Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormFood-grade colour additive (typically powder or standardized concentrate)
Industry PositionFood additive ingredient (colourant)
Market
Chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, copper complexes (INS 141(i) and INS 141(ii)) are listed as permitted food additives in Vietnam under Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT. The same Circular sets conditions for use via maximum levels (ML) and/or GMP-by-category provisions, making correct INS identification and food-category mapping central to compliant use. In Vietnam, this additive is primarily a B2B input supplied through ingredient importers/distributors to domestic food and beverage manufacturers for green coloration where permitted. Market access and ongoing compliance depend heavily on dossier quality and alignment with Vietnam’s food-safety management and product declaration requirements.
Market RoleDomestic food-manufacturing input market (import/distribution-led specialty additive)
Domestic RoleFunctional colour additive used by food manufacturers within permitted categories and limits
Specification
Physical Attributes- Green food colourant; product identity is defined by INS code (141(i) vs 141(ii)) and must match the declared additive name in the Vietnam dossier.
Compositional Metrics- Typical acceptance parameters are identity and purity conformity to internationally referenced specifications (e.g., FAO/JECFA specifications referenced in the JECFA system), supported by batch test results/COA for regulatory filing.
Grades- Food-grade additive (INS 141(i) or INS 141(ii)) supported by batch testing documentation for Vietnam product declaration dossiers
Packaging- Industrial packs designed to protect from moisture/light during warehousing and distribution (exact pack format varies by supplier and importer specification).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas additive manufacturer → Vietnam importer/distributor → warehousing → sale to food manufacturer → in-plant dosing under permitted-use limits
Temperature- Typically handled as an ambient-stable ingredient; protect from excessive heat and light per supplier specification to maintain colour stability.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is formulation- and packaging-dependent; Vietnam import dossiers commonly rely on supplier batch documentation and test results within required validity windows.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighMisalignment between the product’s identity (INS 141(i) vs INS 141(ii)), intended food-category use, or maximum-level/GMP conditions under Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT can render the additive non-compliant for the declared application and trigger import clearance issues, enforcement actions, or product withdrawal.Lock the INS code and spec sheet to the Vietnam dossier; verify the intended food-category and ML/GMP conditions in Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT before import and before customer formulation use.
Food Safety MediumNon-conforming purity/safety indicators in testing documentation (including parameters relevant to copper-containing colour additives) can lead to rejection, recalls, or customer audit failure.Require pre-shipment COA and keep declaration testing current within Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP timelines; align testing parameters to the applicable Vietnam risk-based indicators and internationally referenced specifications.
Documentation Gap MediumDeclaration/registration pathway errors or missing legalized certificates (where registration applies) can cause significant delays and commercial disruption even when the additive is technically permitted.Run a pre-import compliance checklist against Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP and keep notarization/consular legalization lead times in the logistics plan.
FAQ
Are chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, copper complexes allowed as food additives in Vietnam?Yes. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT issued under Vietnam’s Ministry of Health framework lists INS 141(i) (chlorophyll copper complexes) and INS 141(ii) (chlorophyllins, copper complexes, sodium and potassium salts) among permitted food additives, with use conditions defined through maximum levels and/or GMP provisions by food category.
What is the key compliance risk when importing INS 141(i) or 141(ii) into Vietnam for food manufacturing use?The main risk is regulatory mismatch: the INS form (141(i) vs 141(ii)), intended food-category use, and maximum-level/GMP conditions must align with Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, and the importer’s declaration/registration dossier must align with Decree 15/2018/NĐ-CP procedures. If these do not match, clearance delays or non-compliance actions can occur.
What is the practical difference between INS 141(i) and INS 141(ii) for documentation purposes?They are different JECFA-listed additives with distinct identities: INS 141(i) is chlorophylls, copper complexes, while INS 141(ii) is chlorophyllins, copper complexes (sodium and potassium salts). For Vietnam compliance, the INS code and additive name on the label, COA/test results, and declaration dossier should match the specific INS form being imported and used.