When importing Vietnamese royal jelly, what additional certificates are required, beyond standard imported food documents, if it is an apiculture product subject to animal quarantine? Released

Regarding the import of royal jelly from Vietnam, in addition to general imported food documents, I will provide a detailed and professional explanation of the additional certificates that must be submitted if it falls under animal quarantine as an apiculture product.

1. General Imported Food Declaration and Related Documents

First, royal jelly is classified as an imported food under the 「Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management」, and an import declaration must be submitted to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Generally, the following information and documents are required when submitting an import declaration.

• Import Declaration Form: Detailed information such as product name, raw material mixing ratio, manufacturing process, manufacturer, and exporting country must be provided.
• Korean Labeling: Must be accurately prepared in Korean according to the 「Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, etc.」 and related regulations.
• Manufacturing Process Description: Detailed explanation of the product's production process may be required.
• Raw Material Specification: Detailed information about the raw materials used.

As mentioned in the original answer, unless it is a specific food item requiring the submission of specific documents under Article 27, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 1 of the 「Enforcement Rule of the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management」, from the perspective of royal jelly's own food safety, there are often no special certificates to be submitted in addition to the general import declaration information mentioned above. This is based on the premise that it does not fall under specific food items announced on the Food Safety Korea website (Food Safety > Imported Food > Import Declaration & Inspection > Certificate Submission).

2. Whether it is Subject to Animal Quarantine as an Apiculture Product and Additional Documents

As you correctly pointed out, royal jelly is an apiculture product collected from bees, and thus can be classified as both a food product and an 'animal quarantine subject item'. This is an essential procedure to prevent the introduction of livestock infectious diseases into Korea, according to relevant laws such as the 「Infectious Disease Control Act for Livestock」. Although royal jelly is not an animal itself, it is classified as an animal product and is subject to quarantine.

If royal jelly from Vietnam is subject to animal quarantine, it must undergo the quarantine procedure of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), separate from the MFDS's imported food declaration procedure. In such cases, the following additional certificates are generally required.

• Quarantine Certificate issued by the exporting country's government (Health Certificate / Quarantine Certificate): This is the most crucial document for animal quarantine. It is a certificate issued by a credible veterinary authority of the Vietnamese government (e.g., a veterinary quarantine agency under the Ministry of Agriculture) that proves the royal jelly is safe from livestock infectious diseases and has been produced according to the exporting country's relevant hygiene standards. The certificate must include information such as the product type, weight, production facility details, issue date, and signature. Specifically, it may include confirmation of non-infection for specific bee diseases such as Varroa mite disease.
• Manufacturing Process Certificate or Hygiene Certificate: This document certifies that the product's production environment and process have been managed hygienically. It can be issued by the exporting country's government or the manufacturer and is important for verifying the hygienic condition of the royal jelly collection and processing stages.
• Analysis Certificate: If necessary, submission of a certificate containing analysis results for specific components (e.g., antibiotic residues, pesticide residues, heavy metals, etc.) may be required. This is to verify the product's safety from various angles.
• Certificate of Origin: This document clarifies the product's origin. While necessary for determining the applicability of FTA (Free Trade Agreement) tariff benefits, it can also be used as an important means to verify the product's source during the quarantine process.

3. Important Notice and Recommendations

The quarantine requirements of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) may change or be strengthened periodically depending on the livestock infectious disease situation in the exporting country (Vietnam), the characteristics of the item, international agreements, and amendments to domestic laws. Therefore, if you are planning to import royal jelly, it is most important to contact the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) directly (main phone: 054-912-1000) before importing to confirm the latest quarantine requirements, the list of required documents, and the precise quarantine procedures.

Furthermore, you must prepare by closely cooperating with the local Vietnamese manufacturer or exporter to ensure that all necessary certificates can be accurately issued in advance. Incomplete documentation can lead to disadvantages such as customs clearance delays, return, or disposal, so thorough preparation and verification are essential. As your customs broker, I will continue to provide support and relevant information to help you navigate these complex procedures smoothly.