INSTITUTE FOR STANDARD AND QUALITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
19/06/2026
In the context of increasing requirements for product information transparency, traceability is becoming one of the essential tools that enables businesses to manage product information, improve quality, and proactively control risks arising during production and business operations. At the same time, the continuous improvement of traceability regulations in Vietnam also demonstrates a growing trend toward strengthening management and enhancing supply chain transparency across various industries.
Let's join ISSQ Institute Quality in exploring the role of traceability in quality management and product risk control, as well as the issues businesses should pay attention to as traceability requirements become increasingly important.
Traceability refers to the activity of tracking and identifying information related to products and goods throughout their development, manufacturing, circulation, and distribution processes. Through a traceability system, stakeholders can access and verify product information such as the manufacturer, origin, production batch, manufacturing date, or other data depending on the characteristics of each type of product.
As supply chains continue to expand and become more complex, traceability not only helps businesses manage product information more effectively but also contributes to improving transparency, supporting quality control, and strengthening customer confidence in products.
To improve the effectiveness of state management and promote product information transparency, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 31/2026/TT-BCT, effective from July 1, 2026, regulating the traceability of products and goods under its management scope. Accordingly, organizations and individuals subject to the Circular are required to identify products and establish, update, and maintain traceability data according to the prescribed roadmap.
The Circular also encourages data digitization and information connectivity through electronic systems to facilitate management activities, inspections, product information verification, and consumers' access to necessary information.
It can be seen that, together with the trend of digital transformation and increasingly stringent requirements for transparency within supply chains, traceability is gradually becoming an important aspect of enterprise product management.
Traceability not only contributes to the transparency of product information but also establishes a foundation for businesses to enhance quality management efficiency and proactively control risks arising throughout production and business operations.
In manufacturing and business activities, product quality is not solely determined by final inspections but also depends on the ability to control information throughout the entire supply chain. Implementing a traceability system allows businesses to systematically manage product data, thereby improving quality management effectiveness and supporting continuous improvement efforts.
Traceability enables businesses to centralize and manage product-related information such as product names, manufacturers, origins, batch numbers, production dates, applicable standards, and other required data. When data is standardized and updated comprehensively, businesses can easily search, compare, and manage information throughout the product lifecycle.
A product generally goes through multiple stages, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to warehousing and distribution. A traceability system helps businesses monitor product movements among organizations and throughout supply chain stages, thereby minimizing information gaps, data inconsistencies, and management difficulties.
When product information is systematically stored and managed, businesses gain additional evidence to inspect and verify data related to product quality. This contributes to internal monitoring activities and supports the assessment of product conformity with technical requirements, standards, or applicable regulations.
Consumers and business partners are increasingly concerned about product origins and production processes. Through traceability, product-related information can be provided in a clearer and more transparent manner, helping to improve trust levels while facilitating cooperation, trade activities, and market expansion opportunities.
Establishing and operating a traceability system not only helps businesses manage product data more efficiently but also supports product quality improvement, strengthens transparency, and creates a solid foundation for long-term quality management activities.
In addition to supporting quality management, traceability is also a tool that enables businesses to proactively identify, control, and address product-related risks during production, circulation, and distribution. When product information is comprehensively recorded and managed, businesses can respond more quickly to incidents, thereby minimizing impacts on business operations and brand reputation.
When a product develops defects or fails to meet quality requirements, identifying the root cause is often one of the greatest challenges for businesses. A traceability system preserves information related to raw materials, production batches, manufacturing dates, and processing stages, thereby enabling businesses to quickly determine the source of the problem and implement appropriate corrective actions.
When a problematic product batch is discovered, businesses need to accurately determine the scope of impact to avoid unnecessary disruptions to overall production and business activities. Traceability data allows businesses to identify relevant batches, distributors, or affected regions, helping them focus corrective actions on the appropriate targets and limit broader impacts.
Product recalls require accuracy and timely execution to minimize risks for both consumers and businesses. With complete information on product circulation and distribution processes, businesses can rapidly identify products subject to recall, shorten response times, and improve the effectiveness of recall activities.
In many cases, traceability data can serve as evidence to verify product origin, provenance, or management history when requested by regulatory authorities, business partners, or customers. Maintaining a complete and transparent traceability system not only helps businesses minimize risks associated with records and documentation but also contributes to protecting brand reputation and corporate image in the marketplace.
The ability to access information quickly and accurately enables businesses to be more proactive in handling incidents while supporting risk control throughout the entire product lifecycle. This is also one of the reasons why traceability is increasingly regarded as an important tool for enterprise management and sustainable development.
Implementing traceability is not merely about adopting a technological solution. It also requires businesses to standardize data, establish appropriate management processes, and ensure long-term operational capabilities. As requirements for product information transparency continue to increase, early preparation can help businesses implement traceability more smoothly and maximize the value of traceability systems.
Data is the foundation of every traceability system. Businesses need to review, standardize, and consistently manage product-related information such as product names, product codes, origins, manufacturers, production batches, expiration dates, applicable standards, and other relevant information. Standardizing data from the outset helps reduce errors and facilitates future information management and retrieval.
In addition to standardizing information, businesses should develop clear procedures for collecting, updating, and storing data at each stage of the supply chain. Information must be recorded completely, promptly, and remain retrievable whenever necessary to ensure data accuracy and continuity.
Depending on their scale and operational characteristics, businesses may choose to develop internal traceability systems or connect to suitable external traceability platforms. The application of digital technologies helps improve data management efficiency, supports information sharing, and facilitates traceability activities throughout the supply chain.
Traceability data should be securely stored, adequately protected, and maintained with integrity throughout its lifecycle. Businesses should also ensure the ability to promptly retrieve and provide information when requested by regulatory authorities, partners, or customers in accordance with applicable regulations.
The effectiveness of a traceability system depends not only on technology but also on people. Businesses should raise awareness among relevant departments regarding the importance of traceability and provide personnel training on data management procedures, information updates, and system operations to ensure accuracy and efficiency during implementation.
When properly prepared and effectively operated, a traceability system not only helps businesses comply with transparency requirements and applicable regulations but also contributes to strengthening governance capabilities, protecting brand reputation, and creating a solid foundation for long-term sustainable development.
Published Date: June 19, 2026
