Vietnam exports 1,000 tons of durian to China in 2 days

Nineteen durian trucks in Huu Nghi Border Gate and 27 in Tan Thanh Border Gate have been approved to enter China on Monday and Tuesday, according to Hoang Khanh Duy, deputy head of the management board of Dong Dang Border Gate Economic Zone in Lang Son Province.

Durians prepared to be shipped to China. Photo acquired by VnExpress

Another border province, Lao Cai, has seen smooth exports of durian and no overload.

Since Jan. 10, China imposed a new regulation which order Vietnamese and Thai durians to have a certification confirming the absence of Auramine O – a compound with potential carcinogenic risks.

Only laboratories approved by China are authorized to conduct this specific test.

This regulation was issued after Chinese authorities detected Auramine O residue in a Thai durian shipment at the end of 2024.

China’s delayed recognition of Vietnam’s testing laboratories caused many shipments to be stuck in January.

It was not until the end of the month that China approved a list of nine laboratories, leaving businesses unable to test their products in time.

As a result, numerous durian shipments had to halt exports, with many containers redirected for freezing or sold domestically at half the purchase price.

Vietnam is actively negotiating with China to expand the list of approved laboratories to facilitate smoother customs clearance.

Customs authorities advise businesses to ensure all necessary certifications, including tests for cadmium, Auramine O, and other import standards, to avoid export disruptions.

Some businesses are in the process of resuming their exports to China.

Exporter Vina T&T is finalizing procedures and plans to resume durian exports to China by the end of this month. It is now exporting to the U.S., Australia, and Canada.