Circular No. 25/2016/TT-BNNPTNT on animal quarantine and terrestrial animal products quarantine

CIRCULAR

Regulations on quarantine of terrestrial animals and animal products

On the basis of Law on Animal Health No. 79/2015/QH13 dated June 19, 2015;

On the basis of Food Safety Law No. 55/2010/QH12 dated June 17, 2010;

Decree No. Decision 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;

At the proposal of the Director of the Animal Health Department,

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular to regulate quarantine of terrestrial animals and animal products.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Thông tư này quy định chi tiết khoản 4 Điều 38 Luật Thủy sản số 18/2017/QH14 đã được sửa đổi, bổ sung tại điểm c khoản 21 Điều 14 Luật số 146/2025/QH15.

This Circular guides Clause 3, Article 37 of the Law on Animal Health, specifically as follows:

a) List of terrestrial animals and animal products subject to quarantine; List of terrestrial animals and animal products exempt from quarantine; List of terrestrial animals and animal products requiring risk analysis before importation into Vietnam; List of quarantine objects for terrestrial animals and animal products;

b) Contents and documents for quarantine of terrestrial animals and animal products transported out of provincial territory; export, import, temporary import for re-export, temporary export for re-import, transfer between border gates, bonded warehouses, transit through Vietnamese territory, and terrestrial animals and animal products carried by individuals; marking, assigning identification numbers to terrestrial animals, sealing transportation means and containers for terrestrial animals and animal products subject to quarantine.

Thông tư này áp dụng đối với tổ chức, cá nhân có liên quan đến hoạt động kinh doanh đối tượng thủy sản nuôi chủ lực trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam.

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to production, business, transportation out of provincial territory; export, import, temporary import for re-export, temporary export for re-import, transfer between border gates, bonded warehouses, transit through Vietnamese territory of terrestrial animals and animal products.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

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

1. Quarantine isolation area for animals is a separate area for keeping animals for a certain period to carry out quarantine.

2. Quarantine isolation area for animal products is a warehouse or container for storing goods for a certain period to carry out quarantine.

Article 3. List of terrestrial animals and animal products subject to quarantine; List of terrestrial animals and animal products exempt from quarantine; List of quarantine objects for terrestrial animals and animal products; List of terrestrial animals and animal products requiring risk analysis before importation into Vietnam

1. The list of terrestrial animals and animal products subject to quarantine is specified in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

2. The list of terrestrial animals and animal products exempt from quarantine is specified in Appendix II attached to this Circular.

3. The list of quarantine objects for terrestrial animals and animal products is specified in Appendix III attached to this Circular.

4. The list of terrestrial animals and animal products requiring risk analysis before importation into Vietnam is specified in Appendix IV attached to this Circular.

Chapter II
QUARANTINE OF TERRESTRIAL ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Section 1

QUARANTINE OF TERRESTRIAL ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS FOR TRANSPORTATION

OUT OF PROVINCIAL TERRITORY

Article 4. Quarantine of terrestrial animals transported out of provincial territory

1. Before transporting terrestrial animals out of provincial territory, the consignor must register for quarantine with the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency or the Station under the Provincial Veterinary Management Agency authorized (hereinafter referred to as the domestic animal quarantine agency), using the quarantine registration form according to Model 1 in Appendix V attached to this Circular.

2. The contents of quarantine for terrestrial animals originating from facilities as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 37 of the Law on Animal Health shall be carried out by the domestic animal quarantine agency as follows:

a) Clinical examination;

b) Sampling for testing diseases as stipulated in Appendix XI attached to this Circular;

c) Sealing and lead-sealing the means of containment and transportation of animals;

d) Guiding and supervising the consignor to perform disinfection and sterilization of the means of containment and transportation of animals;

đ) Issuing a Certificate of Quarantine;

e) Notifying the domestic animal quarantine agency at the destination via email or fax the following information: Certificate of Quarantine number, date of issuance, quantity of goods, purpose of use, license plate number of the transportation vehicle. Notification shall be made immediately after issuing the Certificate of Quarantine for animals transported for breeding purposes, and weekly summaries for animals transported for slaughter purposes;

g) In case the animals do not meet the requirements of veterinary hygiene, the domestic animal quarantine agency will not issue a Certificate of Quarantine and will proceed with handling according to regulations.

3. The contents of quarantine for terrestrial animals originating from facilities recognized as disease-free or monitored without pathogens or vaccinated and still immune-protected against diseases as stipulated in Appendix XI attached to this Circular shall be carried out by the domestic animal quarantine agency as follows:

a) Sealing and lead-sealing the means of containment and transportation of animals;

b) Guiding and supervising the consignor to perform disinfection and sterilization of the means of containment and transportation of animals;

c) As stipulated in Point b, Clause 2, Article 39 of the Law on Animal Health;

d) Carried out as stipulated in Point e, Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Quarantine of terrestrial animals at the destination

The domestic animal quarantine agency at the destination shall only carry out quarantine in the event of discovering:

a) Terrestrial animals from another province but without a Certificate of Quarantine issued by the domestic animal quarantine agency at the place of origin;

b) Invalid Certificate of Quarantine for terrestrial animals;

c) Any substitution, addition, or removal of terrestrial animals without permission from the domestic animal quarantine agency;

d) Terrestrial animals showing signs of infectious disease or suspected of having an infectious disease.

Article 5. Quarantine of terrestrial animal products transported out of provincial territory

1. Before transporting terrestrial animal products out of provincial territory, the consignor must register for quarantine with the domestic animal quarantine agency according to Form 1 of Appendix V issued together with this Circular.

2. The contents of quarantine for terrestrial animal products originating from establishments as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 37 of the Law on Animal Health shall be carried out by the domestic animal quarantine agency as follows:

a) Inspect the actual condition of goods; packaging and storage conditions of terrestrial animal products;

b) Take samples to test hygiene indicators for animals as prescribed in Appendix XI issued together with this Circular;

c) Seal and lock the means of containment and transportation of terrestrial animal products;

d) Guide and supervise the consignor in implementing disinfection and sterilization of the means of containment and transportation of terrestrial animal products;

đ) Issuing a Certificate of Quarantine;

e) In case terrestrial animal products do not meet hygiene requirements for animals, the animal quarantine agency will not issue a Health Certificate and will handle the situation according to regulations;

g) Summarize and notify weekly to the domestic animal quarantine agency at the destination via email or fax the following information: Health Certificate number, date of issuance, type of goods, quantity of goods, purpose of use, vehicle registration number.

3. The contents of quarantine for terrestrial animal products originating from establishments recognized as disease-free or under surveillance without pathogens or vaccinated and still immune to diseases as prescribed in Appendix XI issued together with this Circular, from processing and manufacturing establishments subject to regular hygiene inspections for animals, the domestic animal quarantine agency shall carry out as follows:

a) Seal and lock the means of containment and transportation of terrestrial animal products;

b) Carry out as prescribed in Point d of Clause 2 of this Article;

c) As stipulated in Point b, Clause 2, Article 39 of the Law on Animal Health;

d) Carry out as prescribed in Point g of Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Quarantine of terrestrial animal products at the destination

The animal quarantine agency at the destination shall only conduct quarantine of terrestrial animal products in cases where it discovers:

a) Terrestrial animal products from another province without a Health Certificate issued by the domestic animal quarantine agency at the place of origin;

b) An invalid Health Certificate;

c) Any substitution, addition, or removal of terrestrial animal products or change in packaging without permission from the animal quarantine agency;

d) Terrestrial animal products that have changed quality or are suspected of being infected with pathogens.

5. Control of transport out of provincial territory of frozen or chilled terrestrial animal products for food after import: Implement as prescribed in Appendix XIII issued together with this Circular.

Section 2

ANIMAL QUARANTINE,

TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

Article 6. Quarantine of terrestrial animals and animal products for export

1. Before exporting animals and animal products requiring quarantine, the consignor must register for quarantine with the Regional Animal Health Service, the Regional Animal Quarantine Service under the Department of Animal Health, or the provincial specialized management service authorized by the Department of Animal Health (hereinafter referred to as the border quarantine agency), according to Form 2 of Appendix V issued together with this Circular.

Method of submitting application: By mail or email, fax followed by submission of original or direct submission.

2. The contents of quarantine shall be carried out as prescribed in Article 42 of the Law on Animal Health.

3. In cases where the importing country or the consignor does not require quarantine: The consignor must implement quarantine for transport out of provincial territory as prescribed in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular.

Article 7. Inspection of terrestrial animals and animal products for export at exit border gates

1. The animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall perform:

a) Checking the Export Quarantine Certificate;

b) Clinically examining animals; inspecting the condition of goods, packaging conditions, and preservation conditions for animal products;

c) Confirming or issuing a replacement Export Quarantine Certificate according to the shipper's request.

2. For animals and animal products that have not been issued an Export Quarantine Certificate, the animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall implement as prescribed in Articles 4 and 5 of this Circular.

Section 3

ANIMAL QUARANTINE,

IMPORT OF TERRESTRIAL ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Article 8. Import inspection of animals

1. Prior to importing animals, the shipper shall submit one set of registration documents for quarantine as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 45 of the Law on Animal Health to the Department of Animal Health (the application letter according to Model 19 in Appendix V attached to this Circular).

Method of submitting application: By mail or email, fax followed by submission of original or direct submission.

2. The Department of Animal Health shall implement as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 46 of the Law on Animal Health. The approval document and quarantine guidance from the Department of Animal Health shall be sent to the shipper and the animal quarantine agency at the border gate via email.

3. After receiving approval from the Department of Animal Health, the shipper shall declare quarantine to the animal quarantine agency at the border gate as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 45 of the Law on Animal Health (Model 3 in Appendix V attached to this Circular).

4. The animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall implement as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 46 of the Law on Animal Health.

5. Content of inspection:

The animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall perform:

a) As prescribed in Clause 1, Article 47 of the Law on Animal Health;

b) Taking samples for testing diseases as prescribed in Appendix XII attached to this Circular.

6. Preparation of quarantine isolation facilities:

a) The shipper is responsible for arranging quarantine isolation locations;

b) The animal quarantine agency at the border gate and the Veterinary Sanitation Testing Center are responsible for inspecting veterinary hygiene conditions to ensure quarantine isolation of animals.

Article 9. Inspection of imported animal products

Method of submitting application: By mail or email, fax followed by submission of original or direct submission.

2. Implement as prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, and 4 of Article 8 of this Circular.

3. Content of inspection:

The animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall perform:

a) As prescribed in Clause 2, Article 47 of the Law on Animal Health;

b) As prescribed in Appendix XI attached to this Circular;

c) Inspecting veterinary hygiene conditions for transportation means and storage facilities for animal products as prescribed.

Article 10. Inspection of animals and animal products imported by individuals

1. The shipper shall register for quarantine directly with the animal quarantine agency at the border gate when carrying animals and animal products with quantities and weights as follows:

a) Animals: Not more than two animals for ornamental or household purposes or for travel, work, transit, and not listed in the prohibited export and import list of animals;

b) Animal products: Not more than five kilograms of processed products for personal consumption and not listed in the prohibited export and import list of animal products.

2. The inspection of animals and animal products as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article shall be carried out as follows:

a) For animals: Checking the Export Quarantine Certificate of the exporting country; clinically examining animals; vaccinating animals that have not been vaccinated against dangerous infectious diseases; taking samples for testing for animals suspected of having dangerous infectious diseases;

b) For animal products: Checking the Export Quarantine Certificate of the exporting country; visually inspecting the condition of animal products and their packaging;

c) Issuing an Import Quarantine Certificate for animals and animal products that meet veterinary hygiene requirements;

d) Preparing a record and immediately destroying animals infected with dangerous infectious diseases and animal products that do not meet veterinary hygiene requirements in the area near the border gate;

đ) In case the Export Quarantine Certificate of the exporting country is invalid, the border quarantine agency shall prepare a record to temporarily detain the goods and handle them according to regulations.

3. When carrying animals and animal products not covered by Clause 1 of this Article, the shipper must register for import quarantine with the Department of Animal Health as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 8 of this Circular.

4. Do not carry live or minimally processed animal products.

Article 11. Inspection for Importation of Animals and Animal Products for Processing and Manufacturing Export Goods

1. The inspection for importation of animals and animal products for processing and manufacturing export goods shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations on the inspection of imported animals and animal products.

2. Terrestrial animal products, including meat, ears, tails, legs, wings of livestock and poultry imported into Vietnam for processing and manufacturing export goods must be subject to inspection by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country and issued with an Export Health Certificate containing the following information: name and address of the exporting company; name and address of the production plant; name and address of the importing company for processed products; the product originates from animals in regions or breeding facilities without related animal diseases as defined by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE); the product originates from animals that have been inspected before and after slaughter; the product is packaged and stored in compliance with veterinary hygiene standards; the purpose of use is for human consumption.

3. Processing and manufacturing of export goods can only be conducted at production facilities that have been granted a Veterinary Hygiene Condition Certification and meet the requirements of the importing country.

4. After processing and manufacturing, animal products intended for export must undergo inspection in accordance with the regulations on the inspection of exported animal products.

1. Imported animals and animal products for food must be monitored for infectious disease pathogens; residues include heavy metals, plant protection chemicals, veterinary drugs, growth promoters, and other harmful substances.

2. Samples shall be taken for monitoring according to the criteria specified in Appendix XII attached to this Circular.

Article 13. Notification of Violations

When a batch of imported goods is found to violate the inspected criteria, the Department of Animal Health shall notify in writing the Competent Veterinary Authority of the exporting country, requesting an investigation into the cause, corrective actions, and submission of a report to the Department of Animal Health.

Section 4

TEMPORARY IMPORTATION FOR RE-EXPORT, TEMPORARY EXPORT FOR RE-IMPORT, TRANSFER OF PORTS, AND TRANSIT THROUGH VIETNAMESE TERRITORY

IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION, TEMPORARY EXPORTATION AND REIMPORTATION, TRANSFER OF PORTS, CUSTOMS WAREHOUSES, AND EXITING THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF VIETNAM

EXHIBITION, PERFORMANCE OF ARTS AND SPORT COMPETITIONS; ANIMAL PRODUCTS PARTICIPATING IN FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS; SHIPMENT AND RECEIPT OF MEDICINES

Article 14. Inspection of Temporary Importation for Re-export, Temporary Export for Re-import, Transfer of Ports, and Transit Through Vietnamese Territory

1. Prior to temporary importation for re-export, temporary export for re-import, transfer of ports, or transit through Vietnamese territory, the consignor shall submit one set of registration documents for inspection in accordance with Clause 1, Article 48 of the Law on Animal Health to the Department of Animal Health (the request for guidance on inspection according to Model 17 of Appendix V attached to this Circular). The form of submission of the documents: via postal service or email, fax, followed by submission of the original or direct submission.

2. The Department of Animal Health shall implement in accordance with Clause 2, Article 49 of the Law on Animal Health. The approval document and inspection guidance of the Department of Animal Health shall be sent to the consignor and the animal quarantine agency at the port of entry via email.

3. After receiving approval from the Department of Animal Health, the consignor shall declare the inspection to the animal quarantine agency at the port of entry in accordance with Clause 2, Article 48 of the Law on Animal Health (the declaration form for inspection according to Model 3 of Appendix V attached to this Circular).

4. The animal quarantine agency at the port of entry shall implement in accordance with Clause 3, Article 49 and Article 50 of the Law on Animal Health.

5. In case of changing the port of exit when the consignment has arrived at the initial port of exit, the animal quarantine agency at the initially planned re-export port shall confirm agreement to transfer to another port if the new port of exit has been approved by the Department of Animal Health in the inspection guidance document.

Article 15. Animal quarantine and animal products entering and exiting bonded warehouses

1. The consignor shall submit one set of registration dossier for quarantine in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 48 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine to the Department of Veterinary Medicine (the request for guidance on quarantine according to Model 18 in Appendix V issued together with this Circular).

Method of submitting the dossier: By post or email, fax followed by submission of the original or direct submission.

2. The Department of Veterinary Medicine shall implement in accordance with Clause 2 of Article 14 of this Circular.

3. Before the goods arrive at the border gate, the consignor shall submit one set of declaration dossier for quarantine in accordance with Clause 2 of Article 48 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine (Declaration form for quarantine according to Model 3 in Appendix V issued together with this Circular) to the animal quarantine agency at the border gate.

4. Before the goods are exported out of the bonded warehouse, the consignor must submit the declaration dossier for quarantine to the animal quarantine agency at the border gate as follows:

a) In accordance with Clause 2 of Article 45 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine (Declaration form for quarantine according to Model 3 in Appendix V issued together with this Circular) for imported animal products intended for domestic consumption or as raw material for processing food for export;

b) In accordance with Clause 1 of Article 42 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine (Declaration form for quarantine according to Model 2 in Appendix V issued together with this Circular) for animals and animal products for export to other countries or foreign cruise ships;

5. The animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall carry out quarantine of goods entering the bonded warehouse as follows:

a) Issue a Transport Certificate for the consignor to transport goods from the import border gate to the bonded warehouse;

b) At the bonded warehouse, the border gate quarantine agency shall cooperate with the customs agency to inspect the actual condition of the consignment, confirm it so that the consignor can enter the goods into the bonded warehouse.

6. The animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall carry out quarantine of goods exiting the bonded warehouse as follows:

a) In accordance with Article 9 of this Circular for imported animal products intended for domestic consumption, Article 11 of this Circular for animal products used as raw material for processing food for export;

b) In accordance with Article 7 of this Circular for exported animal products;

c) In case the consignment is partially exported out of the bonded warehouse, the animal quarantine agency at the border gate shall deduct the quantity of goods from the original Export Health Certificate of the exporting country, retain a copy in the quarantine dossier; the original Export Health Certificate of the exporting country will be collected and retained in the final export dossier of the consignment.

Section 5

QUARANTINE OF ANIMALS ON LAND PARTICIPATING IN TRADE FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS, SPORTING EVENTS AND ART PERFORMANCES; ANIMAL PRODUCTS ON LAND PARTICIPATING IN TRADE FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS; AND SHIPMENT AND RECEIPT OF SAMPLES

ANIMALS SUBJECT TO SANITARY INSPECTION

ANIMALS ON LAND PARTICIPATING IN FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS; SHIPPED AND RECEIVED FOR DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMENS

NHẬN BỆNH PHẨM

Article 16. Quarantine of animals on land participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, sporting events, and art performances; animal products on land participating in trade fairs, exhibitions

Implement in accordance with Article 51 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine.

Article 17. Transportation of sample specimens

Implement in accordance with Article 52 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine and use Model 5 in Appendix V issued together with this Circular.

Chapter 6

SAMPLE DOSSIER FOR ANIMAL QUARANTINE AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Article 18. Sample dossier for animal quarantine and animal products

1. The sample dossier for registering animal quarantine and animal products in accordance with Appendix V issued together with this Circular.

2. The sample dossier for animal quarantine and animal products shall be uniformly used throughout the country.

3. Animal quarantine agencies shall be responsible for printing and using the sample quarantine dossier in accordance with current regulations.

4. Organizations and individuals who print, issue, and use the sample dossier contrary to this Circular shall bear responsibility under the law.

Article 19. Management and use of the Model Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate

1. The Model Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate shall be printed in black ink on A4 paper, with the Animal Health Inspection Logo embossed in light black color at the center, having a diameter of 12 cm.

2. The Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate for transportation out of provincial territory shall be stamped "ORIGINAL" send a text message "COPY" with red ink at the bottom right corner "Model:..." (The stamp model as prescribed in Appendix VI issued together with this Circular). The number of animal health certificates to be issued is as follows:

a) Original: 01 copy retained by the animal health inspection agency, 01 copy handed over to the consignor;

b) Copy: Based on the delivery location during transportation (if any), up to 03 copies may be issued to the consignor, each delivery location only receiving 01 copy; all copies must bear the red stamp of the authorized veterinary authority that issued the original.

In case of authorization, the Model Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate for transportation out of provincial territory according to Model 12b and Model 12d in Appendix V issued together with this Circular shall be used.

3. The Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate for export, import, temporary import for re-export, transfer of customs checkpoint, bonded warehouse, transit through Vietnam's territory shall be stamped "ORIGINAL" send a text message "COPY" with red ink at the bottom right corner "Model..." (The stamp model as prescribed in Appendix VI issued together with this Circular). The number of animal health certificates to be issued is as follows:

a) For the Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate for export, import: 03 originals (01 copy retained by the animal health inspection agency, 02 copies handed over to the consignor); 02 copies handed over to the consignor;

4. The Animal Transport Certificate for imported animals, animal products shall be issued in 03 copies (01 copy retained by the animal health inspection agency at the import checkpoint, 02 copies handed over to the consignor).

5. Validity period of the Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate:

a) The validity period of the Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate for transportation out of provincial territory is calculated based on the time taken to transport animals, animal products from the place of origin to the final destination;

c) The validity period of the Animal Health Certificate, Animal Product Certificate for temporary import for re-export, transfer of customs checkpoint, transit through Vietnam's territory is calculated based on the maximum allowable residence time within Vietnam's territory.

Chapter III
MARKING, ISSUANCE OF ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION CODES, SEALING OF TRANSPORTATION MEANS AND CONTAINERS FOR ANIMALS, ANIMAL PRODUCTS

THAT MUST BE INSPECTED

ANIMALS SUBJECT TO DISEASE INSPECTION

Article 20. General provisions on marking and issuance of identification codes for animals; sealing of transportation means and containers for animals, animal products

2. The identification code of the Provincial Veterinary Management Division as prescribed in Appendix VIIa issued together with this Circular.

3. The identification code of the animal health inspection agency at the customs checkpoint under the General Department of Animal Health as prescribed in Appendix VIIb issued together with this Circular.

4. The Provincial Veterinary Management Division shall specify the identification code for each district, town, city directly under the province (hereinafter referred to as district) and notify the identification code to the General Department of Animal Health and other Provincial Veterinary Management Divisions nationwide.

5. The General Department of Animal Health will supplement the identification code for the animal health inspection agencies at the customs checkpoints under the General Department of Animal Health and newly established Provincial Veterinary Management Divisions.

6. Sealing of transportation means and containers for animals, animal products: As prescribed in Appendix VIIc issued together with this Circular.

Article 21. Marking Livestock Transported Out of Provincial Territory

a) The ear tag shall be blue in color, as shown in Figure 1 of Appendix VIII attached to this Circular, with dimensions of 4 cm (width) x 5 cm (height); the tag must clearly indicate the livestock's code number and identification number.

b) The livestock's code number shall consist of: the code number of the provincial veterinary management agency; the county code (two digits); the year of ear tagging (the last two digits of the year), and the livestock's serial number (ranging from 000001 to 999999).

The method of writing the livestock's code number on the ear tag shall follow Figure 2 in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular.

c) The ink used for writing the livestock's code number on the ear tag must be black, non-blurring, and difficult to erase.

a) Punching an ear tag according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Tattooing the province code, county code, and year code on the outer surface, underside of the right ear of the pig. The tattooing of the code on the skin of the outer surface, underside of the pig's ear shall be specified as follows:

Shape and size of the numbers: The numbers used for tattooing on the pig's ear may use the numbers in Figures 1a or 1b in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular; the needles of the numbers have a height of 6 mm (measured from the surface of the stamping table) and are sharp at the tip; the numbers have a width ranging from 4 to 8 mm and a corresponding height from 8 to 12 mm;

The code number on the pig's ear (as shown in Figures 2a or 2b in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular) shall be specified as follows: the first two digits are the code number of the provincial veterinary management agency; the next two digits are the county code (where the pig originates or where it is quarantined for inspection); the last two digits are the last two digits of the year when the code number is tattooed.

c) The ink used for tattooing the code on the pig's skin must ensure food safety and not fade.

3. Pigs transported to slaughterhouses must implement sealing of the transport vehicle using lead seals or sealed ropes with code numbers and identification numbers.

4. Livestock that has been marked according to the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article does not need to be marked again during transportation quarantine if the livestock's code number and identification number have not faded.

5. After quarantine, livestock that meets the requirements of animal health hygiene shall have its code number and identification number recorded on a list (according to the model in Appendix IX attached to this Circular) and sent along with the animal health inspection certificate.

Article 22. Marking Exported and Imported Livestock

1. Exported and imported livestock must be marked by punching an ear tag made of rubber on the inner side of the right ear of the livestock.

2. The yellow ear tag shall have the shape as shown in Figure 3 in Appendix VIII attached to this Circular; the tag must clearly indicate the livestock's code number and identification number.

3. The livestock's code number and identification number shall consist of: the code number of the animal health inspection agency at the border gate under the Animal Health Department; the province code (where the livestock is quarantined for export or import or the place of origin for exported livestock); the year of issuing the ear tag and the livestock's serial number.

4. The ink used for writing the livestock's code number and identification number on the ear tag shall be as specified in Point c, Clause 1 of Article 21 of this Circular.

5. The method of writing the livestock's code number and identification number on the ear tag (Figure 4, Appendix VIII, attached to this Circular) shall be specified as follows:

a) The top row includes: the code number of the animal health inspection agency for imports and exports; the next two digits are the province code (where the livestock is quarantined for export or import or the place of origin for exported livestock); the last two digits are the last two digits of the year of issuing the ear tag;

In cases where imported livestock does not require quarantine, the province code of the location with the border gate handling the import animal health inspection procedures shall be used;

b) The bottom row is the livestock's serial number (ranging from 000001 to 999999).

Chapter IV
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 23. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals

1. Responsibilities of the Animal Health Department:

a) Guide animal health inspection agencies to organize the implementation of animal and animal product inspections as stipulated in this Circular;

b) Guide organizations and individuals to implement the importation of animal and animal product inspections;

c) Guide the printing and use of animal and animal product inspection record models;

d) Guide standards, training, and issuance of animal health inspection certificates to authorized personnel for conducting inspections and issuing certificates for animals and animal products transported out of provincial territory;

e) Take the lead in implementing the provisions of Point a, Clause 1 and Point a, Clause 2 of Article 59 of the Law on Animal Health;

f) Regularly and randomly inspect domestic animal health inspection agencies, authorized inspectors for conducting inspections and issuing certificates for animals and animal products transported out of provincial territory;

g) Announce the list of recognized disease-safe establishments nationwide.

2. Responsibilities of the animal health inspection agency at the border gate under the Animal Health Department:

a) Organize the implementation of inspections and issue Certificates of Animal Health Inspection for exported, imported, temporarily imported for re-export, temporarily exported for re-import, transshipment, bonded warehouses, and transit through Vietnam's territory as stipulated in this Circular;

b) For slaughterhouses and establishments processing animal products for export, the border gate animal health inspection agency shall inspect and supervise them. If these establishments also have domestic consumption needs or export to countries without export inspection requirements, the border gate animal health inspection agency shall manage them and issue certificates according to the regulations for animal and animal product inspections for transportation out of provincial territory.

3. Responsibilities of the provincial veterinary management agency:

a) Implement animal quarantine and animal product quarantine for transportation out of the province as stipulated in this Circular and guidelines from the Department of Animal Health;

b) Coordinate with the animal quarantine agency at border gates under the Department of Animal Health to inspect the conditions of veterinary hygiene at isolation facilities for imported animal breeds;

c) Implement animal quarantine and animal product quarantine for export, import, temporary import for re-export, temporary export for re-import, transfer between border gates, bonded warehouses, and transit through Vietnam's territory as stipulated in this Circular at authorized border gates;

d) Delegate authority to animal quarantine officers to conduct animal quarantine and issue the Animal Quarantine Certificate for animals and animal products transported out of the province in accordance with the provisions of the law;

đ) Be responsible for the delegation and regularly guide, inspect, and supervise the quarantine and issuance of the Animal Quarantine Certificate for authorized staff;

e) Notify relevant agencies and departments of the list of authorized staff performing quarantine and issuing the Animal Quarantine Certificate for animals and animal products;

g) Announce and report to the Department of Animal Health the list of establishments within the province that have implemented disease surveillance and preventive vaccination with residual immunity; disease-safe animal establishments; establishments for processing and handling subject to veterinary hygiene inspection;

4. Responsibilities of the consignor:

a) Comply with laws on animal health and other related laws in the process of animal quarantine and animal product quarantine;

Article 24. Transitional Provisions

Domestic animal quarantine certificates and animal product quarantine certificates as prescribed in Decision No. 86/2005/QĐ-BNN dated December 26, 2005, and Decision No. 126/2008/QĐ-BNN dated December 30, 2008 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development may be used until June 30, 2017;

Article 25. Effective Date

1. This Circular shall take effect from August 15, 2016.

2. This Circular replaces the following documents:

a) Decision No. 45/2005/QĐ-BNN dated July 25, 2005, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development promulgating the List of Animals and Animal Products Subject to Quarantine; the List of Animals and Animal Products Required to Undergo Quarantine;

b) Decision No. 47/2005/QĐ-BNN dated July 25, 2005, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development prescribing the quantity of animals and volume of animal products required to undergo quarantine when transported out of a district and exemptions from quarantine;

c) Decision No. 86/2005/QĐ-BNN dated December 26, 2005, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development prescribing the Model of Quarantine Documentation for Animals and Animal Products; Veterinary Hygiene Inspection (Decision No. 86);

d) Decision No. 15/2006/QĐ-BNN dated March 8, 2006, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development prescribing the Procedures and Formalities for Animal Quarantine and Animal Product Quarantine; Veterinary Hygiene Inspection (Decision No. 15);

đ) Decision No. 49/2006/QĐ-BNN dated June 13, 2006, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development promulgating Regulations on Marking Livestock Transported Domestically, Exported, and Imported;

e) Decision No. 70/2006/QĐ-BNN dated September 14, 2006, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development amending and supplementing Decision No. 49/2006/QĐ-BNN dated June 13, 2006, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the issuance of regulations on marking livestock transported domestically, exported, and imported;

g) Decision No. 126/2008/QĐ-BNN dated December 30, 2008, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on amending and supplementing the Model of Quarantine Documentation for Animals and Animal Products; Veterinary Hygiene Inspection issued together with Decision No. 86;

h) Circular No. 11/2009/TT-BNN dated March 4, 2009, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on amending and supplementing certain articles of the Procedures and Formalities for Animal Quarantine and Animal Product Quarantine; Veterinary Hygiene Inspection issued together with Decision No. 15;

i) Circular No. 57/2011/TT-BNNPTNT dated August 23, 2011, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 15;

3. Repeal Article 1 of Circular No. 53/2010/TT-BNNPTNT dated September 10, 2010, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on amending and supplementing certain articles of Decision No. 86 and Circular No. 06/2010/TT-BNNPTNT dated February 2, 2010;

4. During implementation, if there are any difficulties, organizations and individuals are requested to report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for timely research and resolution;