

The owner of the breeding facility must maintain records and track the difficulties raised by workers (including complaints), the times they were raised, and the responses given. Interviews with staff demonstrate the validity of this.

5.5

Community Issues

5.5.1

The owner of the breeding facility must develop and implement solutions to resolve conflicts with the surrounding community.

The owner of the breeding facility must negotiate and implement solutions to conflicts with neighboring breeders and the surrounding community. Records of complaints, specific dates and times, and response timelines (with local community confirmation signatures) must be kept. When organizing meetings with the community, there must be a program and minutes of the meeting signed by representatives of the authorities and at least one local organization or reputable civil society organization.