Hanoi (VNA)ℱ - Supervision of imported food products sold at duty-free shops might no longer be needed and firms will assume full responsibility for product quality and safety, according to a Government draft decree on duty-free business issued for public comment.

According to the proposed decree, imported food products for sale in duty-free shops will not fall under the regulations on food hygiene and safety checks. As duty-free business is a type of retail sale with an abundance of product types but small volumes, specialised checks were costly and time consuming, according to the law’s authors. In addition, specialised checks are not necessary as duty-free products are of clear origin and well-known brands. An agreement on abolishing safety checks on duty-free food products has already been reached among the relevant government agencies and ministries. Tobacco, cigars, liquor and beer on the shelves of duty-free shops must be labelled “VIETNAM DUTY NOT PAID”, according to the draft decree. According to data compiled by the Ministry of Finance, there are 31 such shops nationwide, including eight at international airports, nine at international ports, 12 at border gates and two in downtown areas. In the 2009-15 period, there were more than 3.5 million purchases at duty-free shops.-VNA