Vietnamese firms advised to stay cautious amid Singapore’s trade regulation adjustment

With Singapore seeking public feedback as part of its ongoing efforts to refine regulations and enhance its National Standardisation Programme’s trade management framework, the Vietnamese Trade Office in Singapore has advised Vietnamese businesses to closely monitor these adjustments and new policies that are currently in effect or will be implemented.

According to the office, the Enterprise Singapore (ESG) on August 2 launched a public consultation to review and potentially revise the technical standards for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) insulated cables with a rated voltage of up to and including 450/750V. This process will conclude on September 3.

Previously, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) had developed a regulatory framework for the import and use of insects and insect-based products as food, with specific guidelines for this category.

Since July 8 this year, the SFA has allowed the import of insects and insect products that are considered to pose a low level of concern. They may be used as food for human consumption or as animal feed.

Additionally, Singapore has completed public consultations on the regulatory framework for the use of genetically modified crops as food and animal feed. The finalised framework is expected to be revised and come into effect in the third quarter of 2024.

Under Singapore’s National Standardisation Programme, public consultation is a crucial step in the development of the country’s standards system. The public is invited to provide feedback on draft standards for publication and propose work items for the development and review of the Singapore Standards and Technical References.

The Vietnamese Trade Office has urged government agencies, organisations, and Vietnamese businesses to stay informed of current policies and standards, closely monitor and quickly update any new or revised ones to avoid risks and challenges when exporting goods to this market.