Rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food are widely used in food production, processing, preservation, and distribution activities. However, if they do not comply with prescribed safety requirements, these products may affect food quality and pose undesirable risks to users.

To control product quality and ensure food safety, QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT specifies technical requirements for rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food. Conformity certification under this technical regulation not only helps enterprises comply with legal requirements but also contributes to enhancing corporate reputation and customer confidence in products.

Join ISSQ Institute Quality in exploring the conformity certification process for rubber packaging and utensils in accordance with QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT and the benefits this activity brings to enterprises in the following article.

What Are Rubber Packaging and Utensils?

Rubber packaging and utensils are products manufactured from rubber materials and used for containing, preserving, processing, transporting, or directly contacting food during production and consumption processes. Thanks to their elasticity, high mechanical strength, heat resistance, and excellent impermeability, rubber materials are widely applied in various packaging products, utensils, and equipment serving the food industry.

Products classified as rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food may include rubber gaskets, sealing rings, food-grade hoses, stoppers, lids, rubber gloves used in food processing, or rubber components installed in food processing equipment that directly contact food products.

During use, these products have the potential to directly affect food quality and safety. Therefore, rubber materials used in the manufacture of food-contact packaging and utensils must satisfy hygiene and safety technical requirements to minimize the risk of undesirable substances migrating into food, thereby contributing to the protection of consumer health.

What Risks Are Associated with Non-Compliant Rubber Packaging and Utensils?

Rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food that fail to meet food hygiene and safety requirements may pose the following risks:

• Risk of migration of undesirable substances into food: Certain components contained in rubber materials may migrate into food, potentially altering food characteristics and affecting product quality during use.
• Increased risk of food safety incidents: Packaging and utensils that come into direct contact with food but do not meet applicable requirements may become one of the causes of food safety risks.
• Negative impacts on food production and preservation processes: The use of unsuitable products by enterprises and customers may reduce the effectiveness of food preservation and quality control during circulation.
• Higher exposure to unsafe factors: The quality of food-contact materials is an important factor in protecting public health.
• Risks to business operations: Marketing products that do not comply with technical requirements may expose enterprises to issues related to quality control, customer complaints, or corrective actions imposed by regulatory authorities.

These risks demonstrate that proactive quality control of rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food is essential to ensure food safety and minimize undesirable impacts on relevant stakeholders.

To reduce food safety risks and establish a basis for product quality management, QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT specifies technical requirements applicable to rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food.

What is QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT?

QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT is the National Technical Regulation on Hygiene and Safety Requirements for Rubber Packaging and Utensils Intended for Direct Contact with Food issued by the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. This regulation specifies technical and management requirements concerning hygiene and safety applicable to rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food (hereinafter referred to as rubber packaging and utensils).

QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT applies to:

• Organizations and individuals engaged in importing, manufacturing, trading, and using rubber packaging and utensil products.
• State management agencies and other related organizations and individuals.

Conformity Certification Process for Rubber Packaging and Utensils under QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT

The conformity certification process for rubber packaging and utensils intended for direct contact with food in accordance with QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT generally includes the following steps:

Step 1: Receive the application dossier for certification

Step 2: Sign a scientific and technological service contract

Step 3: Conduct surveys and assessments

Step 4: Complete post-assessment documentation

Step 5: Review the dossier and issue the certificate of conformity (if compliant)

Step 6: Conduct surveillance assessments at intervals not exceeding 12 months

Step 7: Conduct recertification assessments (upon expiration of the certificate)

Benefits of Conformity Certification for Rubber Packaging and Utensils under QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT

Conformity certification under QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT not only helps enterprises demonstrate that their products comply with current technical requirements but also brings numerous benefits to businesses, consumers, and quality management activities in the marketplace.

For Enterprises

• Compliance with legal requirements: Conformity certification for rubber packaging and utensils in accordance with QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT provides a basis for enterprises to carry out procedures related to product quality management in compliance with current regulations.
• Enhancement of product credibility and reliability: Certified rubber packaging and utensil products provide customers and business partners with additional assurance regarding product safety and quality.
• Facilitation of manufacturing and business activities: Obtaining conformity certification for rubber packaging and utensils demonstrates compliance with applicable technical regulations, thereby enabling enterprises to distribute and market their products more conveniently.
• Strengthened product quality control: Conformity assessment of rubber packaging and utensil products helps enterprises review, monitor, and maintain product quality more effectively.

For Consumers

• Enhanced protection of consumer health: Rubber packaging and utensil products assessed in accordance with the technical requirements of QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT help minimize risks arising from factors that may affect food safety.
• Greater confidence when selecting and using products: Using certified rubber packaging and utensil products provides consumers with an additional basis for identifying products that have been assessed and confirmed as compliant with current regulations.

For Regulatory Authorities and the Market

• Support for state management activities: Rubber packaging and utensil products that have undergone conformity certification provide a basis for inspection, supervision, and product quality management in the marketplace.
• Contribution to a transparent business environment: The consistent application by enterprises of the technical requirements specified in QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT for rubber packaging and utensils contributes to improving product quality and promoting fair competition among domestic and international enterprises.

Companies requiring conformity assessment and certification services for rubber packaging and utensils in accordance with QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT are invited to contact ISSQ Institute Quality via hotline: (+84) 981 851 111 or email vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn for procedural support.

Publication Date: June 15, 2026