Nearly 1,000 tons of durian exported to China in the first two days of the year

After a month of interruption due to new regulations, nearly 1,000 tons of durian were cleared through customs to China again.

Mr. Hoang Khanh Duy, Deputy Head of the Dong Dang - Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Board, said that the customs clearance process to China has been smooth again. Since after Tet, 19 durian trucks have been cleared at Huu Nghi Border Gate. Similarly, at Tan Thanh Border Gate, 27 durian trucks have been exported smoothly.

Preliminary statistics show that nearly 1,000 tons of durian have been cleared through customs at the two border gates. "Enterprises with complete documents in accordance with regulations will be quickly classified, helping to save maximum export time," said Mr. Duy.

In Lao Cai, the local customs department also confirmed that durian exports have returned to normal. Authorities have proactively regulated cargo vehicles to avoid prolonged congestion.

According to a report from the Plant Protection Department, durian testing laboratories recognized by China in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Ca Mau have been operating, helping businesses quickly test goods according to the requirements of the neighboring country.

Durian is canned for export to China. Photo: Character provided

Previously, from January 10, China applied a new regulation requiring all durian batches from Vietnam and Thailand to have a certificate of inspection for yellow O - a compound that is at risk of causing cancer. Only laboratories approved by China are allowed to conduct this criterion test. The regulation was issued after Chinese authorities discovered yellow O residue in a batch of Thai durian in late 2024.

China’s delay in recognizing Vietnam’s testing labs caused many shipments to be stuck in January. It was not until the end of the month that the country approved a list of nine labs, leaving businesses unable to test their goods in advance. Many durian shipments had to be temporarily suspended from export, and many containers were forced to turn around to be frozen or sold domestically at half the purchase price.

Vietnam is actively negotiating with China to expand the list of accredited testing laboratories, creating more favorable conditions for customs clearance. Customs recommends that businesses ensure full testing documents for cadmium, O-yellow and other import standards to avoid export disruptions.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, said the company is completing procedures and plans to resume exporting durian to China at the end of February. Currently, Vina T&T still maintains exports to the US, Australia and Canada.

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