Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormSyrup (typically 70% dry substance) or crystalline solid
Industry PositionFood Additive (Polyol Sweetener/Humectant)
Market
In Vietnam, sorbitol is an industrial ingredient used as a food additive and as an input for pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing. Vietnam has domestic sorbitol syrup manufacturing capacity based on tapioca starch feedstock, including production in Tay Ninh Province by France–Vietnam Sorbitol JSC (SOFAVI). For food-market use, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health regulates permitted food additives and their use conditions under Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, alongside product declaration procedures under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. Internationally, JECFA has established an ADI of “not specified” for both sorbitol (INS 420(i)) and sorbitol syrup (INS 420(ii)).
Market RoleDomestic producer and domestic consumption ingredient market
Domestic RoleIndustrial input for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing
Specification
Physical Attributes- Vietnam domestic production is reported to include sorbitol syrup (liquid) grades at 70% dry substance (DS).
Compositional Metrics- Dry substance (DS) concentration is a common commercial metric for syrup grades (e.g., 70% DS as reported by SOFAVI).
Grades- Food-grade sorbitol syrup (70% DS)
- Cosmetic-grade sorbitol syrup (70% DS)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Tapioca starch-derived glucose feedstock → catalytic hydrogenation to sorbitol → purification → concentration to commercial syrup grade (e.g., 70% DS) → bulk storage → dispatch to industrial users
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health rules for food additives—such as using an additive outside the permitted list/conditions or failing to complete required product declaration (self-declaration or registration)—can block market access and trigger shipment holds, delays, or withdrawal from sale.Map the intended use to Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT and complete the correct declaration pathway under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, including an ISO/IEC 17025 test report within the required validity period.
Logistics MediumSorbitol syrup’s bulk-to-value profile makes cross-border supply sensitive to sea-freight volatility and equipment availability, increasing landed-cost uncertainty and schedule risk.Use buffered inventory, contract freight where feasible, and diversify sourcing between domestic production and imports for continuity.
Food Safety MediumBuyer or regulator rejection can occur if sorbitol/sorbitol syrup does not meet applicable purity/specification expectations (e.g., JECFA-referenced specifications) or if analytical results fail required safety indicators in the product declaration dossier.Maintain batch-level COA aligned to relevant specifications and ensure the declaration dossier includes compliant testing from qualified laboratories.
FAQ
What is the main Vietnam regulatory pathway to place sorbitol-based food additives on the market?Vietnam’s Ministry of Health regulates food additives under Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT. Decree 15/2018/ND-CP provides that single-ingredient food additives on the permitted list are self-declared before sale, while additives not on the permitted list or mixed additives with new uses require registration with the Vietnam Food Administration/Ministry of Health before use or market distribution.
What does “ADI not specified” mean for sorbitol in JECFA evaluations?In the WHO JECFA database, sorbitol (INS 420(i)) and sorbitol syrup (INS 420(ii)) have an ADI listed as “not specified,” which is used by JECFA for substances of very low toxicity when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
Which functions does Codex GSFA list for sorbitol syrup (INS 420(ii))?Codex GSFA Online lists sorbitol syrup (INS 420(ii)) with functional classes including bulking agent, humectant, sequestrant, stabilizer, sweetener, thickener, and related texture functions, depending on the food category provisions shown in GSFA Online.