Arabfields, Meriem Senouci, Correspondent, Hanoï, Vietnam — In early February 2026, the Vietnamese government made a decisive move that sent waves of relief through the country’s import-export sector, particularly among agricultural enterprises gearing up for the Lunar New Year celebrations. The temporary suspension of Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP, along with Resolution No. 66.13/2026/NQ-CP, emerged as a critical intervention at a moment when border congestion threatened to disrupt supply chains and inflict substantial financial losses on businesses. This policy adjustment, effective immediately, allowed companies to breathe easier as Tet approached, a period when demand for fresh produce and agricultural goods peaks both domestically and in key export markets like China. The decision underscored the government’s responsiveness to real-world challenges, balancing the pursuit of stricter food safety standards with the practical needs of an economy heavily reliant on timely trade flows.

The origins of the crisis traced back to the recent implementation of Decree 46, which aimed to strengthen food safety controls in line with international best practices, emphasizing risk-based assessments for imported goods. While the intentions behind the decree were laudable, aiming to protect public health and elevate Vietnam’s standing in global trade, the sudden rollout without comprehensive supporting guidelines created unintended bottlenecks. Between January 26 and 29, 2026, authorities recorded over 700 shipments, totaling around 300,000 tons of goods, stuck at land, sea, and air border crossings. These were predominantly perishable items, fresh vegetables, fruits, rice, paddy, and cassava products that could spoil quickly under delays. For businesses already navigating the heightened logistical demands of the pre-Tet season, this congestion represented not just operational hurdles but potential devastation, with container trucks idling at borders and spoilage risks mounting by the day.

Entrepreneurs in the thick of this turmoil expressed profound gratitude for the suspension. Commercial directors of transport firms in Ho Chi Minh City described the policy shift as a lifeline, noting how customs clearance accelerated almost overnight, mitigating the threat of spoiled cargo and disrupted deliveries. Fruit and vegetable exporters, many of whom cater directly to Chinese buyers preparing for their own Lunar New Year festivities, highlighted the mutual benefits. Strong demand from across the border meant that any prolonged delays would ripple outward, harming not only Vietnamese sellers but also importers reliant on consistent supplies. The timely intervention ensured that goods could flow more freely, preserving partnerships and preventing a cascade of losses that might have soured cross-border relations at a sensitive time.

From a broader management standpoint, the suspension was framed not as a retreat from food safety ambitions but as a pragmatic recalibration. Experts pointed out that the abrupt enforcement of new inspection protocols, including sampling and analysis timelines that stretched to in practice to five or seven days, had caught both businesses and regulatory agencies off guard. Without detailed guidance on procedures or adequate transition mechanisms, even well-intentioned policies risked creating passive situations for all involved. By reverting temporarily to the framework of Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, the government provided breathing room, allowing the resumption of normal circulation while ministries refined their approaches. This flexibility demonstrated an understanding that effective governance requires adaptability, especially when dealing with seasonal, time-sensitive commodities central to Vietnam’s agricultural economy.

Looking ahead, the suspension period, set to last until April 16, 2026, offers a valuable window for thorough preparation that could transform potential pitfalls into long-term strengths. During these two-plus months, relevant ministries, including Health, Agriculture and Rural Development, Industry and Trade, and Finance, are tasked with developing clear, unified guidance documents to accompany Decree 46 upon its reinstatement. Prime Ministerial directives have emphasized urgency, with explicit instructions to avoid prolonged difficulties and ensure coordinated implementation across agencies and localities. By addressing gaps in testing capacity, standardizing risk management protocols, and establishing consistent procedures nationwide, authorities can prevent the recurrence of January’s congestion. This preparatory phase is poised to yield a more robust system, one where food safety controls operate seamlessly alongside efficient trade facilitation.

The future implications of this adjusted approach extend far beyond immediate relief. With proper groundwork, the reintroduction of Decree 46 in mid-April 2026 is likely to foster a more predictable and transparent trading environment, boosting confidence among exporters and importers alike. Agricultural businesses, which form a backbone of Vietnam’s economy, stand to gain significantly, as streamlined processes will reduce spoilage risks and enhance competitiveness in international markets. Given the seasonal nature of many exports, particularly to China, a well-executed decree could lead to sustained growth in trade volumes, with projections suggesting smoother peaks during future high-demand periods like subsequent Tet seasons. This stability may encourage further investment in logistics infrastructure and cold-chain technologies, enabling Vietnamese producers to capture larger shares of global markets for fresh and semi-processed goods.

Moreover, the lessons drawn from this episode are expected to inform broader policy-making, promoting a culture of phased implementation for major regulatory changes. As Vietnam continues its integration into international trade agreements, aligning food safety standards with global norms without disrupting domestic operations will be key to long-term economic resilience. Businesses anticipate that, by April 2026, the refined decree will not only uphold health protections but also minimize administrative burdens, potentially accelerating overall import-export turnover. In the coming years, this could translate into higher revenues for agricultural sectors, reduced operational costs for logistics firms, and a more attractive business climate that draws foreign partnerships. The government’s proactive stance in suspending and refining Decree 46 signals a commitment to balanced growth, where policy ambitions support rather than hinder enterprise vitality.

As Tet 2026 unfolds with goods moving freely and markets bustling, the suspension serves as a reminder of how responsive governance can avert crises and pave the way for prosperity. Looking further into the future, perhaps into the late 2020s and beyond, a successfully implemented Decree 46 could position Vietnam as a model for emerging economies, demonstrating how to harmonize stringent safety requirements with dynamic trade needs. Enhanced coordination and capacity building during the suspension period will likely yield dividends in efficiency, reducing the frequency of border delays and fostering steady expansion in agricultural exports. Enterprises that weathered the January challenges are optimistic that this experience will lead to enduring improvements, creating a foundation for sustained economic momentum well past the immediate post-Tet recovery. In essence, what began as a temporary measure has the potential to catalyze lasting progress, ensuring that Vietnam’s trade ecosystem emerges stronger, more adaptable, and better equipped for the demands of a globalized future.

The ripple effects may even extend to related industries, such as transportation and retail, where uninterrupted supply chains support job retention and consumer access to affordable, fresh products. With demand for Vietnamese agricultural goods projected to rise amid growing regional appetites, the post-April framework could unlock new opportunities for diversification and value addition, transforming perishable commodities into higher-margin exports. Policymakers’ focus on risk-based management, once fully operational, will likely minimize unnecessary inspections for low-risk shipments, freeing resources for genuine threats and accelerating clearances overall. This evolution promises not just recovery from recent strains but a trajectory toward greater economic stability, where businesses plan with confidence and the nation reaps the benefits of thoughtful, forward-looking regulation. As the suspension bridges the gap to a more prepared reinstatement, it heralds a brighter outlook for Vietnam’s import-export landscape, one defined by resilience, efficiency, and shared prosperity in the years ahead.