WHICH BUSINESSES MUST HAVE HACCP? IS HACCP CERTIFICATION MANDATORY?

1. Which Businesses must have HACCP?

In Vietnam, the current legal framework for food safety is primarily based on Decree 15/2018/ND-CP. A key point to understand:

The law does not mandate all businesses to obtain HACCP certification. However, it requires all food businesses to ensure food safety. Specifically, businesses must:

+ Control food safety hazards

+ Ensure traceability

+ Maintain proper conditions for production, storage, and transportation

These obligations are closely aligned with HACCP certification requirements, making HACCP a practical and systematic solution.

HACCP is the most effective tool to systematically meet these requirements.

So, which businesses are required to have HACCP?

- Food Export Businesses (Practically 100% Mandatory)

This is the most clearly defined group among businesses requiring HACCP certification:

+ Markets such as the EU, USA, and Japan require HACCP.

+ Especially applicable to seafood, meat, and processed foods

Without HACCP certification, these businesses:

+ Cannot obtain export approval

+ May face import rejection or product recalls

Conclusion: HACCP is practically mandatory for this group and is core part of global HACCP certification requirements.

- Industrial-Scale Food Manufacturing and Processing Businesses

Includes:

+ Seafood, meat, and dairy processing plants

+ Frozen foods, canned goods, and packaged foods

Under Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, businesses must:

+ Control hygiene conditions

+ Ensure safety throughout the entire process

Without HACCP:

+ Difficult to demonstrate compliance during inspections

+ Difficult to work with major partners

+ Higher risk in case of food safety incidents

Conclusion: Not legally mandatory, but almost essential. These are typical businesses requiring HACCP certification in pratice.

- Businesses in the Food Supply Chain

Includes:

+ Cold storage and warehousing

+ Transportation and logistics

+ Packaging and distribution

Food safety extends beyond production to the entire supply chain. If one link fails:

+ Cross-contamination may occur

+ Cold chain may be broken

+ Products may be damaged

→ HACCP helps control these critical points and meet key HACCP certification requirements across the supply chain.

- Large-Scale Catering Services

Includes:

+ Industrial kitchens

+ School and hospital meal services

+ Restaurant chains

While not legally required:

+ Large contracts often require HACCP

+ Buyers prioritize HACCP-certified suppliers

In case of food safety incidents, businesses without a control system face significant risks.

Conclusion: HACCP is a strong competitive advantage and these are increasingly businesses requiring HACCP certification.

- High-Risk Food Categories (Likely to Become Mandatory)

According to the orientation of Decree 46/2026/ND-CP (currently suspended):

+ Health supplements

+ Medical nutrition products

+ Infant and child nutrition products

These directly impact sensitive consumer groups.

Conclusion: HACCP is likely to become mandatory in the near future, aligning with stricter HACCP certification requirements.

2. Industries NOT Required to Have HACCP

Not all businesses are required to implement HACCP, especially those not involved in food production, processing, or trading.

Some small-scale food establishments may not be required to obtain HACCP certification

Some small-scale food establishments may not be required to obtain HACCP certification but must still comply with current food safety regulations, even if they are not classified as business requiring HACCP certification.

3. Understanding the True Nature of HACCP 

From a legal perspective:
HACCP is not universally mandatory under current law. However, many food sectors require equivalent food safety control systems depending on industry, market, and regulatory authorities.

From a market perspective:
HACCP has become nearly mandatory for businesses working with supermarkets, retail chains, industrial kitchens, OEM/ODM partners, and export customers. It is a key factor in demonstrating food safety management capability and building commercial trust.

From a risk management perspective:
HACCP is not just a certification—it is a tool to prevent food safety incidents, reduce customer complaints, minimize product recalls, and protect brand reputation.

From a development trend perspective:
Regulatory authorities are increasingly tightening requirements on traceability, risk control, and accountability in the food supply chain. Early adoption of HACCP helps businesses stay ahead of future regulations and build sustainable competitive advantages.

If you are a business owner unsure whether HACCP is required for your company, contact KMR Certification for guidance and support.

👉 Learn more: HACCP Certification