Doan Van Ven, General Director of Anh Thu Dak Lak Co., Ltd., disclosed that his company had to recall 10 containers of durians, weighing a total of 170 tons, after failing to clear customs at the border.
The issue arose as China implemented tougher standards, especially the requirement to test for Auramine O, a chemical with potential carcinogenic risks.
Of the 10 containers, five were returned by Chinese customs due to a lack of required Auramine O certification, while the remaining five were redirected to Hanoi for domestic sale.
“We will sell at lower prices to minimize losses, accepting a deficit of over VND10 billion (US$394,790),” Ven said.
He added that his company’s containers had been stuck at the border for over 10 days, and waiting longer for customs clearance and transportation risked spoilage.
“This is the first time our goods have been returned. Previously, inspections only checked for cadmium, and we always met the standards,” he explained. “For now, our company has suspended exports while awaiting clearer guidelines from the Chinese side.”
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Durian boxes weighing 8–9 kg, originally intended for export by businesses in Dak Lak in the Central Highlands, are now being sold cheaply in the domestic market. Photo by Doan Van Ven |
Anh Thu is not the only company impacted. According to Ngo Tuong Vy, General Director of Chanh Thu Co., Ltd., the entire durian export industry is facing challenges with the new inspection regulations. Vy noted that her company has also halted shipments to China to study the new requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.
“Once all procedures are complete, we will resume exports,” she said.
China’s requirement to test for Auramine O was introduced after traces of the chemical were detected in several Thai durian shipments in late 2024. The chemical, classified as potentially carcinogenic, is now strictly controlled for all exporters to the Chinese market. The sudden change has left many Vietnamese businesses unable to adapt quickly, resulting in shipments being returned or delayed at the border.
Phung Van Ba, Deputy Head of the Sub-department of Customs of Huu Nghi border gate in Lang Son Province, reported a significant decline in durian shipments being cleared daily—from 70–80 trucks during the same period last year to only 20–30 trucks now. Most shipments from Vietnam are categorized under the “green lane,” meaning they are not subject to stringent inspections on the Vietnamese side. However, customs clearance remains slow due to China’s tighter inspection processes, which allow only shipments meeting the new regulations.
Ba emphasized the need for businesses to promptly update themselves on the new requirements and thoroughly prepare their documentation to avoid rejection.
Earlier this month, China issued warnings about Vietnamese durian and fresh jackfruit exports, citing violations of phytosanitary and food safety regulations.
In response, Vietnam’s Plant Protection Department has urged local authorities to strengthen monitoring of cultivation areas and packaging facilities, tighten inspections of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and traceability, and suspend codes for violators. These measures aim to maintain the quality and reputation of Vietnamese fruit in the international market.
In 2024, Vietnam’s durian exports reached a record high of $3.3 billion, accounting for nearly half of the country’s total fruit and vegetable export value. China remains the key market.
Vietnam aims to increase durian exports to US$3.5 billion in 2025, contributing to its goal of reaching $10 billion in total fruit and vegetable export value in the near future.
