General Health Supplements Registration in Vietnam

Vietnam’s health product market has been booming since it opened to foreign imports in the 1990s. Currently in Vietnam over 4,000 companies are offering more than 10,000 health products. Foreign brands are dominating this sector but knowing the registration process for general health supplements requires careful attention to local regulations and procedures.

For companies looking to enter Vietnam’s general health supplement market, understanding the regulations set by the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) is crucial. This blog will walk you through the key definitions, procedures, and regulations you need to know to register your health supplements in Vietnam. This will be helpful for the manufacturer, distributor, or investor to take the first step to bring your products to Vietnamese consumers.

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Definition Of Health Supplements

In Vietnam, a “health supplement” means it is a subcategory of functional food. It is meant to add to your daily diet to improve your overall health and well-being. These products may contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other natural ingredients.

Here is the definition of a health supplement in Vietnam:

Legal Framework:

Functional Food: Health supplements are classified as “functional food” in Vietnam. Functional food is food that has health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Regulation: Health supplements are regulated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH). They have specific rules and standards for these products to be sold in the country.

Key Features:

Dietary Supplement: Health supplements are not meant to replace a balanced diet but to add to it.
Health Benefits: They are designed to provide specific health benefits such as boosting the immune system, bone health, or brain function.
Natural Ingredients: Many general health supplements in Vietnam use natural ingredients like herbs, plants, and traditional medicine.
Safety and Quality: Vietnamese regulations guarantee the safety and quality of health supplements. Manufacturers must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to product integrity.

Examples of Health Supplements in Vietnam:

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: They contain essential nutrients that may be missing in your diet.
Herbal Supplements: They have plant extracts with medicinal properties.
Probiotic Supplements: They introduce good bacteria to the gut for digestive health.
Omega-3 Supplements: They have essential fatty acids for heart and brain health.

How to Register General Health Supplements in Vietnam?

Vietnam spent US$18.5 billion on healthcare in 2022 which was 4.6% of its GDP. This will grow to US$23.3 billion by 2025 and will increase to US$33.8 billion in 2030. To sell health supplements in Vietnam, companies must comply with strict regulations. Working with a local expert who knows these regulations will make the process much easier and faster.

Here are the key requirements for registering general health supplements:

1. Labeling:

Clear Identification: The label must say “health supplement”.
Nutritional Information: The label must show the amount of nutritional content, vitamins, minerals, etc.
Disclaimer: A disclaimer “This product is not a medicine and not intended to replace it” must be stated.
Ingredient Quantity: If the product name is the same as the main ingredient, then the label must show the amount of the ingredient.

2. Safety and Hygiene:

Food Safety Certificate: All companies must have a “Certificate of Satisfaction on Standards for Food Hygiene and Safety”.
Clean Facilities: Keep production, storage, and sales facilities clean and tidy.
Employee Health: All employees who handle supplements must have regular health check-ups and food safety and hygiene training.

3. Application Process:

Product Declaration: Submit product declaration (self-declaration) to the Ministry of Health (MoH).
Registration Timeframe: 4 weeks from submission.
MoH Certificate: Valid forever once approved.

4. Import Requirements:

Declaration Form: Fill in the declaration form.
Food Safety Testing Results: Original notarized copies of food safety testing results from a recognized laboratory within 12 months from submission.
Research: Submit scientific evidence of the product or ingredient effects.
GMP: Submit a valid Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or equivalent.

Vietnam Health Supplements Claims

When companies want to sell health supplements in Vietnam, they must follow the rules on what they can say about their products. There are two types of claims they can make:

1. Claims about nutrient amounts:

They can only make these claims if their product has the nutrient.
The product must have at least 10% of what Vietnamese people need daily (RNI).
This can be measured either in each serving or per 100 grams.
The main ingredients must have at least 15% of the daily recommended amount.

2. Claims about health benefits:

The product must have at least 10% of the daily recommended amount of the nutrient.
Companies must have scientific evidence to support any health benefit claims.

Register Health Supplements with InCorp Vietnam

Vietnam’s health supplement market is expanding, but navigating regulatory requirements can be challenging. Compliance ensures product safety, prevents penalties, and secures legal approval. The process demands extensive documentation, adherence to safety standards, and government approvals, which can be complex for new entrants.

InCorp Vietnam simplifies this process by handling documentation, securing safety licenses, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Our experts manage translations, liaise with government agencies, and act as your local representative, eliminating delays and complications. Partner with InCorp Vietnam for a seamless market entry and focus on business growth while we handle compliance. Contact us today for expert assistance!

Looking to register health supplements in Vietnam? Let InCorp Vietnam handle the process for you with expert product registration services!

InCorp Vietnam is a leading provider of global market entry services. We are part of InCorp group, a regional leader in corporate solutions, that encompasses 8 countries in Asia-Pacific, headquartered in Singapore.