Circular No. 21/2015/TT-BNNPTNT On Plant Protection Chemical Management

CIRCULAR

On the management of plant protection chemicalsorganize credit institutions, foreign bank branches are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular.

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Pursuant to Decree No. 199/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 26, 2013 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

Pursuant to the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine No. 41/2013/QH13 dated November 25, 2013;

Pursuant to the Chemicals Law No. 06/2007/QH12 dated November 21, 2007;

Pursuant to the Product Quality Law No. 06/2007/QH12 dated November 21, 2007;

Pursuant to the Standards and Technical Regulations Law No. 68/2006/QH11 dated June 29, 2006;

Pursuant to Decree No. 14/2015/NĐ-CP dated February 13, 2015 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Railways Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 104/2009/NĐ-CP dated November 9, 2009 of the Government stipulating the list of dangerous goods and the transportation of dangerous goods by road motor vehicles;

Pursuant to Decree No. 26/2011/NĐ-CP dated April 8, 2011 of the Government amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 108/2008/NĐ-CP dated October 7, 2008 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Chemicals Law;

Pursuant to Decree No. 181/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 14, 2013 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Advertising Law;

At the proposal of the Director of the Plant Protection Department;

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular on the management of plant protection chemicals.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the management of plant protection chemicals including: registration; testing; production, trade; export, import; quality inspection; conformity certification and announcement; storage, transportation; use; labeling; packaging; advertising; recall, destruction of plant protection chemicals in Vietnam.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals both within and outside Vietnam that engage in activities related to plant protection chemicals in Vietnam.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Biological efficacy testing is determining the effectiveness of preventing and controlling harmful organisms or regulating plant growth (including safety for plants).

2. Determination of pre-harvest interval testing is determining the time (in days) from the last application of plant protection chemicals until harvest that users must observe to ensure food safety.

3. Quality testing of plant protection chemicals is determining the active ingredient content, formulation, content of impurities potentially harmful to plants, humans, or causing environmental pollution (if any); content of additives enhancing product safety for humans and plants (if any); chemical and physical properties related to biological activity and safety of plant protection chemicals.

4. A consignment of imported plant protection chemicals is a set of goods of plant protection chemicals defined by quantity, with the same name, function, brand, type, technical characteristics from the same establishment, included in the same import dossier, and imported at the same time.

5. Biological plant protection chemicals are types of plant protection chemicals whose effective components are living microorganisms or substances derived from microorganisms, plants, or animals.

6. Chemical plant protection chemicals are types of plant protection chemicals whose active ingredients are inorganic or organic synthetic chemicals.

Article 4. Fees and charges

Organizations and individuals engaging in activities related to plant protection chemicals must pay fees and charges as prescribed by laws on fees and charges.

Chapter II:

REGISTRATION OF PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Section 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON THE REGISTRATION OF PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Article 5. General principles for the registration of plant protection chemicals

1. All plant protection chemicals used to prevent and control harmful organisms affecting plants; regulate plant growth; preserve plants; disinfect warehouses; control pests in construction works and embankments; control weeds in non-cultivated land; enhance safety and effectiveness when used (with a separate trade name) must be registered in the List of Plant Protection Chemicals Permitted for Use in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the List).

2. Domestic or foreign organizations and individuals (having representative offices, companies, branches of companies engaged in the business of plant protection chemicals permitted to operate in Vietnam) producing active ingredients of plant protection chemicals (hereinafter referred to as active ingredients), technical plant protection chemicals (hereinafter referred to as technical chemicals), or finished plant protection chemicals from technical chemicals (hereinafter referred to as finished chemicals) may directly register their own produced plant protection chemicals under their own names.

3. Organizations and individuals producing active ingredients, technical chemicals, or finished chemicals who do not directly register may authorize only one organization or individual meeting the conditions stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 50 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine to register each type of their plant protection chemicals.

4. Each authorized organization or individual registering may accept authorization from only one producer of active ingredients, technical chemicals, or finished chemicals for each type of active ingredient, technical chemical, or finished chemical.

5. Organizations and individuals registering:

a) May register one trade name for each active ingredient, technical chemical, or finished chemical to prevent and control harmful organisms or regulate plant growth. In cases where these active ingredients, technical chemicals, or finished chemicals are also used for warehouse disinfection; plant preservation; pest control in construction works and embankments; seed treatment chemicals, an additional trade name must be registered;

b) Shall register only one active ingredient concentration for each finished product form of plant protection chemicals;

c) May transfer trade names provided that the transfer complies with the provisions of Clause 2, 3, 4, and point a, b of Clause 5 of this Article;

d) Shall not change the trade name of plant protection chemicals in the List except in cases where competent state authorities on intellectual property rights or courts issue written conclusions regarding trademark infringement of the trade name in the List;

e) May change the manufacturer's name on the Registration Certificate in cases where the manufacturer ceases to supply the product or there is a written agreement between the manufacturer and the authorized organization or individual to terminate the authorization.

6. Five years after the first organization or individual registering is granted the official Registration Certificate for plant protection chemicals with active ingredients not yet listed, other organizations and individuals may submit supplementary registration applications for new trade names for such plant protection chemicals.

7. Plant protection chemicals with active ingredients being a mixture of chemical and biological substances shall be managed as chemical plant protection chemicals.

Article 6. Types of plant protection products not permitted to be registered in Vietnam

1. Plant protection products listed in the Catalogue of Prohibited Plant Protection Products in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the Catalogue of Prohibited Products).

2. Finished products or active substances in finished products classified as acute toxicity category I or II according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), except for biological plant protection products, fumigant plant protection products, rodenticides; termite control plant protection products for construction works, dyke structures; wood preservative plant protection products where the wood products are not used as food or medicinal materials.

3. Plant protection products that pose a high risk of adverse effects on human health, animals, ecosystems, and the environment, including:

a) Plant protection products warned by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Health Organization (WHO); Plant protection products included in Appendix III of the Rotterdam Convention;

b) Chemical plant protection products that are mixtures of different types of plant protection products (except for insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and growth regulators) except seed treatment products;

c) Plant protection products containing pathogenic microorganisms harmful to humans;

d) Plant protection products causing genetic mutations, cancer, or reproductive toxicity in humans;

đ) Chemical plant protection products registered for controlling non-plant pests or regulating the growth of fruit trees, tea plants, vegetables, or post-harvest crop preservation with active substance or finished product acute toxicity categories III or IV according to GHS; belonging to the group of organic chlorines; having a re-entry interval in Vietnam exceeding seven days.

4. Plant protection products bearing trade names identical to the active ingredient name or trade name of other plant protection products in the Catalogue.

5. Plant protection products containing methyl bromide.

6. Plant protection products registered for controlling organisms that are not plant pests in Vietnam.

7. Plant protection products invented abroad but not yet permitted for use abroad.

Article 7. Plant protection products removed from the Catalogue

1. Plant protection products shall be removed from the Catalogue in the following cases:

a) Plant protection products falling under any of the circumstances specified in Clause 2, Article 49; Point b, c, Clause 1, Article 54 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine;

b) Plant protection products listed in Appendix III of the Rotterdam Convention, warned by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

2. Procedure for removing plant protection products from the Catalogue

a) In the case specified in Point b, Clause 1 of this Article, the Plant Protection Department shall report and propose to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in writing to remove the plant protection product from the Catalogue;

b) In the case specified in Points a, b, Clause 2, Article 49 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine, the Plant Protection Department shall compile information, establish a scientific council to review and advise on the removal of the plant protection product, report and propose to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to remove the plant protection product from the Catalogue. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development shall decide on the removal of the plant protection product from the Catalogue;

c) In the case specified in Point c, Clause 2, Article 49; Points b, c, Clause 1, Article 54 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine, the Plant Protection Department shall submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for removal from the Catalogue.

3. Plant protection products specified in Point b, Clause 1 of this Article; Points a, b, Clause 2, Article 49 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine may only be produced and imported for a maximum of one year, sold and used for a maximum of two years from the date the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to remove the plant protection product from the Catalogue takes effect.

Article 8. Registration Forms

1. Official registration, including:

a) Plant protection products containing active substances not listed in the Catalogue or plant protection products with new combinations regarding the ratios and components of active substances already listed in the Catalogue, which are invented by organizations or individuals abroad and have been registered for use abroad;

b) Plant protection products containing active substances not listed in the Catalogue or plant protection products with new combinations regarding the ratios and components of active substances already listed in the Catalogue, which are invented by organizations or individuals domestically and proposed by the Scientific Council established by the Plant Protection Department to be recognized as a type of plant protection product.

2. Supplementary registration, including:

a) Plant protection products already named in the Catalogue but with additional scope of use, changed dosage, usage method, finished product form, or altered active substance content;

b) Plant protection products containing active substances listed in the Catalogue but registered under a different trade name.

Section 2

 ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCT TRIAL LICENSE

Article 9. General Principles for Issuing Trial Licenses for Plant Protection Products

1. Plant protection products registered in the Catalogue must be issued a Plant Protection Product Trial License (hereinafter referred to as Trial License) by the Plant Protection Department according to the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of this Circular and conduct trials as stipulated in Chapter III of this Circular.

2. Issuance of Trial Licenses for Biological Plant Protection Products.

a) Biological plant protection products only require wide-scale biological efficacy trials and do not need isolation period determination trials except in cases specified in point b of this clause;

b) Biological plant protection products containing pyrethrins, rotenone, avermectin group active substances, when officially registered or supplementary registered with a new trade name, must undergo narrow and wide-scale biological efficacy trials. If they are first registered for use on fruit trees, tea plants, vegetables, and post-harvest agricultural product storage, isolation period determination trials must be conducted in Vietnam.

3. Issuance of Trial Licenses for Chemical Plant Protection Products

a) Chemical plant protection products, when officially registered or supplementary registered with a new trade name, must undergo narrow and wide-scale biological efficacy trials;

b) Chemical plant protection products, when supplementary registered with additional scope of use, changed dosage, usage method, finished product form, or altered active substance content, must undergo wide-scale biological efficacy trials;

c) Chemical plant protection products, when first registered for use on fruit trees, tea plants, vegetables, and post-harvest agricultural product storage, must conduct isolation period determination trials in Vietnam (except for herbicides used for perennial fruit trees, insect attractants, soil treatment chemicals before planting, seedling disease prevention chemicals, seed treatment chemicals, and cutting treatment chemicals).

4. The Trial License shall include both the Vietnamese name and scientific name of the harmful organism.

1. Submitting application

a) Organizations or individuals submit the application directly, send it via postal service, or submit it online to the Plant Protection Department;

b) Check the validity of the application within two working days. If the application meets the requirements, it will be accepted; if not, the application will be returned to the organization or individual along with requests for supplementation and completion;

c) Number of applications: one paper copy and one electronic copy in PDF format.

2. Documents

a) Application for issuance of a Plant Protection Product Trial License according to the model prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular;

b) Documents proving that the organization or individual is eligible to register plant protection products in Vietnam:

Original or certified true copy of the document confirming the status as a manufacturer, including the plant protection product for which the trial license is requested, issued by the competent authority of the home country (for foreign manufacturers);

Certified true copy or photocopy (bring original for verification) of the company establishment permit, branch company permit, or representative office permit in Vietnam (for foreign manufacturers registering for the first time);

Original power of attorney from the manufacturer to the organization or individual applying for registration (in case of registration by proxy). Foreign manufacturer's power of attorney must be legalized according to Vietnamese law, except in cases exempted from legalization under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party;

 Photocopy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Trade (for domestic organizations or individuals applying for registration for the first time through proxy);

c) Technical documentation of the plant protection product as prescribed in Appendix III attached to this Circular.

3. Reviewing the Application and Issuing the Trial License

a) The Plant Protection Department reviews the application within ten working days from the date of receipt of the complete application as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article. For applications proposing more than three crops or three harmful organisms, the review period does not exceed fifteen working days;

If the application meets the requirements set forth in this Circular, the Plant Protection Department will submit it to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development;

If the application does not meet the requirements set forth in this Circular, the Plant Protection Department will notify the organization or individual in writing about the necessary supplements and improvements to the application;

b) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Science, Technology, and Environment Department) will review the application according to regulations within five working days from the date of receipt of the application from the Plant Protection Department;

c) Within two working days from the date of receipt of the approval opinion of the Minister, the Plant Protection Department will issue the Plant Protection Product Trial License according to the model prescribed in Appendix IV attached to this Circular;

d) In case of non-issuance of the trial license, the Plant Protection Department will notify the organization or individual in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 11. Documents, procedures, and formalities for issuing an Experimental Permit for supplementary registration

1. Submitting application

Implement as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular;

2. Documents

a) Application for issuance of a Plant Protection Product Trial License according to the model prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate already issued (in cases of supplementing the scope of use, changing the finished product form, changing the active ingredient concentration, application rate, or method of use);

c) Technical documentation of the finished plant protection product as stipulated in Appendix III attached to this Circular (in cases of changing the finished product form or the active ingredient concentration);

d) The documents specified in points b and c of Clause 2 of Article 10 of this Circular (in cases of supplementing another trade name);

3. Reviewing the Application and Issuing the Trial License

Implement as prescribed in Clause 3 of Article 10 of this Circular.

Article 12. Documents, procedures, and formalities for reissuing an Experimental Permit

1. Submitting application

Implement as prescribed in points a and b of Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular. Number of sets of documents: 01 paper copy.

2. Documents

a) An application for reissuing an Experimental Permit for plant protection products according to the model prescribed in Appendix I attached to this Circular;

b) The original Experimental Permit already issued (except in cases of loss);

3. Reviewing the documents and reissuing the Experimental Permit

The Plant Protection Department shall review the documents within 05 working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed:

a) In cases where the documents are valid, the Plant Protection Department shall reissue the Experimental Permit for plant protection products according to the model prescribed in Appendix IV attached to this Circular. The validity period of the new Experimental Permit shall remain the same as that of the previously issued permit;

b) In cases where the documents are not valid, the Plant Protection Department shall notify organizations and individuals of the contents that need to be supplemented or completed according to regulations;

c) In cases where the Experimental Permit is not reissued, the Plant Protection Department shall notify organizations and individuals in writing and specify the reasons.

Section 3

ISSUING, REISSUING, AND EXTENDING THE PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

Article 13. Documents, procedures, and formalities for issuing a Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate

1. Submitting application

a) Implement as prescribed in points a and b of Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular;

b) Number of sets of documents: 01 paper copy and 01 electronic copy in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint format for the label sample;

2. Documents

a) An application for issuing a Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate according to the model prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the Experimental Permit already issued;

c) Label samples of the plant protection product as prescribed in Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Chapter X of this Circular;

d) The original results of biological efficacy trials, isolation period determination results, and a consolidated report on trial results according to the models prescribed in Appendices VI, VII, and XI attached to this Circular.

3. Reviewing the documents and issuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate

Within six months from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the Plant Protection Department shall organize the review, submit the plant protection product to the list approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; issue the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate according to the model prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Circular. In cases where it is not issued, the Plant Protection Department shall reply to organizations and individuals in writing and specify the reasons.

Article 14. Documents, procedures, and formalities for extending the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate

1. At least three months before the expiration date of the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate, organizations or individuals wishing to extend it must submit the application documents.

2. Submission of documents

Follow the provisions set out in Points a and b, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular. Number of documents: one paper copy.

3. Documentation

a) An application for extension of the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate according to the form prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) The original Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate that has been issued.

4. Reviewing the documents and extending the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate

The Plant Protection Department reviews the documents within ten working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article:

a) In case the documents are valid and comply with the provisions of this Circular, the Plant Protection Department issues the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate according to the form prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Circular;

b) In case the documents are invalid or do not meet the requirements of this Circular, the Plant Protection Department informs the organization or individual about the necessary supplementary and completion of the documents as required;

c) In case the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate is not extended, the Plant Protection Department notifies the organization or individual in writing and specifies the reasons.

Article 15. Documents, procedures, and formalities for reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate in cases of loss, errors, or damage

1. Submitting application

Follow the provisions set out in Points a and b, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular. Number of documents: one paper copy.

2. Documents

a) An application for reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate according to the form prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) The original Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate that has been issued, except in cases of loss.

3. Procedures and formalities for reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate.

Follow the provisions set out in Clause 4, Article 14 of this Circular. The validity period of the reissued Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate remains unchanged from the original certificate.

Article 16. Documents, procedures, and formalities for reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate in cases of changing trade name or related information of the registering organization or individual

1. Submitting application

Follow the provisions set out in Points a and b, Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular. Number of documents: one paper copy.

2. Documents

a) An application for changing the trade name or related information of the registering organization or individual according to the form prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) The original Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate that has been issued;

c) A certified copy or a photocopy (bring the original for verification) of the document issued by the competent state agency regarding intellectual property rights or court decision on trademark infringement (in case of changing the trade name);

d) A certified copy or a photocopy (bring the original for verification) of the new business registration certificate (in case the name of the registering organization or individual changes);

đ) In case of transferring the trade name: The original or certified copy of the contract or agreement for transferring plant protection products; The original power of attorney for registration issued by the manufacturer to the organization or individual receiving the transfer (in case of authorization for registration).

3. Reviewing the documents and reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate.

a) The Plant Protection Department reviews the documents within ten working days from the date of receiving complete documents as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article:

In case the documents are valid, the Plant Protection Department submits to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for inclusion in the List as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 13 of this Circular;

In case the documents are invalid or do not meet the requirements of this Circular, the Plant Protection Department informs the organization or individual about the necessary supplementary and completion of the documents as required;

b) In case the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate is not reissued, the Plant Protection Department notifies the organization or individual in writing and specifies the reasons;

c) The validity period of the reissued Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate remains unchanged from the original certificate.

Article 17. Documents, procedures, and formalities for reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate in cases of changes in the manufacturer

1. Submitting application

Follow the provisions set out in Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular.

2. Documents

a) An application for reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate according to the form prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular;

b) The original or certified copy of the agreement to terminate the authorization between the manufacturer recorded in the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate and the authorized organization or individual registering.

c) The original or certified copy of the document confirming that the new manufacturer is the producer of plant protection products issued by the competent authority of the home country (for foreign manufacturers).

d) The original power of attorney from the new manufacturer to the organization or individual registering (in the case of authorization for registration). The power of attorney of foreign manufacturers must be apostilled according to Vietnamese law, except in cases where exemption from apostille is granted under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

đ) Technical documentation on plant protection products as stipulated in Appendix III attached to this Circular.

e) The original Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate already issued.

3. Reviewing the documents and reissuing the Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate

a) Follow the provisions set out in Clause 4, Article 14 of this Circular.

b) The validity period of the reissued Plant Protection Product Registration Certificate remains the same as the previously issued certificate.

Chapter III

TESTING OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Article 18. General principles for conducting testing of plant protection products

1. Testing of plant protection products can only be conducted with a Test Permit.

2. Testing of plant protection products for the purpose of registration includes biological efficacy testing and isolation period determination testing (as specified in point b, Clause 2 and point c, Clause 3, Article 9 of this Circular).

3. The basis for conducting testing of plant protection products is National Technical Regulations (QCVN), National Standards (TCVN), and Basic Standards (TC) of the Plant Protection Department.

4. Testing of plant protection products for registration must be carried out by organizations meeting the conditions stipulated in Article 20 of this Circular.

5. Narrow-scale testing must be conducted before wide-scale testing.

Article 19. Conducting Testing

Testing of plant protection products targeting one harmful organism on one crop for the purpose of registration shall be carried out as follows:

1. Biological efficacy testing of biological plant protection products (except as provided in Clause 2 of this Article); chemical plant protection products registered for additional scope of use, change in dosage, application method, finished product form, or active ingredient content, including four wide-scale tests, specifically:

For crops or harmful organisms present in two production regions (North and South), each region shall conduct tests at two locations (each location in one province) or two counties/provinces (if the crop or harmful organism is only present in one province of the production region).

For crops or harmful organisms present in only one region or province, tests shall be conducted at four locations within the region (each location in one province of the region) or four locations within the province (at least two counties of the province).

2. Biological efficacy testing of chemical plant protection products; biological plant protection products containing pyrethrin, rotenone, avermectin active ingredients for official registration, additional trade name registration, including eight narrow-scale tests and two wide-scale tests. If the crop or harmful organism is present in only one production region, the number of tests will include six narrow-scale tests and two wide-scale tests, specifically:

1 pest type, 1 location, 3-5 formulas, 3-4 repetitions, plot area from 25-50 hectares

For crops or harmful organisms present in two production regions (North and South), each region shall conduct tests at four locations (each location in one province). In cases where there are not enough four provinces in each region, each region shall conduct tests at four locations (each location in one county of the region).

For crops or harmful organisms present in one production region, tests shall be conducted at six locations (each location in one province or one county within the region).

For crops or harmful organisms present in only one production province, tests shall be conducted at six locations in at least three counties within the province.

For herbicides on rice, testing must be conducted in two different seasons.

1 trial, 1 pest type, 1 crop type, 1 drug type, plot area from 0.5-2 hectares

For crops or harmful organisms present in two production regions (North and South), each region shall conduct tests at one location.

For crops or harmful organisms present in only one production region, tests shall be conducted at two locations within the region (each location in one province of the region) or two locations within the province (each location in one county if the harmful organism is only present in one province).

3. Isolation period determination testing for one active ingredient on one crop shall include four wide-scale tests, specifically:

For crops with multiple seasons/year in two production regions (North and South), each region shall conduct tests at two locations (each location in one province, one season per province or each location in one county of the region, one season per county).

For crops with multiple seasons/year in one production region, tests shall be conducted at four locations (two locations per season; each location in one province or one county of the region).

For crops with only one season/year, in two production regions (North and South), each region shall conduct tests at two locations (each location in one province or one county of the region).

For crops with only one season/year and present in only one production region, tests shall be conducted at four locations within the region (each location in one province of the region) or four locations within the province (at least two counties).

Article 20. Guidelines for the conditions of organizations conducting plant protection product testing

1. Having legal personality and registered to operate in the field of plant protection product testing;

2. The head of the organization must have a university degree or higher in plant protection, agronomy, crop production, biology, or chemistry, and hold a training certificate for plant protection product testing issued by the Plant Protection Department;

3. Having at least five full-time employees or long-term contract workers with a university degree or higher in the specified fields under Clause 2 of this Article, and holding a training certificate for plant protection product testing issued by the Plant Protection Department;

4. Possessing material and technical facilities ensuring the work of plant protection product testing:

a) Adequate equipment and devices serving plant protection product testing as stipulated in Appendix X attached to this Circular;

b) Conducting or cooperating with other organizations to conduct the required number of tests as stipulated in Article 19 of this Circular to ensure that a type of plant protection product meets the registration requirements for inclusion in the list of permitted plant protection products in Vietnam;

 The cooperating organization must have legal personality, sufficient human resources, and adequate equipment and devices for testing as prescribed in Clause 2 and point a of Clause 4 of this Article;

c) Having a laboratory designated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for residue analysis with corresponding tests (for organizations conducting testing to determine the pre-harvest interval of plant protection products);

5. Not directly registering or authorizing registration of plant protection products in Vietnam under their own name;

1. Submitting application

a) Organizations submit applications either in person, by mail, or online to the Plant Protection Department;

b) Number of application sets: 01 set;

c) Verify the validity of the application immediately upon receipt of the application in person or within two working days for applications sent by mail. If the application is valid, the Plant Protection Department will accept it; if not, the organization will be asked to supplement and complete the application;

2. Documents

a) A request for recognition as an organization meeting the conditions to conduct plant protection product testing according to the form prescribed in Appendix IX attached to this Circular;

c) Certified copies or photocopies (with original documents for verification) of graduation certificates from universities or higher in the fields of plant protection, crop production, agronomy, biology, or chemistry, and the training certificate for plant protection product testing of the organization's head and participants;

d) A statement ensuring the conditions for conducting plant protection product testing by the organization meeting the conditions and the cooperating unit according to the form prescribed in Appendix X attached to this Circular;

3. Reviewing and evaluating the application for recognition and announcing organizations meeting the conditions to conduct plant protection product testing

a) The Plant Protection Department receives and reviews the application for recognition of organizations meeting the conditions to conduct plant protection product testing. Upon completion of the review, the Plant Protection Department will finalize the application for recognition of organizations meeting the conditions to conduct plant protection product testing and submit it to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval within fifteen working days;

b) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Science, Technology, and Environment Department) will review the application according to regulations within ten working days from the date of receiving the application from the Plant Protection Department;

c) Within three working days from the date of receiving the Minister's approval, the Plant Protection Department will issue a Decision recognizing the organization as meeting the conditions to conduct plant protection product testing;

d) In cases where the organization does not meet the recognition conditions, the Plant Protection Department will notify the organization or individual in writing and specify the reasons;

Article 22. Training on pesticide testing

1. Content of training

a) Current legal provisions on pesticide testing;

b) Safety in storage and use of pesticides;

c) Procedures for biological efficacy testing and determination of pesticide isolation periods;

d) Data processing, data retention, and reporting of testing results.

2. Registration and organization of training

Organizations and individuals requiring pesticide testing training shall register the list of participants directly or through postal service or online with the Plant Protection Department.

3. The Plant Protection Department shall organize pesticide testing training according to the content stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article. The training duration is four days.

Based on the examination results after training, the Plant Protection Department shall issue a Pesticide Testing Training Certificate according to the form prescribed in Appendix XIII attached to this Circular.

Article 23. Rights and obligations of organizations conducting pesticide testing

1. Implement the provisions of Article 60 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine and report pesticide testing results according to the forms prescribed in Appendices VI and VII attached to this Circular.

2. Report consolidated testing results of pesticides according to the form prescribed in Appendix XI attached to this Circular.

3. Annually report the testing activities of the organization according to the form prescribed in Appendix XII attached to this Circular or submit ad hoc reports upon request of the Plant Protection Department. The deadline for submitting the annual report is December 25 of the reporting year.

Article 24. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals with pesticides subject to testing

1. Provide the qualified organization with a Testing Permit, a Pesticide Information Form for Testing according to the form prescribed in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular, and testing sample pesticides (correct type, active ingredient concentration, and formulation as stated in the Testing Permit; sufficient quantity for testing and sample retention; properly packaged in sealed containers with seals from the registering organization or individual).

2. Sign a contract and pay testing fees as prescribed.

3. In case the tested pesticides cause adverse effects on crops, people, and the environment, the organizations and individuals with pesticides subject to testing must bear responsibility for compensation according to the law.

Chapter IV

PRODUCTION AND SALE OF PESTICIDES

Section 1

 ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PESTICIDE PRODUCTION

Article 25. Scope of Application

Pesticide production facilities must comply with the provisions of Article 61 of the Law on Plant Protection (except for facilities that only produce biopesticides with active ingredients being beneficial microorganisms) and detailed guidance from Articles 26 to 29 of this Circular. Facilities permitted to operate in pesticide production may commence operations from the date they receive the Certificate of Eligibility for Production according to the provisions of Article 30 of this Circular.

For facilities that only produce biopesticides with active ingredients being beneficial microorganisms, a Certificate of Eligibility for Production is not required but they still must comply with environmental protection laws.

Article 26. Detailed conditions regarding factory premises

1. Place

a) Factories located within industrial zones must comply with the regulations of such zones;

b) Factories producing plant protection products that are not located within industrial zones must be situated at locations ensuring:

The location of the factory must be at least 500 meters from schools, hospitals, and markets; it must ensure requirements for electricity supply, water supply, drainage, environmental pollution treatment, and transportation.

The factory must have enclosing walls separating it from the outside. Internal traffic systems must be arranged to ensure safety for transportation and fire prevention and extinguishing.

2. Layout, structure, and architectural arrangement of factory premises

a) Production areas and storage areas of the factory must be separated;

b) The layout of the factory must reasonably arrange various components and clearly define their functions;

c) Factory

The factory must meet design and construction standards specified in Vietnam Standard TCVN 4604/2012: Industrial Enterprises, Manufacturers - Design Standards; TCVN: 2622/1995: Fire Prevention and Control for Buildings and Structures - Design Requirements;

d) Construction materials for the factory must be non-flammable or difficult to ignite; the frame can be built with bricks, concrete, or steel. Floors must be made of liquid-proof, flat, non-slippery material without cracks and must have surrounding edges or curbs;

đ) The factory must have clear escape routes indicated by signs, diagrams, and be easily accessible in case of emergencies.

Article 27. Detailed conditions regarding equipment

1. Production equipment

a) There must be production lines and technologies suitable for the type of plant protection products produced and ensuring their quality;

b) Equipment must be installed and arranged appropriately for each production stage and meet labor safety requirements as stipulated in Vietnam Standard TCVN 2290-1978: Production Equipment - General Safety Requirements;

c) Equipment must come with operation manuals, technical parameters checked, tested according to regulations, regularly maintained, and have industrial cleaning procedures;

d) Lighting fixtures and other electrical equipment must be installed in necessary positions and not allowed to be temporarily installed. All electrical equipment must have circuit breakers for leakage protection and overload prevention.

2. Transportation and loading/unloading equipment must meet current technical standards for hazardous goods being transported and be designed to prevent leakage or dispersion of plant protection products into the environment. Warning signs must be displayed on transportation vehicles.

3. Safety equipment and devices

a) Personal protective equipment must be provided and used when entering the plant protection product production workshop;

b) First aid kits and medical supplies must be available;

c) All necessary emergency response equipment and tools must be fully equipped at the facility, with fire prevention and extinguishing systems installed in appropriate positions and regularly inspected to ensure they are in good working condition.

4. Waste treatment system

a) The factory must have an exhaust gas treatment system. Exhaust gases must meet National Technical Regulations QCVN 19:2009/BTNMT - National Technical Regulations on Industrial Exhaust Gases for Dust and Inorganic Substances and QCVN 20:2009/BTNMT - National Technical Regulations on Industrial Exhaust Gases for Certain Organic Substances;

b) The factory must have a wastewater treatment system. Wastewater after treatment must meet National Technical Regulations QCVN 07:2009/BTNMT - National Technical Regulations on Hazardous Waste Thresholds and QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT - National Technical Regulations on Industrial Wastewater;

c) Solid waste management must comply with the provisions of Government Decree No. 59/2007/NĐ-CP dated April 9, 2007, on solid waste management. There must be collection points for solid waste that are carefully covered, with collection and transport equipment available.

Article 28. Quality Management System

1. In the case of new production facilities that commence operations, they must establish and implement a quality management system according to the ISO 9001:2008 standard or equivalent.

In the case of facilities that have been operating for two years or more, they must have a recognized quality management system that complies with ISO 9001:2008 or equivalent.

2. There must be a production process for plant protection products clearly recording the following information: trade name, process code, purpose, production quota (raw materials, additives, quantities, expected finished product quantity, limits), location, equipment, steps to be taken, quality control, warehousing, storage, packaging, labeling, points of attention.

3. There must be a testing laboratory recognized as compliant with ISO 17025:2005 or equivalent to test the quality of plant protection products for each batch of products leaving the factory.

4. In cases where there is no laboratory as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article, there must be a contract with a recognized ISO 17025:2005 or equivalent laboratory to test the quality of each batch of products leaving the factory.

5. For existing facilities, there must be a file documenting the results of quality tests for each batch of products leaving the factory, declaring compliance with regulations on product quality and standards according to the Law on Product Quality and the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations.

Samples for quality testing of each batch of products leaving the factory must be retained for a minimum of three months.

Article 29. Detailed Conditions Regarding Human Resources

1. Individuals directly managing and overseeing production must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, plant protection, or biology.

2. Individuals directly managing and overseeing production, those directly involved in production, and warehouse managers must be trained in knowledge about plant protection products and chemical safety techniques.

Article 30. Documents, Procedures, and Formalities for Issuing Certificates of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Production

1. Submitting application

a) The production facility submits the application documents directly, sends them via postal service, or submits them online to the Plant Protection Department.

b) Number of documents: one paper copy and one electronic copy in PDF format.

c) Review the documents within two working days. If the documents comply with the regulations, they will be accepted; if not, the documents will be returned to the organization or individual along with a written request for supplementation and completion of the documents.

2. Documents

a) A request for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Production according to the form prescribed in Appendix XIV attached to this Circular.

b) An explanation of the production conditions for plant protection products according to the form prescribed in Appendix XV attached to this Circular.

c) A plan or measures for preventing and responding to chemical incidents according to the form prescribed in Appendix XXI attached to this Circular; a copy of the documents proving that the production facility meets environmental protection regulations issued by the competent authority.

d) In the case of having a testing laboratory, submit a copy of the Certificate or related documents regarding the recognition of the quality management system complying with ISO 17025:2005 or equivalent.

đ) In the case of not having a testing laboratory, submit a copy of the contract with a recognized ISO 17025:2005 or equivalent testing laboratory.

e) In the case of facilities that have been operating for two years or more, supplement a certified copy or a copy (bring the original for verification) of the Certificate or related documents regarding the recognition of the quality management system complying with ISO 9001:2008 or equivalent.

3. Review the documents and issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Production.

a) The Plant Protection Department reviews the documents within five working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents. If the documents meet the requirements, the Director of the Plant Protection Department decides to establish an Evaluation Team. The Evaluation Team consists of 3-5 members with expertise and professional management skills in the evaluation field.

The Evaluation Team notifies the facility in writing seven working days before the evaluation date. The notification specifies the team composition, scope, content, and duration of the evaluation at the facility, which should not exceed one working day.

b) Content of the evaluation

Compliance of the facility with the conditions specified in Section 1 of this Chapter and its ability to maintain the established conditions.

c) Method of evaluation

Inspect and evaluate the actual layout, environmental conditions, equipment status, and other conditions of the facility.

Interviewing directly responsible persons and employees of the facility regarding related information;

Examine the stored files and relevant documents of the facility.

d) Evaluation results

Any conditions found during the evaluation that do not comply with the provisions of Section 1 of this Chapter must be recorded in the Evaluation Report on Plant Protection Product Production Conditions according to the form prescribed in Appendix XVII attached to this Circular.

The Evaluation Report must include all contents and be signed by representatives of the facility and the head of the Evaluation Team.

If the representative of the facility disagrees with the evaluation results, they have the right to record their objections at the end of the report before signing and affixing their seal. The Evaluation Report retains its legal validity even if the facility representative does not sign it.

đ) Issue certificates of eligibility for plant protection product production

The Plant Protection Department considers the results of the document review and the evaluation results to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Production:

If the documents are valid and the evaluation results meet the requirements, the Plant Protection Department issues the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Production to the facility according to the form prescribed in Appendix XIX attached to this Circular within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the documents.

If the documents are invalid or the evaluation results do not meet the requirements, the Plant Protection Department informs the facility in writing of the non-compliant conditions and the deadline for rectification. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the facility's rectification report or re-inspection results (if necessary), if the documents are valid, the Plant Protection Department issues the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Product Production to the facility according to the form prescribed in Appendix XIX attached to this Circular.

In case the application is not valid or the assessment result does not meet the requirements, the Plant Protection Department shall not issue the Certificate of Compliance for the Production of Pesticides and provide a written response stating the reasons.

Article 31. Reissuing the Certificate of Compliance for the Production of Pesticides

1. At least three months before the expiry date of the Certificate of Compliance for the Production of Pesticides, if organizations or individuals wish to continue producing pesticides, they must submit an application for reissuance of the certificate. The application procedures and formalities for reissuance shall be carried out as prescribed in Article 30 of this Circular.

2. During the period of operation, if the production facility is assessed and classified as type A according to the regulations of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on inspecting and evaluating agricultural material trading and forestry, aquaculture, and livestock product facilities, and does not expand the scope of active ingredient, technical pesticide, or finished pesticide production, then it shall comply with the provisions of Clause 1 and 2 of Article 30 of this Circular. The Plant Protection Department shall issue the Certificate of Compliance for the Production of Pesticides within five working days from the date of receiving a valid application without establishing an inspection team at the production facility.

Section 2

ISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR THE SALE OF PESTICIDES

Article 32. Detailed Human Resource Requirements

The head of the sales entity (the Director or General Manager of a limited liability company, joint stock company, private enterprise, partner of a partnership company; the head of a branch or deputy head of the branch of an enterprise; one of the managers of the pesticide sales entity at the retail store of the enterprise, cooperative providing plant protection services; the person directly managing the store for a fixed location sales store) and the person directly selling pesticides must have a secondary level education or higher in plant protection, crop cultivation, biology, chemistry, or hold a certificate of specialized training in pesticides.

Article 33. Detailed Location Requirements

1. The address of the pesticide sales store must be clear, stable, and either owned by the entity's owner or legally leased for a minimum of one year.

2. The area must be appropriate to the scale of business operations, with a minimum of ten square meters (m²). It must be a solid building located in a dry, well-ventilated area.

3. Pesticides may not be sold alongside foodstuffs, beverages, animal feed, medical drugs, or veterinary drugs.

4. The pesticide sales store may not be located in areas designated for dining, entertainment, schools, or hospitals.

5. The store must be at least twenty meters (m) away from water sources (rivers, lakes, canals, streams, wells); it must have a dry, waterproof floor that does not flood; walls and roofs must be constructed from non-flammable materials.

6. The storage area for pesticides in the store must comply with the provisions set forth in Article 61 of this Circular.

In cases where the sales entity does not have a store, it must register as a business entity; have a fixed, legal transaction location with a clear address; maintain records of purchases, sales, and imports and exports of pesticides, and comply with the provisions of Article 32 of this Circular.

Article 34. Detailed conditions for equipment

1. Having display cabinets, counters, shelves, or racks for storing plant protection chemicals.

2. Ensuring sufficient lighting to identify the chemicals. Lighting equipment must ensure safety against fire and explosion.

3. Having internal regulations and firefighting equipment according to the requirements of the fire prevention and firefighting authority, placed in convenient locations for immediate use when necessary.

4. Having personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, clean water, and soap.

5. Having materials and tools to handle emergencies promptly as required by environmental management authorities.

Article 35. Documents, procedures, and formalities for issuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade

1. Submitting application

a) The trading entity submits the application directly, sends it via postal service, or submits it online to the Plant Protection Sub-Department or Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department.

b) Number of application sets: 01 set;

c) Verify the validity of the application within two working days. If the application meets the requirements, it will be accepted; if not, the application will be returned to the organization or individual with requests for supplementation and completion.

2. Documents

a) A request form for the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade in accordance with the model specified in Appendix XIV attached to this Circular;

c) An explanation of the trade conditions for plant protection chemicals in accordance with the model specified in Appendix XVI attached to this Circular.

3. Reviewing Conditions and Issuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade

a) The Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department of the province/city reviews within three working days from the date of receiving the complete application.

b) Form a review team

Within five working days from the date of receiving the complete application, the head of the Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department of the province decides to establish an Evaluation Team and conduct on-site evaluation. The Evaluation Team consists of three to five members with expertise and professional management skills in the relevant field.

The Evaluation Team notifies the trading entity in writing about the evaluation plan at least five days before the evaluation date. The notification specifies the team's composition, scope, content, and time of the evaluation at the entity, which shall not exceed one working day.

c) Content of the Inspection

Compliance of the entity with the conditions stipulated in Section 2 of this Chapter.

d) Evaluation Method

Interviewing directly responsible persons and employees of the facility regarding related information;

Examining stored files and related documents of the facility;

Observation of the actual layout, environmental conditions, equipment status, and other facilities of the entity.

đ) Inspection Results

Conditions found to be non-compliant with the provisions of Section 2 of this Chapter during the evaluation process must be recorded in the Evaluation Report on Trade Conditions for Plant Protection Chemicals in accordance with the model specified in Appendix XVIII attached to this Circular;

The Evaluation Report must include all contents and be signed by representatives of the facility and the head of the Evaluation Team.

In case the representative of the entity disagrees with the evaluation results, the representative has the right to record their objections at the end of the report before signing and affixing the confirmation stamp. The Evaluation Report retains its legal validity even if the entity's representative does not sign the report.

e) Issuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade

The Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department considers the review results of the application and the evaluation outcomes to issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade:

If the application is valid and the evaluation results meet the requirements, within five working days from the end of the evaluation, the Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department issues the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade to the entity in accordance with the model specified in Appendix XX attached to this Circular;

In case the conditions are not met, the Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department informs the entity in writing of the unmet conditions, requirements, and deadlines for rectification within sixty days. Within three working days from the date of receiving the entity's rectification report or re-inspection results (if necessary), if the conditions are met, the Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department issues the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade to the entity in accordance with the model specified in Appendix XX attached to this Circular;

In case the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemical Trade is not issued, the Plant Protection Sub-Department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department responds in writing and specifies the reasons.

Article 36. Reissuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemicals Trading

1. Before three months from the date when the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemicals Trading expires, organizations and individuals wishing to continue trading in plant protection chemicals must submit an application for reissuing the certificate. The procedures and requirements for reissuing the certificate shall be carried out as prescribed in Article 35 of this Circular.

During the period of operation, if the facility is assessed and classified as type A according to the regulations of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on inspecting and evaluating agricultural material production and trading facilities and forestry and aquatic products, then the application for reissuing the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemicals Trading shall be processed in accordance with Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 35 of this Circular. The Plant Protection Sub-department or Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department shall issue the Certificate of Eligibility for Plant Protection Chemicals Trading within five working days from the date of receiving a valid application, without forming an inspection team at the trading facility.

Section 3

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ON PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Article 37. Content and Program of Professional Training and Chemical Safety Training on Plant Protection Chemicals

1. The training content includes:

a) Regulations on managing plant protection chemicals, conditions for producing and trading plant protection chemicals, rights and obligations of organizations and individuals producing and trading plant protection chemicals;

b) Regulations on administrative penalties related to plant protection chemicals;

c) General information about plant protection chemicals;

d) Classification of hazards of plant protection chemicals, characteristics of plant protection chemicals;

đ) Safety in producing, trading, transporting, storing, and using plant protection chemicals;

e) Measures to prevent and handle incidents involving plant protection chemicals;

g) How to read labels on plant protection chemicals;

h) Guidance on safe and effective use of plant protection chemicals;

i) General information about plant pests, common pests, and preventive measures;

k) Legal knowledge related to fire prevention and firefighting;

l) Practical exercises and field visits.

2. Training program

a) The professional training program on plant protection chemicals for owners of plant protection chemical trading facilities, those directly managing such facilities, and those directly involved in trading (who have not yet attained a college level education in plant protection, crop production, biology, or chemistry) shall last for three months, covering all the contents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, and shall result in the issuance of a Certificate of Professional Training on Plant Protection Chemicals according to Model I in Appendix XXII of this Circular.

b) The chemical safety training program for those directly managing and operating departments directly related to production, those directly involved in production, and warehouse managers shall last for three days, covering the contents specified in point a, b, đ, e of Clause 1 of this Article, and shall result in the issuance of a Certificate of Chemical Safety Training on Plant Protection Chemicals according to Model II in Appendix XXII of this Circular;

3. Responsibilities for organizing professional training, chemical safety training, and issuing certificates of professional training on plant protection chemicals and certificates of chemical safety training on plant protection chemicals.

a) The Plant Protection Department is responsible for developing the content and programs for professional training and chemical safety training on plant protection chemicals;

b) The Plant Protection Sub-department or Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department is responsible for organizing professional training and chemical safety training and issuing certificates of professional training on plant protection chemicals and certificates of chemical safety training on plant protection chemicals in accordance with the content and programs specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

Article 38. Professional Training and Chemical Safety Training on Plant Protection Products

1. Organizations and individuals who have a need for professional training and chemical safety training on plant protection products shall register the list of participants directly or through postal service or online with the Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department.

2. The Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department shall organize professional training on plant protection products and chemical safety training on plant protection products in accordance with the content and program prescribed in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 37 of this Circular.

Immediately upon achieving satisfactory results from the examination, the Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department shall issue a Certificate according to the model prescribed in Appendix XXII attached to this Circular.

Chapter V

 IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Article 39. General Principles

1. Importing and exporting plant protection products shall be carried out in accordance with Article 67 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine and Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BNNPTNT dated February 12, 2015, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the implementation of certain provisions of Decree No. 187/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 20, 2013, of the Government detailing the implementation of the Law on Trade regarding international trade activities and related agency, purchase, sale, processing, and transit of goods with foreign countries in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BNNPTNT).

2. In cases where importation is authorized, the organization or individual receiving the authorization must present the power of attorney from the organization or individual named in the registration to the customs authority for the importing organization or individual.

3. Plant protection products listed in the Catalogue when imported must meet the following requirements:

a) Technical products must have an active ingredient content equal to or higher than that of technical products in the Catalogue and must be imported from manufacturers with clear origin and source;

b) Finished products must have an active ingredient content, form, and finished product manufacturer consistent with the Registration Certificate for plant protection products in Vietnam and must still have at least two-thirds of the shelf life indicated on the label remaining from the date of arrival in Vietnam;

c) Finished products must meet the physical and chemical properties concerning suspension rate and emulsion stability relative to each corresponding finished product form.

d) Technical products and finished products must comply with the regulations on harmful impurities set forth in National Technical Regulations (QCVN), National Standards (TCVN), and Basic Standards (TC) of the Plant Protection Department.

Article 40. Documents, Procedures, and Formalities for Issuing Import Permits for Plant Protection Products for Production Purposes with the Aim of Export

1. Documents

a) Application for issuance of an Import Permit for plant protection products for production purposes with the aim of export according to Form 01/BVTV issued together with Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BNNPTNT.

b) Certified copy or photocopied copy (bring the original for verification) of the Business Registration Certificate or Investment License (only submitted once).

c) Original or certified copy of the import contract, export contract, or contract for processing with foreign partners in cases of temporary import for re-export or import for production purposes with the aim of export.

2. Procedures and formalities for issuing Import Permits for plant protection products for production purposes with the aim of export shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 24 of Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BNNPTNT.

Exporters and importers of plant protection products must submit reports in writing according to the form prescribed in Appendix XXIII of this Circular on the situation of exporting and importing plant protection products to the Plant Protection Department. The deadline for submitting the report for the first six months of the year is before July 15th and for the annual report before January 15th of the following year.

Chapter VI

QUALITY CONTROL OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Article 42. Basis for Inspection

The basis for inspecting the quality of plant protection products during production and circulation includes National Technical Regulations (QCVN), National Standards (TCVN), or Basic Standards (TC) of the Plant Protection Department.

Article 43. State Quality Inspection of Imported Plant Protection Products

1. Imported plant protection products must undergo state quality inspection including technical products and finished products, except in the following cases: sample plant protection products; plant protection products exhibited at trade fairs; temporarily imported and re-exported plant protection products, processed for export; transiting plant protection products; plant protection products stored in bonded warehouses; plant protection products used for research, testing, and trials; plant protection products imported under permits for use in foreign investment projects and other types of products imported under permits not for commercial purposes.

2. The agency responsible for state quality inspection of imported plant protection products is the Plant Protection Department or organizations accredited by the Plant Protection Department.

3. Quality inspections of imported plant protection products shall be conducted by organizations designated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Plant Protection Department, which are announced on the Plant Protection Department's website.

4. A consignment of imported plant protection products can only be cleared when there is a notification from the agency or organization specified in Clause 2 of Article 43 of this Circular regarding the results of the state quality inspection of imported plant protection products meeting the requirements as prescribed in Appendix XXVI issued together with this Circular.

5. Plant protection products permitted to be stored in warehouses before receiving inspection results shall be carried out in accordance with Article 35 of Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC dated March 25, 2015, of the Ministry of Finance, concerning customs procedures; customs inspection and supervision; export tax, import tax, and tax management for exported and imported goods.

Article 44. Documents and Procedures for State Quality Inspection of Imported Plant Protection Products

1. Submitting application

a) Organizations and individuals submit the application directly, send it via postal service, or submit it online to the agency responsible for state quality inspection of imported plant protection products as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 43 of this Circular;

b) Number of applications: one paper copy or electronic copy;

c) Verify the validity of the registration documents within one working day.

In case the application is complete and valid: Accept the application for quality inspection and confirm it on the State Quality Inspection Registration Form for Imported Plant Protection Products;

In case the application is incomplete: Return the application to the importer and request them to supplement and complete the documents.

2. Application for quality inspection of imported plant protection products includes:

a) The State Quality Inspection Registration Form for Imported Plant Protection Products according to the form prescribed in Appendix XXIV issued together with this Circular. Quantity: two copies.

b) Copies of the following documents:

Sales contract;

Import permit (for plant protection products as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 67 of the Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine);

Packing list: Clearly stating the quantity registered and batch number of each consignment;

Invoice;

Bill of lading (in case of air, sea, or rail imports);

Certificate of quality for imported fumigant plant protection products.

3. Conducting Inspection

a) Sampling and Inspection

Within two working days from the date the importer presents the import declaration and informs the sampling location and time:

If the consignment of plant protection products remains intact and matches the registered state quality inspection documents and the import declaration, the conformity assessment organization will take samples, prepare the Sample Inspection Report for Imported Plant Protection Products according to the form prescribed in Appendix XXV issued together with this Circular, and file the consignment documents. For fumigant plant protection products, only the documentation and condition of the consignment will be inspected.

If the consignment of plant protection products is not intact and does not match the registered state quality inspection documents, the conformity assessment organization will not take samples and prepare a report on non-compliance with the state quality inspection regulations for imported plant protection products according to the form prescribed in Appendix XXVIII of this Circular.

b) Notifying Inspection Results

Within three working days from the date of sampling, the conformity assessment organization will notify the results of the state quality inspection of imported plant protection products according to the form prescribed in Appendix XXVI issued together with this Circular. In case the inspection period needs to be extended, the conformity assessment organization must immediately inform the importer to reach an agreement.

If the consignment of imported plant protection products fails the quality test, the conformity assessment organization must immediately inform the importer and report to the Plant Protection Department to issue a decision on handling.

If the consignment of imported plant protection products must be re-exported, the importer must re-export within the time limit specified in the Plant Protection Department's decision and submit a confirmation document from the customs authority (a copy) to the inspection agency for filing.

c) Filing Documents

State quality inspection documents for plant protection products must be retained for three years from the date of issuing the inspection result notification.

Article 45. Handling complaints and dealing with violations in state inspection of imported plant protection product quality

1. Complaints and handling complaints

a) Organizations and individuals importing plant protection products have the right to complain about the results of inspection or request the conformity assessment organization to review the inspection results;

b) The inspection agency shall accept and handle complaints and denunciations from organizations and individuals importing plant protection products in accordance with the Law on Complaints and the Law on Denunciation.

2. Provisions on re-inspection

a) Within seven working days from the date of receiving notification that the consignment does not meet import quality requirements, organizations and individuals importing plant protection products have the right to request the conformity assessment organization which conducted the quality inspection of their consignment to review the inspection results or conduct a re-inspection provided that the consignment remains in its original condition;

b) If the result of the re-inspection contradicts the initial result, the organization or individual importing the product shall not be required to pay for the re-inspection costs; if it conforms to the initial inspection result, the organization or individual importing the product must pay for the re-inspection costs;

c) In case the conformity assessment organization causes damage to the organization or individual importing due to errors in inspecting the quality of the imported consignment, the conformity assessment organization must refund all inspection costs and also compensate for losses suffered by the organization or individual importing according to the provisions of the law.

3. Handling of violations

Organizations and individuals importing plant protection products who violate the provisions of this Circular and related documents shall be subject to penalties under the regulations on handling violations in the field of measurement and product quality and the regulations on administrative penalties in the field of plant protection and quarantine.

Article 46. Responsibilities of the conformity assessment organization

1. Only assess conformity for designated tests.

2. Accept and examine registration files for quality inspection of organizations and individuals importing within the prescribed time limit.

3. Be responsible for the results of quality inspections of imported plant protection products.

4. Report semi-annually and annually to the Plant Protection Department on the situation and results of quality inspections of imported plant protection products according to the model specified in Appendix XXVII issued together with this Circular. The report submission deadlines are June 25 and December 25 each year.

5. Be subject to supervision and inspection by the Plant Protection Department.

6. Charge fees for quality inspection of plant protection products in accordance with the regulations.

7. Preserve samples of quality inspection of plant protection products for six months from the date of receipt.

8. Store inspection results of plant protection product quality for three years from the date of issuance of the results.

Article 47. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals importing plant protection products

1. Register and comply with regulations on quality inspection of imported plant protection products.

2. Have the responsibility to provide necessary documents on imported plant protection products, facilitate entry and exit of the conformity assessment organization to the storage, preservation, and transportation places of imported plant protection products for sampling inspection.

3. Comply with decisions of the Plant Protection Department regarding the disposal of imported plant protection product consignments that do not meet quality requirements or violate the provisions of this Circular.

4. Have the right to complain about the results of quality inspection of imported plant protection products and denounce illegal acts in the activity of quality inspection of imported plant protection products.

5. In cases where permission is granted to store the product in warehouse before receiving the inspection results, the organization or individual importing must ensure the product remains in its original condition and must not put the product into business or use until the inspection results meet the requirements.

Article 48. State Inspection of the Quality of Plant Protection Chemicals Circulating in the Market

1. The state inspection of the quality of plant protection chemicals circulating in the market shall be carried out in accordance with the Law on Product Quality and Circular No. 26/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 of the Minister of Science and Technology on the implementation of state inspection of the quality of goods circulating in the market.

2. The state inspection of the quality of plant protection chemicals circulating in the market shall be conducted at organizations that meet the conditions designated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development or the Plant Protection Department.

3. The designation of testing organizations shall be carried out in accordance with the current regulations of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the evaluation, designation, and management of agricultural and rural development laboratories.

Chapter VII

 CERTIFICATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS FOR PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Article 49. Requirements for Announcement of Compliance with Standards

Plant protection chemicals are goods listed in Group 2 of the Product and Goods List issued together with Circular No. 50/2010/TT-BNNPTNT dated August 30, 2010 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development amending and supplementing the Product and Goods List issued together with Circular No. 50/2009/TT-BNNPTNT dated August 18, 2009 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, must be announced as compliant with standards before being circulated in the market.

Article 50. Procedures, Formalities, and Basis for Certification and Announcement of Compliance with Standards

1. Certification and announcement of compliance with standards for plant protection chemicals shall be implemented in accordance with Circular No. 55/2012/TT-BNNPTNT dated October 31, 2012 of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development guiding the procedures for designating organizations to certify compliance with standards and announce compliance with standards for plant protection chemicals within the scope of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's administrative management.

2. The basis for certification and announcement of compliance with standards for plant protection chemicals includes technical indicators specified in National Technical Regulations (QCVN), National Standards (TCVN); and basic standards (TC) of the Plant Protection Department published annually by the Plant Protection Department.

Chapter VIII

 TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Section 1

 TRANSPORTATION OF PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

1. The transportation of plant protection chemicals must comply with the provisions of Decree No. 104/2009/NĐ-CP dated November 9, 2009 of the Government stipulating the list of dangerous goods and transportation of dangerous goods by road transport vehicles; Decree No. 14/2015/NĐ-CP dated February 13, 2015 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Railway Law; regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods under inland waterway, air, and maritime laws; other relevant laws; and international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

2. The transportation of plant protection chemicals (except for plant protection chemicals that are microbial formulations) must be permitted in accordance with Clause 1, Article 4 of Decree No. 104/2009/NĐ-CP dated November 9, 2009 of the Government stipulating the list of dangerous goods and transportation of dangerous goods by road transport vehicles; Clause 1, Article 22 of Decree No. 14/2015/NĐ-CP dated February 13, 2015 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Railway Law.

3. The transportation of plant protection chemicals must follow the schedule recorded in the transportation contract or other related documents between the vehicle owner and the goods owner.

4. The transportation of plant protection chemicals must ensure safety for people, animals, and the environment. Vehicles must not stop in crowded areas near schools, hospitals, markets, or sources of drinking water.

5. Plant protection chemicals can only be transported if they have been properly packaged, labeled, and obtained a permit for transporting plant protection chemicals from the competent authority in accordance with Article 54 of this Circular.

6. Plant protection chemicals that may react with each other must not be transported on the same vehicle.

7. Plant protection chemicals must not be transported on the same vehicle as passengers, animals, foodstuffs, flammable and explosive materials, and other goods, except fertilizers.

1. Persons transporting plant protection products

a) The driver and escort personnel must be fully aware of the hazardous nature of plant protection products such as toxicity, flammability, explosiveness, corrosiveness, and must know how to handle initial incidents during the transport of plant protection products and comply with the regulations on the transport of dangerous goods;

b) The driver of vehicles transporting plant protection products by road motor vehicles, in addition to certificates for operating vehicles according to current State regulations, must also have a Certificate of Occupational Safety Training in the transport and storage of plant protection products;

c) Escort personnel for plant protection products must be trained in occupational safety in the transport and storage of plant protection products.

2. Packaging, containers, or containers holding plant protection products during transport

a) Must be made from durable materials that are water-resistant;

b) Must be affixed with warning symbols featuring a black skull and crossbones on a white background within a square placed diagonally, along with other warning symbols corresponding to the characteristics of the transported plant protection products according to the model specified in Appendix XXXIII attached to this Circular. The size of the warning symbol affixed to each container holding plant protection products is 100 x 100 millimeters (mm) and 250 x 250 millimeters (mm) for containers;

c) Must have a rectangular danger sign in orange-yellow color, with the United Nations number (UN) code in the center, the size of the danger sign being 300 x 500 millimeters (mm) according to the model specified in Appendix XXXII attached to this Circular, located below the warning symbol. For packaging and containers, the danger sign should be smaller but still clearly visible, proportionate to the packaging and container sizes.

3. Vehicles transporting plant protection products

a) Common transportation vehicles permitted by competent authorities to carry goods may transport plant protection products.

b) Vehicles transporting plant protection products must meet the following technical conditions:

Equip with appropriate firefighting equipment suitable for plant protection products during transport;

Have a roof or tarpaulin securely covering the entire cargo compartment to ensure it is waterproof during transport;

Do not use flatbed trucks to transport plant protection products.

c) Vehicles transporting plant protection products must be positioned at the rear of each ferry trip if the ferry terminal does not have a dedicated ferry for dangerous goods.

d) Vehicles transporting containers of plant protection products must affix warning symbols corresponding to the type of goods being transported. The size of the warning symbol affixed to the vehicle is 500 x 500 millimeters (mm). The location of the warning symbol is on both sides and the rear of the vehicle.

In case of leakage or dispersion of plant protection products during transport, the driver, consignor, and owner of the vehicle must take necessary measures to limit consequences, rectify the incident, and simultaneously report to the People's Committee of the commune where the incident occurred to continue monitoring and implementing preventive measures. The violator shall bear all costs of rectification.

1. The Plant Protection Agency or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Agency shall issue a Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals for the following cases:

a) Organizations or individuals transporting plant protection chemicals with a quantity of 1,000 kilograms (kg) or more per trip using motorized road transport vehicles;

b) Persons hired to transport plant protection chemicals with a quantity of 1,000 kilograms (kg) or more per trip using rail transport.

2. The Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals is valid nationwide.

3. The validity period of the Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals issued on a per-trip basis (for road transport), per consignment (for rail transport), or per period but not exceeding twelve months, from the date of issuance.

4. The format of the Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals is specified in Appendix XXX attached to this Circular.

1. Submitting application

Organizations or individuals requesting the issuance of a Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals shall submit directly, send via postal service, or submit online one set of documents to the competent authority as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 54 of this Circular.

2. Documents

a) A request form for the Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals according to the format stipulated in Appendix XXIX attached to this Circular;

b) A copy of the certificate of occupational safety training for handling and storing plant protection chemicals for the driver or escort when submitting, bringing along the original for verification (for road transport);

c) One of the following copies: Supply Contract; Transportation Contract for Plant Protection Chemicals; Financial Invoice for Export and Import of Plant Protection Chemicals; Cargo Shipment List of the company (with confirmation and stamp of the company);

d) Shipping schedule, address, and phone number of the consignor (with confirmation and stamp of the company).

3. Reviewing the documents and issuing the Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals

Within three working days from the date of receipt of complete documents as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article, the competent authority shall review the documents. If the documents are in order, the competent authority shall issue the Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals.

In case the documents are incomplete, within one working day from the date of receipt of complete documents, the competent authority shall notify the organization or individual of the contents that need to be supplemented or completed in accordance with regulations.

In case the Permit for Transporting Plant Protection Chemicals is not issued, within one working day, the competent authority shall notify the organization or individual in writing and specify the reasons.

Section 2

 STORAGE OF PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Article 56. General Provisions on Storage of Plant Protection Chemicals

1. The storage facility for plant protection chemicals must meet the requirements of TCVN 5507:2002 on Safety Regulations for Hazardous Chemicals in Production, Business, Use, Storage, and Transport.

2. It must have sufficient capacity to store the entire quantity of plant protection chemicals of the establishment at any time.

3. Specialized storage facilities for biological plant protection chemicals are not required to comply with the provisions of this Section but must ensure that they do not cause environmental pollution.

Article 57. Detailed provisions on pesticide storage facilities

1. Pesticide storage facility of pesticide production establishments

a) Warehouse manager

The warehouse manager must be trained in occupational safety for pesticide storage, undergo training on pesticides, and chemical safety techniques as stipulated in Section 3 of this Chapter, and must hold a certificate or occupational safety and health permit, fire prevention and firefighting certification.

b) Location

A warehouse located within an industrial park must comply with the regulations of that industrial park.

A warehouse located outside an industrial park must be situated at a location suitable for local planning conditions and must have written approval from the People's Committee at the commune level or higher;

The warehouse must be at least 200 meters (m) away from schools, hospitals, markets, and water sources; it must be placed in a location ensuring adequate supply of electricity, water, drainage, environmental pollution treatment, and traffic; it must be surrounded by a non-combustible fence.

c) Warehouse specifications

The warehouse must be neatly arranged and organized, classified according to risk levels of fire and explosion, and ensure separation of pesticides that can cause chemical reactions with each other.

Pesticides must be stored on shelves at least 10 centimeters (cm) high, at least 20 centimeters (cm) away from walls. Main aisles must be at least 1.5 meters (m) wide, facilitating fire prevention, firefighting, inspection, and monitoring activities.

Warehouse construction materials must be non-flammable and difficult to ignite; the frame must be built with bricks, concrete, or steel. Floors must be made of non-porous material, flat without slipperiness, free of cracks, and must have spill containment barriers at doors. Doors must be securely locked.

The warehouse must have clear emergency exits indicated by signs or diagrams and easily accessible in case of incidents.

The warehouse must have a waste management system; it must comply with the regulations set forth in Decree No. 59/2007/NĐ-CP dated April 9, 2007 of the Government on solid waste management; it must have ventilation systems; and it must have tools for collecting and transporting solid waste out of the warehouse area.

The warehouse must display chemical safety rules, appropriate warning symbols corresponding to the level of danger posed by pesticides. In cases where chemicals have multiple hazardous characteristics, warning symbols must fully reflect all such hazards.

The warehouse must have occupational safety rules, equipped with and use safety equipment (gloves, masks, protective eyewear, protective clothing) when handling pesticides, and must have first aid kits and emergency response equipment.

There must be a separate area for workers to change clothes and shower after working in the warehouse.

The pesticide warehouse must meet all requirements for fire prevention and explosion control as stipulated in the Fire Prevention and Fighting Law.

Outside the warehouse, there must be large red signs reading "No Smoking," "No Open Flames," and fire safety rules and fire fighting instructions must be placed in visible locations.

All emergency response equipment must be fully equipped and fire alarm and extinguishing systems must be installed in appropriate positions and regularly checked to ensure they are always ready for use.

Operations in the storage facility must ensure safety and prevent potential risks such as fires, leaks, and spills. The warehouse manager must follow all instructions in the chemical safety data sheets for all stored pesticides, safety guidelines, hygiene practices, and emergency procedures.

2. Pesticide storage facility of pesticide trading establishments

a) At least 20 meters (m) away from water sources (rivers, lakes, canals, streams) and must be reinforced with sturdy embankments to prevent overflow. It must be dry, well-ventilated, impermeable, and not prone to flooding, ensuring fire prevention and explosion control;

b) Walls and roofs of the storage area must be constructed with non-flammable materials. Walls and floors must be flat, waterproof, easy to clean, and not prone to flooding;

c) Adequate lighting must be ensured for product identification. Lighting equipment must comply with fire prevention and explosion control standards;

d) Products must be stored on shelves at least 10 centimeters (cm) high, at least 20 centimeters (cm) away from walls; they must be kept in sealed packaging to minimize odor dispersion;

e) Product arrangement must prevent breakage, leakage, and ensure aisles are wide enough for one person to pass through, with separate areas for different types of products;

f) There must be fire safety rules and firefighting equipment as required by fire safety authorities, placed in convenient locations for immediate use when needed;

g) Personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, clean water, and soap must be provided;

h) Materials and tools for timely incident response must be available.

Section 3

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING IN THE TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF PESTICIDES

1. The drivers of transport vehicles and escorts shall be trained on the following contents:

a) Occupational safety in the transportation and storage of plant protection chemicals;

b) Legal regulations on the transportation and storage of dangerous chemicals;

c) Characteristics of plant protection chemicals;

d) Warning and hazard signal diagrams for goods;

đ) Safety measures during the transportation of plant protection chemicals including emergency response, road safety, basic knowledge on the use of protective equipment, preventive measures, and handling incidents specific to each type of plant protection chemical;

g) Safe practices in the storage and transportation of plant protection chemicals.

2. The Plant Protection Department shall be responsible for developing the content and training programs for escorts and drivers of transport vehicles carrying plant protection chemicals.

3. The Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department shall organize or coordinate with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and enterprises to provide training to organizations and individuals involved in the transportation of plant protection chemicals, raw materials, drivers, and escorts according to the content and program specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

1. Organizations and individuals requiring occupational safety training in the transportation and storage of plant protection chemicals shall register the list of participants directly or through postal service or online with the Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department.

2. The Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department shall conduct occupational safety training for participants in accordance with the contents stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 58 of this Circular. The training duration is three days.

3. Based on the results of post-training examination, the Plant Protection Sub-department or the Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department shall issue a Certificate of Occupational Safety Training in Transportation and Storage of Plant Protection Chemicals according to the model prescribed in Appendix XXXI attached to this Circular.

Chapter IX

 ADVERTISEMENT OF PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS

Article 60. Contents of advertisements for plant protection chemicals

1. Advertisements for plant protection chemicals must include the following contents except as provided in Clause 2 of this Article:

a) Trade name and active ingredient name of the plant protection chemical;

b) Function, efficacy, and precautions for use and storage of the plant protection chemical;

c) Name and address of the organization or individual registering and distributing the product;

d) Usage instructions;

đ) Warnings about the level of danger, toxicity, and preventive measures against harmful effects of the plant protection chemical;

2. Advertisements for plant protection chemicals on boards, signs, billboards, shelves, other objects, aerial objects, underwater objects, mobile objects, electronic devices, terminal devices, and other telecommunications equipment, means of transportation, and product carriers do not necessarily have to contain all mandatory contents.

3. Seminars on plant protection chemicals must include guidance on safe and effective use of plant protection chemicals according to the Standard Base TCCS 20: 2010/BVTV Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use of Plant Protection Chemicals.

4. Highly toxic plant protection chemicals classified as Category I and II under GHS may only be discussed in seminars to promote safe usage.

5. The contents of advertisements for plant protection chemicals must be confirmed by the competent authority as stipulated in Article 61 of this Circular.

Article 61. Competence to Issue the Certificate Confirming the Content of Plant Protection Product Advertising

1. The Plant Protection Agency shall issue the Certificate Confirming the Content of Plant Protection Product Advertising for press, electronic websites, electronic devices, terminal devices, and other telecommunications devices, printed products, audio recordings, video recordings, and other technological devices at the central level, nationwide distribution.

2. The Plant Protection Sub-Department or Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department shall issue the Certificate Confirming the Content of Plant Protection Product Advertising for the following advertising cases:

a) Press, electronic websites, electronic devices, terminal devices, and other telecommunications devices, printed products, audio recordings, video recordings, and other technological devices at the local level;

b) Advertising boards, banners, signs, light boxes, dedicated advertising screens;

c) Transportation means;

d) Trade fairs, seminars, conferences, event organizations, exhibitions, cultural and sports programs;

đ) Carriers of advertising products, advertising objects;

e) Other advertising media as prescribed by law.

Article 62. Documents, Procedures, and Formalities for Issuing the Certificate Confirming the Content of Plant Protection Product Advertising

1. Submitting application

a) Organizations and individuals submit applications directly, send via postal service, or submit online to the competent state agency as stipulated in Article 61 of this Circular;

b) Number of documents: 01 paper copy or electronic copy.

2. Documents

a) Application for confirmation of the content of plant protection product advertising according to the model prescribed in Appendix XXXIV issued together with this Circular;

b) A copy of the Registration Certificate for Plant Protection Products;

c) Advertising product (advertising content and form presented through images, sound, voice, writing, symbols, colors, lighting, and similar forms);

d) List of speakers providing full information about their professional qualifications or scientific titles (for trade fairs, seminars, conferences, event organizations, exhibitions, cultural and sports programs).

3. Examination of Documents and Issuance of the Certificate Confirming the Content of Plant Protection Product Advertising

Within ten working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the competent state agency as stipulated in Article 61 of this Circular shall issue the Certificate Confirming the Content of Plant Protection Product Advertising according to the model prescribed in Appendix XXXV issued together with this Circular. In case of non-issuance of the Certificate Confirming the Content of Advertising, the competent state agency must respond in writing and specify the reasons for non-issuance.

Chapter X

 LABELS OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Section 1

GENERAL PRINCIPLES ON LABELING OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Article 63. Principles of Labeling of Plant Protection Products

1. Plant protection products circulating domestically, exported, or imported must be labeled in accordance with the provisions on product labels under Decree No. 89/2006/NĐ-CP dated August 30, 2006 of the Government, the guidelines of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), and this Circular.

2. The degree of hazard of plant protection products is reflected on the label of plant protection products and the Safety Data Sheet of plant protection products. Hazard classification of plant protection products is carried out according to the rules and technical guidance of GHS based on physical hazards; the degree of hazard affecting human health and the environment. Detailed classifications of hazardous categories of plant protection products are specified in Appendix XXXVI issued together with this Circular.

Article 64. Position and Size of Pesticide Labels

1. The pesticide label must be printed or affixed firmly on the pesticide packaging at a position that is easily recognizable, containing all the contents specified for the label without having to disassemble the packaging parts.

2. The size of the pesticide label shall be determined by organizations or individuals but must ensure that the mandatory contents are fully recorded according to the provisions of Section 2 of this Chapter.

Article 65. Color and Presentation of Text, Symbols, and Images on Pesticide Labels

1. Color

a) The color of text, numerals, drawings, images, signs, symbols, and markings on the label must be clear.

b) Text and numerals must have contrasting colors with the background of the label for mandatory contents (for example: black - white, black - light yellow, dark brown - white, dark purple - white).

c) The background color of the label must not match the toxicity level color of the pesticide.

2. Presentation Method

a) The minimum font size of the label is 8 points, using the Times New Roman font (or equivalent).

b) Do not print text vertically, diagonally, or in curved lines.

c) If printing images or illustrations of harmful organisms or crops on the label, only registered objects may be printed.

d) Do not print embossed text under mandatory contents that must be recorded on the label.

đ) The active ingredient name can only be recorded on the label in the "components" section.

Article 66. Language Displayed on Pesticide Labels

1. The language recorded on the label is Vietnamese.

2. The following contents may be recorded in other languages with Latin script:

a) The common name of the active ingredient.

b) The common name or scientific name of components and quantified ingredients when they cannot be translated into Vietnamese or can be translated but do not make sense in Vietnamese.

c) The name and address of foreign organizations or individuals registering and producing pesticides.

Article 67. Contents Recorded on Pesticide Labels

1. The contents recorded on the label must be truthful, clear, accurate, reflecting the true nature of the pesticide (including the usage guide), consistent with the provisions of Section 2 of this Chapter and the Registration Certificate for Pesticides.

2. Any changes to the contents recorded on the label must be approved by the Plant Protection Department.

Section 2

 MANDATORY CONTENTS TO BE RECORDED ON PESTICIDE LABELS

Article 68. Mandatory Contents to Be Recorded on Finished Pesticide Labels

1. Trade name.

2. Type of pesticide.

3. Form of finished product.

4. Name, components, and concentration of active ingredients.

5. Quantification.

6. Registration number;

7. Date of production.

8. Production batch number.

9. Expiry date.

10. Origin.

11. Information about the organization or individual producing the finished pesticide.

12. Information about the organization or individual registering and distributing.

13. Usage instructions and storage guidance.

14. Information about risks.

15. Guidance on safe pesticide usage measures.

16. Name and concentration of solvents or additives changing the acute toxicity of the finished product (if applicable).

Article 69. Secondary Label of Finished Pesticides

1. In cases where the size of the label is insufficient to record all mandatory contents as stipulated in Article 70 of this Circular, the main label must minimally record the contents specified in Clauses 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 14 of Article 68, and an additional secondary label must be added.

2. The secondary label must be attached to each package of pesticides so as not to be separated during circulation and use.

3. On the main label, the instruction "READ THE SECONDARY LABEL CAREFULLY BEFORE USE" must be recorded.

4. The contents recorded on the secondary label must include all mandatory contents recorded on the label.

Article 70. Mandatory contents to be recorded on the label of technical plant protection products

1. Active ingredient name;

2. Composition, active ingredient concentration;

3. Actual volume, net weight;

4. Name, address of the importing entity;

5. Country of origin;

6. Production date, expiration date;

7. Information about hazards;

8. Guidance on safe usage measures for plant protection products.

Section 3

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Article 71. Labeling method for mandatory contents on the label of plant protection products

1. Trade name

The trade name must not mislead regarding the nature and function of the product; it must not violate traditional customs and aesthetics of Vietnam; it must not match the pronunciation or spelling of the names of leaders, national heroes, prominent figures, place names in Vietnam or abroad, foodstuffs, beverages, or pharmaceuticals.

2. Type of drug: record according to the function of the drug, including insecticides, fungicides, and other types listed in the Catalogue. For biological plant protection products, the term "BIOSYNTHETIC" shall be added after the line indicating the type of drug (for example: biosynthetic insecticide).

3. Finished product form: record the finished product form code according to the International CropLife Code for Technical and Formulated Pesticides (Croplife International Codes for Technical and Formulated Pesticides) as specified in Appendix XL attached hereto.

4. Name, composition, active ingredient concentration

a) Record the names of all active ingredients in the finished product formulation. The active ingredient name shall be recorded using the common name, if there is no common name, then the IUPAC name shall be used;

b) Record the concentration of each active ingredient in the finished product

Units are g/kg (three digits) or percentage by weight (% w/w) for solid, viscous liquid, aerosol, or volatile liquid forms; units are g/l (three digits) or percentage by weight (% w/w) for other liquid forms; units are IU or UI (International Unit)/mg, CFU (Colony-Forming Unit)/g (or ml) for microbial drugs.

5. Quantification

a) Plant protection products quantified by measurable quantities must be recorded according to Vietnamese laws on measurement;

b) Plant protection products quantified by quantity must be recorded according to natural counting numbers;

c) Liquid, viscous liquid plant protection products must record actual volume with units of liters (L) or milliliters (ml); powder, granular, viscous liquid, aerosol, or volatile liquid plant protection products must record net weight with units of kilograms (kg) or grams (g); tablet forms must record number of tablets and weight of one tablet with units of kilograms (kg) or grams (g);

d) In cases where a commercial package of plant protection products contains multiple individual packages, the quantification of each individual package and the number of individual packages must be recorded;

đ) Pre-packaged plant protection products must comply with the provisions set forth in Circular No. 21/2014/TT-BKHCN dated July 15, 2014 issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology concerning measurement for pre-packaged goods.

6. Registration number is the number of the Certificate of Registration for Plant Protection Products issued by the Plant Protection Department.

7. Production date, expiration date

a) The production date and expiration date on the label must be fully recorded or abbreviated in uppercase letters as "NSX" in the order of day, month, year of the Gregorian calendar. Each digit representing day, month, or year must be two digits, and the year may be four digits. All digits representing a specific time period must be recorded on the same line;

b) If the abbreviation "NSX" cannot be recorded along with the digits representing day, month, and year, then instructions must be provided on the label. For example, if the production date is recorded at the bottom of the packaging as "020406", then the label must state "See NSX at the bottom of the packaging".

8. Batch number, recorded as follows: Batch Number: XXXX; or Production Batch: XXXX. The structure of the batch number is determined by the manufacturer.

9. Country of Origin

a) Record "produced in" or "origin" followed by the name of the country or territory where the plant protection product was produced;

b) For plant protection products produced in Vietnam for domestic circulation, if the address of the producer is already recorded, it is not necessary to record the country of origin of the product.

10. Information on organizations and individuals registering, distributing, and producing plant protection products.

a) Information on registering organizations and individuals: Record the name, address, and phone number of the organization or individual holding the Certificate of Registration for Plant Protection Products;

b) Information on distributing organizations and individuals: Record the name, address, and phone number of the organization or individual distributing plant protection products in Vietnam;

c) Information on producing organizations and individuals: Record the name and address of the organization or individual producing finished plant protection products.

11. Usage and storage guidance

a) Function, target pests (harmful organisms, crops);

b) Dosage, concentration, frequency, timing, and application method;

c) Mixing, dilution, spraying ratio, and usage rate;

d) Re-entry interval;

đ) Compatibility with other types of drugs (if applicable);

e) Prevention of drug resistance and management information (if applicable);

g) For highly toxic plant protection products used on fruit trees that are harmful to honeybees, a warning must be recorded: "Do not spray during flowering stage";

h) For highly toxic plant protection products used on rice that are harmful to fish according to GHS classification, a warning must be recorded: "Highly toxic to fish, do not use in aquaculture areas";

i) Information to prevent incorrect or inappropriate use;

k) Storage, disposal of excess product and packaging before and after use;

l) The label must clearly indicate the conditions necessary for storing the product. For example: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area, temperature not exceeding 30°C.

12. Hazard information

a) The label must include hazard warning symbols, warning words, and color bands as specified in Appendix XXXVII attached hereto, consistent with the hazardous classification of the plant protection product;

b) Warning words must be displayed in regular, bold, or capitalized letters with a height of at least 2 millimeters (mm). Warning words must be used according to GHS regulations, including "DANGER" for higher risk categories and "WARNING" for lower risk categories;

c) The height of the color band must be at least 10% of the label height.

13. Guidance on safe usage measures for plant protection products.

a) Includes explanations, instructions, and safety guidance symbols describing solutions and requirements for implementation to minimize or prevent adverse effects caused by pesticides when in contact with, transported, or stored. The presentation of safety instructions on pesticide labels is detailed in Appendix XXXVIII attached hereto;

b) Information about symptoms of poisoning, first aid instructions, and medical treatment. Information about antidotes (if available).

Section 4

 PESTICIDE CHEMICAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Article 72. General Principles

1. Organizations and individuals producing or importing pesticides must establish a Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet in accordance with Article 29 of the Chemical Law.

2. Organizations and individuals producing, trading, importing, or transporting pesticides must retain the Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet for all existing pesticides within their premises or means of transport and present it upon request, ensuring that all parties involved in pesticides can access the information contained in the Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet.

Article 73. Form and Content of the Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet

1. The Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet must be in Vietnamese. In cases of imported pesticides, the original language version or the English version provided by the manufacturer must also be included in printed form.

2. If the Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet has multiple pages, each page must be consecutively numbered from the first to the last page. Each page number must include the page sequence number and the total number of pages in the entire Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet, and must bear the manufacturer's stamp.

3. The content of the Pesticide Chemical Safety Data Sheet follows the model prescribed in Appendix XXXIX attached hereto.

Chapter XI

PESTICIDE PACKAGING

Article 74. Packaging Requirements for Pesticides

Packaging requirements apply to all types of pesticide packaging, including recycled or reused packaging.

1. Packaging must ensure:

a) Good quality capable of withstanding normal impacts and vibrations during transportation, transfer between vehicles, and manual or mechanical loading and unloading;

b) Must be sealed to prevent chemical loss during preparation for transportation or during transportation under conditions such as shaking, increased temperature, humidity, and pressure;

c) The outer surface of the packaging must be clean and free from any hazardous chemicals.

2. Parts of the packaging that come into contact with pesticides must ensure:

a) Not affected or deteriorate in quality due to the impact of the packaged chemicals;

b) No dangerous reactions, catalytic actions, or reactions with the pesticides inside the packaging;

c) Use an appropriate inert liner layer to protect and isolate the packaging from the packaged pesticides.

3. Inner layers of packaging when pesticides are double-layered must ensure that under normal transportation conditions, they cannot break, puncture, or leak the contents to the outer layer of packaging.

4. Inner packaging types that are prone to breaking or puncturing, such as glass, ceramic, or certain types of plastic, must be securely fixed to the outer layer of packaging using suitable cushioning materials.

5. Các thuốc bảo vệ thực vật không được bao gói cùng nhau trong cùng một lớp bao gói ngoài hoặc trong một khoang vận chuyển lớn, khi các hóa chất này có thể phản ứng cùng với nhau và gây ra: bốc cháy hoặc phát nhiệt lớn; phát nhiệt hoặc bốc cháy tạo hơi ngạt, ô xy hóa hay khí độc; tạo ra chất có tính ăn mòn mạnh; tạo ra các chất không bền.

6. Bao gói thuốc bảo vệ thực vật ở dạng lỏng

a) Phải có sức chịu đựng thích hợp với áp suất từ phía bên trong sinh ra trong quá trình vận chuyển;

b) Phải có khoảng không cần thiết để đảm bảo bao gói không bị rò rỉ hay biến dạng xảy ra vì sự tăng thể tích của các chất lỏng được bao gói khi nhiệt độ tăng trong quá trình vận chuyển;

c) Phải thử độ rò rỉ trước khi sử dụng.

7. Bao gói của thuốc bảo vệ thực vật dễ bay hơi phải đủ độ kín để đảm bảo trong quá trình vận chuyển mức chất lỏng không xuống thấp dưới mức giới hạn.

8. Bao gói thuốc bảo vệ thực vật ở dạng hạt hay bột cần phải đủ kín để tránh rơi lọt hoặc cần có các lớp đệm lót kín.

9. Bao gói thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đã sử dụng được quản lý như bao gói đang chứa thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

10. Tổ chức, cá nhân sản xuất, nhập khẩu thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải xây dựng tiêu chuẩn cho bao gói thuốc bảo vệ thực vật theo quy định tại điểm c khoản 1 Điều 71 Luật Bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật.

Chương XII

 SỬ DỤNG THUỐC BẢO VỆ THỰC VẬT

Điều 75. Quyền và nghĩa vụ của tổ chức, cá nhân sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

Quyền và nghĩa vụ của tổ chức cá nhân sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật được quy định tại khoản 2 Điều 72 Luật Bảo vệ và Kiểm dịch thực vật.

Điều 76. Nội dung tập huấn sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

1. Hướng dẫn sử dụng thuốc an toàn và hiệu quả;

2. Cách đọc nhãn thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

3. Tác hại của thuốc bảo vệ thực vật với người sử dụng và cách phòng ngừa;

4. Bảo vệ môi trường, an toàn thực phẩm;

5. Quyền và nghĩa vụ của người sử dụng thuốc.

Điều 77. Trách nhiệm tổ chức tập huấn sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

1. Cục Bảo vệ thực vật chịu trách nhiệm xây dựng nội dung, chương trình tập huấn về hướng dẫn sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

2. Chi cục Bảo vệ thực vật hoặc Chi cục Trồng trọt và Bảo vệ thực vật chủ trì hoặc phối hợp với các cơ sở đào tạo, dạy nghề, các doanh nghiệp tổ chức tập huấn sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật theo đúng nội dung chương trình quy định tại Điều 76 của Thông tư này.

3. Các cơ sở sản xuất thuốc bảo vệ thực vật chủ động tổ chức tập huấn, hướng dẫn sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật, phòng ngừa sự cố do thuốc bảo vệ thực vật gây ra khi sử dụng.

Chương XIII

THU HỒI, TIÊU HỦY THUỐC BẢO VỆ THỰC VẬT

Điều 78. Quy trình thu hồi bắt buộc thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

Khi phát hiện thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi theo quy định tại khoản 1 Điều 73 Luật Bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật, cơ quan có thẩm quyền về bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật quy định tại Điều 79 của Thông tư này thực hiện theo trình tự sau:

1. Ra quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi.

2. Gửi Quyết định đến tổ chức, cá nhân có thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi: Yêu cầu tổ chức cá nhân đó ngừng kinh doanh thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi, xác định và gửi thông báo thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đến những nơi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi được phân phối để thực hiện thu hồi theo chứng từ đã xuất.

3. Gửi thông báo thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đến cơ quan quản lý có liên quan.

4. Niêm phong thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi.

5. Tổ chức, cá nhân có thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thu hồi lập phương án xử lý thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thu hồi trình cơ quan có thẩm quyền quy định tại Điều 79 của Thông tư này xem xét.

6. Quyết định biện pháp xử lý và giám sát việc xử lý thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Biện pháp tái xuất áp dụng đối với trường hợp thuốc bảo vệ thực vật nhập khẩu;

b) Trường hợp áp dụng biện pháp tái chế phải do Cục Bảo vệ thực vật quyết định; việc thực hiện tái chế phải được giám sát bởi cơ quan ra quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi;

c) Biện pháp khắc phục lỗi ghi nhãn bao gói áp dụng đối với thuốc bảo vệ thực vật có nhãn, bao gói sai sót hoặc không đúng quy định;

d) Biện pháp tiêu huỷ áp dụng đối với trường hợp tổ chức, cá nhân có thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi đề nghị tiêu huỷ hoặc không khắc phụ được bằng các biện pháp xử lý khác theo quy định.

7. Việc tiêu huỷ thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thực hiện theo quy định tại Điều 74 Luật Bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật.

Điều 79. Thẩm quyền ra quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

1. Cục Bảo vệ thực vật có thẩm quyền ra quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi đối với thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi; quyết định biện pháp và thời hạn xử lý thuốc bảo vệ thực vật bị thu hồi; kiểm tra việc thu hồi và xử lý thuốc của cơ sở sản xuất; xử lý vi phạm về thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật của cơ sở buôn bán khi việc thu hồi thuốc xảy ra trên địa bàn nhiều tỉnh, thành phố trực thuộc Trung ương.

2. Chi cục Bảo vệ thực vật hoặc Chi cục Trồng trọt và Bảo vệ thực vật có thẩm quyền ra quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi đối với thuốc bảo vệ thực vật phải thu hồi; quyết định biện pháp và thời hạn xử lý thuốc bảo vệ thực vật bị thu hồi; kiểm tra việc thu hồi và xử lý thuốc của cơ sở buôn bán trên địa bàn; xử lý vi phạm về thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật của cơ sở buôn bán trên địa bàn theo quy định.

Chương XIV

TỔ CHỨC THỰC HIỆN

Điều 80. Trách nhiệm của Cục Bảo vệ thực vật

1. Về đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Tiếp nhận, thẩm định, lưu giữ và bảo mật hồ sơ đăng ký. Thời gian lưu trữ hồ sơ tối thiểu là 05 năm đối với bản giấy, 10 năm đối với các bản điện tử. Khi hết thời gian lưu trữ, hồ sơ được tiêu hủy theo quy định hiện hành;

b) Cấp, cấp lại và thu hồi Giấy phép khảo nghiệm; cấp, gia hạn, cấp lại và thu hồi Giấy chứng nhận đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

c) Tổ chức các kỳ họp Hội đồng tư vấn để xét duyệt các thuốc đăng ký và lập hồ sơ trình Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn ban hành Thông tư Danh mục, Danh mục cấm sau khi đã được Hội đồng tư vấn xem xét và đề nghị cho đăng ký vào Danh mục;

d) Thu phí, lệ phí cấp và cấp lại Giấy phép khảo nghiệm, giấy chứng nhận đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật; gia hạn Giấy chứng nhận đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

2. Về khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Quản lý, tổ chức các hoạt động về khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đảm bảo khách quan, chính xác;

b) Thẩm định hồ sơ đề nghị công nhận tổ chức đủ điều kiện khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

c) Tập huấn và cấp giấy chứng nhận tập huấn khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật cho người làm công tác khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

d) Tổ chức kiểm tra, đánh giá kết quả khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

đ) Sử dụng các kết quả khảo nghiệm để tổ chức đánh giá phục vụ việc đăng ký thuốc;

e) Xây dựng, trình ban hành các Quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia (QCVN), Tiêu chuẩn quốc gia (TCVN), Tiêu chuẩn cơ sở (TC) về khảo nghiệm thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

3. Về sản xuất thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Giám sát và yêu cầu cơ sở khắc phục những thiếu sót về điều kiện sản xuất thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

b) Yêu cầu cơ sở cung cấp hồ sơ, tài liệu và tạo điều kiện thuận lợi cho công tác đánh giá việc chấp hành các quy định của Thông tư này và các văn bản quy phạm pháp luật khác có liên quan về sản xuất thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

c) Cục Bảo vệ thực vật thực hiện cấp, cấp lại và thu hồi Giấy chứng nhận đủ điều kiện sản xuất theo đúng các quy định của Luật Bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật và hướng dẫn của Thông tư này;

d) Kiểm tra định kỳ hoặc đột xuất đối với cơ sở đã được cấp giấy chứng nhận đủ điều kiện sản xuất thuốc bảo vệ thực vật khi có yêu cầu của cơ quan nhà nước có thẩm quyền;

đ) Xử lý vi phạm, giải quyết các khiếu nại tố cáo theo quy định của pháp luật;

e) Xây dựng nội dung, chương trình bồi dưỡng, tập huấn kiến thức thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

4. Về xuất khẩu, nhập khẩu thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Tiếp nhận, thẩm định hồ sơ nhập khẩu các thuốc bảo vệ thực vật quy định tại khoản 2 Điều 67 Luật Bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật;

b) Cấp Giấy phép nhập khẩu thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

5. Kiểm tra chất lượng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Quản lý các hoạt động về kiểm tra chất lượng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

b) Hướng dẫn nghiệp vụ, quản lý hoạt động của các tổ chức đánh giá sự phù hợp được chỉ định kiểm định chất lượng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật nhập khẩu;

c) Xử lý, giải quyết khiếu nại, tố cáo của tổ chức, cá nhân các trường hợp thuốc bảo vệ thực vật nhập khẩu không đáp ứng yêu cầu chất lượng;

d) Tập huấn cán bộ làm công tác kiểm định chất lượng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

đ) Xây dựng, trình ban hành các Quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia (QCVN), Tiêu chuẩn quốc gia (TCVN), Tiêu chuẩn cơ sở (TC) về kiểm định chất lượng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

6. Chứng nhận hợp quy và công bố hợp quy thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Chỉ định các Tổ chức chứng nhận hợp quy, Phòng thử nghiệm về thuốc bảo vệ thực vật theo quy định hiện hành của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn;

b) Thông báo danh sách các tổ chức chứng nhận hợp quy, phòng thử nghiệm, Quy chuẩn kỹ thuật quốc gia (QCVN), Tiêu chuẩn quốc gia (TCVN), Tiêu chuẩn cơ sở (TC) trên website của Cục Bảo vệ thực vật.

8. Xây dựng nội dung, chương trình tập huấn về hướng dẫn sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

9. Về quảng cáo thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Tiếp nhận và thẩm định nội dung quảng cáo thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thuộc thẩm quyền quy định tại khoản 1 Điều 61 của Thông tư này;

b) Cấp Giấy xác nhận nội dung quảng cáo.

10. Quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thuộc thẩm quyền theo quy định tại khoản 1 Điều 79 của Thông tư này.

Điều 81. Trách nhiệm của Sở Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn

1. Tiếp nhận hồ sơ đăng ký, ra thông báo tiếp nhận công bố hợp quy, lập sổ theo dõi và quản lý hồ sơ công bố hợp quy thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

2. Phối hợp với Cục Bảo vệ thực vật hướng dẫn thực hiện việc chứng nhận hợp quy, công bố hợp quy thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

3. Gửi báo cáo để Cục Bảo vệ thực vật tổng hợp trình Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn về hoạt động công bố hợp quy thuốc bảo vệ thực vật khi có yêu cầu.

4. Chỉ đạo, hướng dẫn và kiểm tra Chi cục Bảo vệ thực vật hoặc Chi cục Trồng trọt và Bảo vệ thực vật trong việc thực hiện các nhiệm vụ được giao tại Thông tư này.

Điều 82. Trách nhiệm của Chi cục Bảo vệ thực vật hoặc Chi cục Trồng trọt và Bảo vệ thực vật

1. Về buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Giám sát và yêu cầu cơ sở khắc phục những thiếu sót về điều kiện buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

b) Yêu cầu cơ sở cung cấp hồ sơ, tài liệu và tạo điều kiện thuận lợi cho công tác đánh giá việc chấp hành các quy định của Thông tư này và các văn bản quy phạm pháp luật khác có liên quan về buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

c) Chi cục Bảo vệ thực vật hoặc Chi cục Trồng trọt và Bảo vệ thực vật thực hiện cấp, cấp lại và thu hồi Giấy chứng nhận đủ điều kiện buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật tại địa phương quản lý theo đúng các quy định của Luật Bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật và hướng dẫn của Thông tư này;

d) Kiểm tra định kỳ hoặc đột xuất đối với cơ sở đã được cấp giấy chứng nhận đủ điều kiện buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật khi có yêu cầu của cơ quan nhà nước có thẩm quyền;

đ) Xử lý vi phạm, giải quyết các khiếu nại tố cáo theo quy định của pháp luật;

e) Tổ chức bồi dưỡng, tập huấn kiến thức thuốc bảo vệ thực vật, kỹ thuật an toàn hóa chất.

a) Tiếp nhận và thẩm định hồ sơ cấp Giấy phép vận chuyển thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

b) Cấp Giấy phép vận chuyển thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

c) Tổ chức huấn luyện và cấp Giấy chứng nhận huấn luyện về an toàn lao động trong vận chuyển, bảo quản thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

3. Sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Tổ chức bồi dưỡng, tập huấn về sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

b) Tổ chức tuyên truyền, phổ biến, giáo dục nhằm nâng cao ý thức chấp hành pháp luật về bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật, ý thức, trách nhiệm của người sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đối với cộng đồng, môi trường;

c) Phối hợp với các ngành chức năng tổ chức kiểm tra việc sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật ở các khu vực sản xuất, đặc biệt ở các khu vực chuyên sản xuất rau, chè, cây ăn quả;

d) Phát hiện và xử lý các trường hợp cố tình vi phạm quy định về sử dụng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật.

4. Quảng cáo thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

a) Tiếp nhận và thẩm định nội dung quảng cáo thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thuộc thẩm quyền quy định tại khoản 2 Điều 61 của Thông tư này;

b) Cấp Giấy xác nhận nội dung quảng cáo.

5. Thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật

Quyết định bắt buộc thu hồi thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thuộc thẩm quyền quy định tại khoản 2 Điều 79 của Thông tư này.

Chương XV

 ĐIỀU KHOẢN THI HÀNH

Điều 83. Quy định chuyển tiếp

1. Thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đã có trong Danh mục nhưng không đáp ứng quy định tại điểm b khoản 5 Điều 5 Thông tư này được phép lưu hành tối đa sau 05 năm kể từ ngày Thông tư này có hiệu lực.

2. Trước 01 năm đến ngày thực hiện quy định tại khoản 1 Điều này, tổ chức, cá nhân đứng tên đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật không đáp ứng quy định tại điểm b khoản 5 Điều 5 Thông tư này phải đăng ký 01 hàm lượng với Cục Bảo vệ thực vật để trình Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn đưa vào Danh mục theo quy định.

Trong trường hợp tổ chức, cá nhân đứng tên đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật có nhiều hàm lượng không thực hiện đăng ký 01 hàm lượng, Cục Bảo vệ thực vật lựa chọn 01 hàm lượng cao nhất trong số các hàm lượng mà thuốc đó đã được đăng ký để trình Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn đưa vào Danh mục.

3. Thuốc bảo vệ thực vật không đáp ứng quy định tại điểm b khoản 5 Điều 5; khoản 2 Điều 6; điểm b, điểm c, điểm d khoản 3 Điều 6; khoản 6 Điều 6 của Thông tư này:

a) Đã được cấp Giấy phép khảo nghiệm nhưng chưa thực hiện khảo nghiệm: phải hủy bỏ những đối tượng không đúng quy định của Thông tư này trong giấy phép kể từ ngày Thông tư có hiệu lực;

b) Đối với thuốc đang thực hiện khảo nghiệm hoặc đã khảo nghiệm xong nhưng chưa hoàn thành thủ tục đăng ký thì được tiếp tục khảo nghiệm và đăng ký vào Danh mục. Nếu được đăng ký vào Danh mục thì chỉ được lưu hành tối đa 05 năm kể từ ngày Thông tư có hiệu lực;

c) Đối với thuốc bảo vệ thực vật không đáp ứng quy định tại khoản 2 Điều 6; điểm b, điểm c, điểm d khoản 3 Điều 6; khoản 6 Điều 6 của Thông tư này đã đăng ký vào Danh mục trước khi Thông tư này có hiệu lực, khi Giấy chứng nhận đăng ký thuốc bảo vệ thực vật hết hạn: chỉ được gia hạn cho đủ 02 năm kể từ ngày Thông tư này có hiệu lực.

4. Thuốc bảo vệ thực vật thành phẩm quy định tại điểm đ khoản 3 Điều 6 của Thông tư này có độ độc cấp tính loại III, loại IV theo phân loại GHS, chỉ được nhập khẩu, sản xuất tối đa là 01 năm; chỉ được buôn bán, sử dụng tối đa 02 năm kể từ ngày Thông tư này có hiệu lực.

5. Thuốc bảo vệ thực vật hóa học, thuốc bảo vệ thực vật sinh học chứa hoạt chất pyrethrins, rotenone, nhóm avermectin đăng ký trên cây rau, cây ăn quả và cây chè đã được cấp Giấy phép khảo nghiệm mà không quy định khảo nghiệm thời gian cách ly trước thời điểm Thông tư này có hiệu lực thì phải khảo nghiệm thời gian cách ly.

6. Nhãn thuốc bảo vệ thực vật có nội dung theo quy định tại Thông tư số 03/2013/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 11 tháng 01 năm 2013 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn quy định về quản lý thuốc bảo vệ thực vật được tiếp tục sử dụng tối đa 05 năm kể từ ngày Thông tư này có hiệu lực.

7. Giấy chứng nhận huấn luyện chuyên môn về thuốc bảo vệ thực vật đã được cấp trước ngày Thông tư này có hiệu lực được coi là tương đương với Giấy chứng nhận bồi dưỡng chuyên môn về thuốc bảo vệ thực vật theo quy định của Thông tư này.

8. Các khảo nghiệm đã ký hợp đồng với tổ chức đủ điều kiện khảo nghiệm trước khi Thông tư này có hiệu lực được tiếp tục thực hiện theo quy định của Thông tư số 03/2013/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 11 tháng 01 năm 2013 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn.

Điều 84. Hiệu lực thi hành

Thông tư này có hiệu lực thi hành kể từ ngày 01 tháng 8 năm 2015.

Thông tư này thay thế: Thông tư số 03/2013/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 11 tháng 01 năm 2013 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn quy định về quản lý thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

Thông tư số 14/2013/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 25 tháng 02 năm 2013 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn quy định cấp Giấy chứng nhận đủ điều kiện sản xuất, kinh doanh thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

Thông tư số 77/2009/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 10 tháng 12 năm 2009 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn quy định về kiểm tra nhà nước chất lượng thuốc bảo vệ thực vật nhập khẩu;

Điều 2. Thông tư số 18/2011/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 06 tháng 4 năm 2011 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn về sửa đổi, bổ sung, bãi bỏ một số quy định về thủ tục hành chính trong lĩnh vực bảo vệ và kiểm dịch thực vật theo Nghị quyết số 57/NQ-CP ngày 15 tháng 12 năm 2010;

Quyết định số 97/2008/QĐ-BNN ngày 06 tháng 10 năm 2008 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn quy định về việc cấp chứng chỉ hành nghề sản xuất, gia công, sang chai, đóng gói, buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật;

Điều 2. Thông tư số 85 /2011/TT-BNNPTNT ngày 14 tháng 12 năm 2011 của Bộ trưởng Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn về sửa đổi, bổ sung một số điều của Quyết định số 89/2007/QĐ-BNN ngày 01 tháng 11 năm 2007 quy định quản lý nhà nước về hoạt động xông hơi khử trùng vật thể thuộc diện kiểm dịch thực vật và Quyết định số 97/2008/QĐ-BNN ngày 6/10/2008 Quy định về việc cấp chứng chỉ hành nghề sản xuất, gia công, sang chai, đóng gói, buôn bán thuốc bảo vệ thực vật của Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn.

Trong quá trình thực hiện Thông tư, nếu có khó khăn, vướng mắc, các tổ chức, cá nhân phản ánh về Bộ Nông nghiệp và Phát triển nông thôn (qua Cục Bảo vệ thực vật) để xem xét, sửa đổi, bổ sung./.