In the context of an increasingly stringent rice market regarding quality and food safety, premium Vietnamese rice has been and is asserting its position by applying strict quality standards along with an international certification system. 

As one of the world’s leading rice-exporting countries, the quality of rice production continuously improves to meet the stringent standards of the international market. For B2B businesses, the selection of premium rice is not only based on price but also depends on quality standards, international certifications, and traceability. 

This article will provide a clear and comprehensive overview of high-quality Vietnamese rice, helping B2B partners better understand the necessary standards and certifications for long-term cooperation. 

1. Vietnamese premium rice – Definition and characteristics 

Vietnamese premium rice is often produced from high-quality rice varieties such as ST25, Jasmine 85, or organic rice, with outstanding characteristics: 

• Long, uniform, bright white rice grains: Meeting the preferences of demanding markets such as the EU, Japan, and South Korea 

• Natural aroma: Especially with fragrant rice varieties, bringing a unique culinary experience 

• High nutritional value: Organic rice or nutrient-rich rice, such as Vibigaba germinated rice, is suitable for health-conscious consumers. 

• High whole grain rate: Modern rice milling technology helps reduce breakage, ensuring consistent quality. 

These features not only enhance the product’s value but also meet the stringent requirements of international B2B importers. 

2. Vietnamese Rice Quality Standards for the International Market 

To meet the demands of the international B2B market, Vietnamese rice must comply with strict quality standards, including: 

2.1 National Standards (TCVN) 

• TCVN 11888:2017: Regulations on white rice, including criteria such as grain size, moisture content, impurities, and whole grain ratio. 

• TCVN 8049:2009: Method for determining pesticide residues in rice grains, ensuring food safety 

2.2 National Technical Regulation (QCVN) 

• QCVN 8-1:2011/ BYT: Regulations on the limits of mycotoxin contamination in food, applicable to rice 

• QCVN 8-2:2011/BYT: Regulations on the maximum limits of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) in rice 

• QCVN 8-3:2011/BYT: Regulations on microbial contamination in food, ensuring rice does not contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or E.coli. 

2.3 International Standards 

• Codex Alimentarius: Standards of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), regulating high food safety and quality. 

• Import market standards: Each country has its own requirements, for example: 

• Japan: requires more than 600 quality standards, including no pesticide and heavy metal residues 

• EU: Strict control of pesticide residues and requirement for traceability certification 

• United States: Requires rice to meet USDA organic standards or FDA food safety certification 

2.4 Sensory and physicochemical criteria 

• Sensory: Color, flavor, glossiness, grain size, and impurity ratio 

• Chemistry: Moisture (maximum 14%), protein, carbohydrate, and fiber 

• Microbiology: Total aerobic bacteria, Coliforms, moulds, and mycotoxins (Aflatoxin). 

• Heavy metals: The content of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd),and  arsenic (As) must be below the permissible threshold. 

• Pesticide residues: Substances such as Chlorpyrifos and Fenitrothion must be strictly controlled. 

These standards ensure that Vietnamese rice meets the safety and quality requirements of high-end markets. 

3. Important certifications for premium Vietnamese rice 

To build trust with international B2B customers, Vietnamese rice suppliers need to possess reputable certifications, including: 

3.1 Certification of the quality management system 

• ISO 22000: Food safety management system, ensuring the entire supply chain from production to storage meets international standards. 

• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): Identify and control hazards in the production process, minimizing food safety risks. 

• FSSC 22000: Global food safety certification, recognized by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). 

3.2 Organic Certification 

• USDA Organic (United States): Certification for rice produced without synthetic chemicals, suitable for the North American market. 

• EU Organic: Meets the European Union’s organic standards, with strict requirements for soil, water sources, and production processes. 

• JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard): Organic certification for the Japanese market, ensuring rice is free from GMOs and harmful chemicals. 

3.3 Other certifications 

• Global GAP: Certification for Good Agricultural Practices, focusing on sustainable farming and food safety. 

• BIO Organic: International organic rice certification, recognized in many high-end markets 

• CFS (Certificate of Free Sale): A certificate of free sale, necessary for rice imported into markets such as the EU or South Korea. 

 3.4 Traceability Certification 

Traceability is a key factor in international B2B transactions. Vietnamese businesses like Lotus Rice have established a regional code system, allowing partners to inspect the entire process from cultivation to packaging. 

4. The role of technology in ensuring the quality of premium rice 

Modern technology plays an important role in improving the quality of Vietnamese rice.  

• Rice milling technology: Modern milling machines help increase the rate of whole grains, reduce impurities, and improve the shine of rice grains. 

• Quality testing: Laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards, such as Eurofins, provide accurate testing results for heavy metals, microbiological content, and pesticide residues. 

• Storage and packaging: Woven PP bags, PE bags, or multi-layer kraft bags ensure moisture resistance, insect resistance, and compliance with international standards. 

• Disinfection: Use Methyl Bromide or Phosphine to eliminate harmful insects, meeting the quarantine requirements of importing markets. 

5. The advantage of high-quality Vietnamese rice in the international market 

• Competitive prices: Compared to Thai or Indian rice, Vietnamese rice is usually cheaper, but its quality is continuously improving. 

• Stable supply: With an export volume exceeding 7 million tons annually, Vietnam is a reliable year-round supplier. 

• Meeting the high-end market: ST25 rice was once honored as the “World’s Best Rice” in 2019, opening up opportunities to penetrate the high-end segment. 

• Free trade agreements: Agreements like EVFTA and RCEP allow Vietnamese rice to enjoy tariff preferences, increasing its competitiveness in the EU and the Asian region. 

6. Advice for International B2B Businesses

• Choose a reputable partner: Look for businesses with ISO 22000, HACCP, or international organic certification. 

• Independent testing requirement: Ensure the rice meets the standards of the import market through organizations such as Vinacontrol or Eurofins. 

• Sign a clear contract: Specify details about quality, quantity, and delivery time to avoid risks. 

• Learn about import regulations; Each market has its own requirements for quarantine, labelling, and certification. 

• Building long-term relationships: Collaborating with suppliers who have stable raw material sources and transparent traceability systems. 

7. Market demand & regional standards  

8. Why choose premium Vietnamese rice? 

Vietnamese premium rice is increasingly asserting its position in the international market thanks to its outstanding stable quality, strict standards, and prestigious certifications. For B2B enterprises, collaborating with Vietnamese rice suppliers not only provides a high-quality source of goods but also ensures price competitiveness and stability in the supply chain. 

• Diverse product range: From fragrant Jasmine rice, internationally awarded ST25 rice, to nutritious brown rice, Vietnam flexibly meets various quality segments and packaging needs. 

• Transparent supply chain: Large exporting enterprises apply traceability using QR codes, blockchain, and detailed inspection reports for each shipment. 

• Competitive advantage: Vietnamese rice has reasonable pricing, stable quality, favorable logistics, and is increasingly focused on sustainable development. 

9. Lotus Rice – A reliable rice partner, helping you expand your market sustainably. 

As one of the leading rice producers and exporters in Vietnam, with over 18 years of experience supplying high-quality rice to demanding international markets such as Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia. We are committed to delivering products that meet international standards with a strict quality control process from the raw material stage to the final product. 

The product lines of Lotus Rice include: white rice, fragrant rice, brown rice, organic rice,… certified by USDA Organic, EU Organic, JAS (Japan), BRC, ISO 22000, HACCP, and Halal. 

With large production capacity, a flexible logistics system, and a team of experienced consultants, Lotus Rice is ready to accompany international partners in expanding distribution systems and developing markets sustainably. 

📩 Contact Lotus Rice to receive product portfolios, certificates, quality reports, and collaboration solutions suitable for your market. Contact Lotus Rice to receive the product portfolio, certificates, quality reports, and collaboration solutions suitable for your market. 

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Email: connect@lotusgroup.vn
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