Market
Dried snap pea pod products in Vietnam sit within the broader processed vegetable segment, where both imported pulses and domestically processed vegetable items are present. As a trade proxy for dried pea products, Vietnam’s 2023 trade in HS 071310 (dried peas, shelled) shows imports far exceeding exports, indicating an import-dependent market for dried pea inputs. Domestic processing capability for fruits and vegetables exists in Vietnam (e.g., large-scale processors), and Vietnamese suppliers also list freeze-dried pea products for ingredient and snack applications. For products sold domestically as prepackaged processed foods, Vietnam’s food-safety framework includes self-declaration procedures and supporting test documentation requirements.
Market RoleNet importer (proxy: HS 071310 dried peas, shelled)
Domestic RoleImport-dependent processed vegetable/pulse input market with a niche domestic processing segment for dried/freeze-dried vegetables
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor dried snap pea pod products sold domestically as prepackaged processed foods, failure to meet Vietnam’s self-declaration and supporting test-document requirements can block legal market entry and trigger enforcement risk.Complete product self-declaration under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP and maintain in-scope food-safety test results from a designated or ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratory within the required validity window.
Documentation Gap MediumMisalignment between the exact product form (plain dried pods vs seasoned snack) and the declared HS/label/additive compliance basis can create customs clearance and labeling non-compliance risk.Lock product specification (ingredients, additives, process), confirm intended HS classification with a customs broker, and align labels and additive use to Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT and Decree 43/2017/ND-CP requirements.
Food Safety MediumIf additives are used (e.g., seasoning systems in snack variants), non-compliance with Vietnam’s permitted additive list and maximum use levels can result in non-compliance findings and product actions.Use only additives permitted for the applicable food category and at/below maximum use levels under Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT; keep formulation specs and supplier CoAs for audit readiness.
Plant Health MediumFor export shipments requiring phytosanitary certification, using an incorrect or outdated phytosanitary certificate format/authority naming (post–1 July 2025 change) can delay clearance with importing NPPOs.Coordinate with Vietnam’s competent authority/forwarder to ensure certificates match the current (post–1 July 2025) format referenced in Vietnam’s WTO SPS notification and that all shipment details are consistent across documents.
Logistics LowAlthough shelf-stable, dried/freeze-dried vegetables are sensitive to moisture ingress during storage and transit, which can degrade texture and shelf stability and drive claims/rejects.Use high-barrier packaging, control container humidity, and verify incoming moisture specifications and seal integrity on arrival.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO (supplier-declared compliance)
FAQ
Is Vietnam mainly an importer or exporter for dried pea products?Using HS 071310 (dried peas, shelled) as a trade proxy, Vietnam is a net importer: 2023 imports were reported at about US$2.18 million versus exports of about US$0.088 million in the same HS code.
What is the biggest regulatory blocker for selling a dried snap pea product in Vietnam as a packaged processed food?Vietnam’s Decree 15/2018/ND-CP requires self-declaration for prepackaged processed foods placed on the domestic market and references supporting food-safety testing documentation (including ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory capability). If these steps and documents are not in place, domestic market entry can be blocked.
If the dried snap pea product uses additives (for example, in a seasoned snack), what Vietnam rule matters most?Vietnam’s Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT governs permitted food additives and their maximum use levels by food category. If additives are used, they must be permitted for the applicable category and kept within allowed limits, and the product’s labeling must reflect compliant ingredient/additive disclosure.