Vietnam increases oversight as stricter Chinese regulations challenge durian exports

A key export facing new challenges

According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VinaFruit), durian has become a key export for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector, with China as its primary market. In 2024, China imported 1.56 million tons of durian, valued at nearly $7 billion—an increase of 9.4% in volume and 4% in value compared to 2023. During this period, Vietnam’s durian exports to China surged by 49.4% in volume and 37.5% in value, reaching 736,720 tons worth $2.94 billion.

However, China has been tightening export standards. At the end of 2024 and into early 2025, Chinese authorities began testing for auramine O, a banned chemical, leading to the rejection of several Vietnamese shipments. Previously, China had also mandated testing for cadmium in durian exports. These regulatory changes, in addition to existing quality requirements outlined in bilateral trade protocols, require exporters to stay updated and compliant to maintain market access.

China has been tightening export standards on Vietnamese durians - photo: baochinhphu.vn

In August 2024, Vietnam and China signed a protocol outlining phytosanitary and food safety requirements for frozen durian exports. However, most Vietnamese exporters have yet to begin shipments. According to Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T Group, companies are still working to meet China’s stringent frozen product requirements. Given the high economic value of frozen durian, exporters must ensure full compliance before shipping to mitigate risks.

VinaFruit notes that frozen durian, processed from fresh durian, must adhere to the same quality and food safety standards. However, some certified farms have failed to maintain proper oversight, update electronic records, and ensure traceability. Additionally, unauthorized transfers of planting area codes and packaging facility certifications have created regulatory challenges.

Strengthening local oversight

Authorities in key durian-growing provinces, including Tien Giang and Dak Lak, are ramping up inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with export standards.

In Tien Giang, Vo Van Men, head of the provincial Crop Production and Plant Protection Department, stated that local authorities have been reviewing applications for planting area codes, inspecting compliance, and ensuring clear accountability in the management of planting areas. Provincial officials have also conducted inter-agency inspections to monitor the use of planting area codes and supply chain activities, with non-compliant farms facing suspension or revocation of their certifications.

Similarly, Tran Hoang Nhat Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Tien Giang, said authorities have intensified inspections of durian farms, wholesale markets, and exporters to detect banned substances such as cadmium and auramine O. Moving forward, local officials will collaborate with law enforcement and market regulators to ensure that certified farms and packaging facilities comply with safety and traceability requirements.

Nguyen Nhu Thuy Tien, CEO of Nhu Thuy Tien Import-Export Co., Ltd., one of Tien Giang’s major durian exporters, pointed out that many Vietnamese companies prioritize export volume over quality, leading to shipment rejections. She urged authorities to provide more guidance to farmers and exporters on meeting international quality standards.

Meanwhile, in Dak Lak, provincial officials have been promoting the adoption of VietGAP, GlobalGAP, HACCP, and ISO:22000 standards, as well as improving traceability and cold storage facilities. Authorities have strengthened monitoring efforts to ensure compliance with Vietnam’s export protocols with China and to prevent violations related to planting area codes and packaging certifications, which could damage the reputation of Vietnamese durian in global markets.

The province has pledged to regularly inspect, monitor, and guide farmers and packaging facilities in adhering to regulations while taking strict action against violations to safeguard the reputation and quality of exported durian./.