Vietlinh
20/08/2025
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Granting a Planting Area Code – Detailed Procedures, Documentation & Registration Process

In the strategy of developing agricultural export markets, the establishment and registration of a Planting Area Code (PAC) plays a crucial role. This is not only a mandatory legal procedure but also the foundation for enterprises and cooperatives to demonstrate sustainable production capacity and compliance with international standards. Thanks to this, products from certified planting areas are often prioritized for purchase, sold at better prices, and gain access to more potential markets.

1. What is a Planting Area Code?

A Planting Area Code (PAC) is a unique identification number issued by the Plant Protection Department – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for a specific agricultural production area. This code is used to:

  • Manage planting areas according to pest safety standards and product quality.

  • Serve traceability requirements for exports.

  • Ensure agricultural products meet the quarantine requirements of importing countries.

⚡ Example: A mango orchard in Đồng Tháp wishing to export to China must have a Planting Area Code so that buyers can trace the product’s origin.

2. Why register for a Planting Area Code?

Registering for a PAC is both mandatory and strategic in agricultural production:

  • Prerequisite for export: Markets such as China, the U.S., EU, and Australia require imported agricultural products to have a PAC.

  • Traceability: Provides transparency about the production location and farming practices.

  • Quality control: Authorities and international partners can easily inspect pesticide residues and food safety.

  • Enhance product value: Agricultural products with PAC are often prioritized by exporters and sold at higher prices.

  • Brand building: Certified planting areas strengthen trust in both domestic and international markets.

3. Registration process for a Planting Area Code

Step 1: Prepare application documents
Organizations/individuals/cooperatives need to prepare:

  • Application form for PAC registration.

  • Description of the planting area: acreage, crop type, expected yield.

  • Map of the production area (with GPS coordinates).

  • Production logbook (records of fertilization, pesticide application, care activities, etc.).

  • Commitment to comply with pest management and food safety.

👉 The dossier should be submitted to the local Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, then forwarded to the Plant Protection Department for review.

Step 2: Appraisal and field inspection
After receiving the documents, the authorities will:

  • Review the application for completeness and accuracy.

  • Conduct on-site inspection, including:

    • Measuring acreage and checking boundaries.

    • Assessing farming conditions and environmental hygiene.

    • Reviewing production logbooks and compliance with pesticide regulations.

    • Verifying pest conditions and control measures.

Step 3: Field inspection results

  • If the planting area meets all standards (according to both importers’ and Vietnam’s requirements), the authority will issue a report and propose approval.

  • If not, the applicant will be notified in writing with guidance for adjustments or supplements.

Step 4: Approval and issuance of Planting Area Code

  • The Plant Protection Department will issue the PAC.

  • The code is updated in the national management system and shared with importing countries under quarantine agreements.

  • Processing time is usually 20–30 working days, depending on each case.

4. Conditions for granting a Planting Area Code

To be approved, a planting area must:

  • Have a concentrated and stable production area.

  • Maintain transparent production records and management.

  • Apply integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

  • Use pesticides within the approved list and comply with pre-harvest intervals.

  • Have stable supply linkages with exporters.

5. Notes on maintaining a Planting Area Code

  • PACs may be revoked if regulations are violated (e.g., use of banned pesticides, excessive residues, failure to keep production records).

  • Periodic inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance.

  • Farmers and managers should regularly attend training and stay updated with new import regulations.

6. Conclusion

Granting a Planting Area Code is not only a compulsory requirement for export but also a sustainable step to enhance the quality and value of Vietnam’s agricultural products. By strictly following the process, preparing complete documents, and maintaining standards, planting areas can achieve long-term development.