Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormCrystalline solid (powder/granules)
Industry PositionFood Additive (Acidity Regulator) / Chemical Ingredient
Market
Adipic acid (INS 355) is used in Vietnam primarily as an imported ingredient, including for regulated food-additive applications as an acidity regulator. Trade statistics for HS 291712 indicate Vietnam is an import-dependent market, with imports recorded at about USD 8.26 million (about 4.30 million kg) in 2023, led by supply from China and Korea. Market access risk is driven by Vietnam’s food-additive management framework (MOH Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP) and by chemical import declaration/SDS requirements (Decree 113/2017/ND-CP). Buyers typically require lot-level quality documentation (e.g., CoA) aligned to food-additive specifications and importer compliance workflows.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient market (Net importer)
Domestic RoleImported ingredient used by Vietnam-based food manufacturers and chemical distributors; food-use cases are governed by Vietnam’s food additive rules and related compliance documentation.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighCustoms delay, refusal, or enforcement action can occur if adipic acid is imported/marketed for food-use without meeting Vietnam’s food-additive management requirements (Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP) and/or if chemical import controls (e.g., Vietnamese-language SDS and, where applicable, pre-clearance chemical declaration via the National Single Window) are not correctly completed under Decree 113/2017/ND-CP.Confirm intended use (food additive vs. industrial), map it to the correct Vietnam regulatory pathway, and complete a pre-shipment document pack including CoA, Vietnamese SDS (as applicable), and the correct product declaration/registration steps; retain declaration dossiers for audit.
Food Safety MediumFood-use applications are constrained by permitted additive lists and maximum use levels; non-conforming use levels or misapplication to non-permitted food categories can trigger product non-compliance and corrective actions.Verify permitted use and maximum levels against Vietnam’s Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT appendices and align internal formulations and labeling to those requirements.
Logistics MediumAs an import-dependent bulk chemical, adipic acid landed cost and availability in Vietnam can be disrupted by sea freight volatility and shipping delays, which may squeeze importer/distributor margins and downstream pricing.Use multi-origin sourcing where possible, maintain safety stock aligned to lead times, and contract freight with buffer clauses for rate spikes on key lanes.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- BRC
- IFS
- FSSC 22000
- GMP
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used for adipic acid in trade statistics relevant to Vietnam?HS 291712 (HS 2017) is the standard 6-digit classification for “adipic acid, its salts and esters” used in trade statistics, including Vietnam import reporting.
What are the core Vietnam legal references governing food-additive use of adipic acid?Vietnam’s Ministry of Health Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT governs the management and use of food additives and is issued under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP implementing the Law on Food Safety.
What can block customs clearance for adipic acid shipments into Vietnam from a chemical-control standpoint?If the imported chemical is within Vietnam’s declaration scope, Decree 113/2017/ND-CP requires importers to complete chemical declaration via the Vietnam National Single Window before customs clearance and to prepare material safety data sheets in Vietnamese.