Blog: AHDB and partners make UK access to Vietnamese pork market a reality

We added value in various areas to help achieve this. This started with coordinating the compilation of requested information to support the completion of our UK beef, pork and lamb import risk-assessment questionnaires. We then provided administrative and financial support to help organise and operate the audit visit and follow-up.

The successful delivery of the huge amount of data needed to satisfy the questionnaire stage secured a Vietnamese audit visit to the UK in 2022, to demonstrate the effectiveness of UK veterinary control towards gaining market access.

In partnership with the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP), we have added value through our unique relationship with industry and UK government that is highly valued for audit preparation and logistics. The successful outcome of the audit meant that Defra, as the UK Competent Authority, was granted permission to approve establishments for export of pork to Vietnam.

It is widely believed that, once access is granted to a specific market, trade can commence − but it is not as straightforward as many think. We need to then finalise the export health certificate (final scope definition) and FBO listing procedure and ensure they are implemented.

In this instance, the Vietnamese authorities shared three further forms with us to achieve FBO listing, for completion by FBOs, food safety authorities and Defra. I led the coordination of the completion of these documents. This involved gathering expressions of interest from industry and the completion of an application form, with a number of questions relating to veterinary and technical controls.

I added value by facilitating the listing exercise using my technical knowledge to pre-populate the questionnaire and offer written guidance with the support of Defra. This allowed us to not only speed up the process but also to achieve consistency across UK pork applications. This collaborative approach enabled us to submit a total of 64 applications – a combination of abattoirs, cutting plants and cold stores across the UK.

To maintain momentum and manage the listing process effectively, it is divided into phases. I am pleased to share that we have recently added more sites, including both abattoirs and cold stores, which opens further opportunities for trade to start. Work behind the scenes continues towards listing additional sites.

Our global markets, technical expertise and relationship with industry meant we were able to work with UK government and to identify Vietnam as a priority and develop ambition in terms of scope for export. We provided support to UK government throughout the negotiations.

I am glad to say that, after intensive discussion, Defra secured a scope which includes pig meat and offal/co-products, with the exclusion of stomachs and intestines. The UK government website offers export health certificate and associated guidance. Details on scope can be found at the start of the NFG. 

UK access to the Vietnamese pork market is the outcome of the close and strong partnership between AHDB/UKECP, industry and the UK government. Looking towards the future, efforts behind the scenes continue in expanding the list of sites authorised to export to Vietnam, as well as in securing and opening new markets.