Lang Son strictly quarantines cross-border farm produce

A customs officer of Huu Nghi border gate plant quarantine station is checking the quality of durians for export. (Photo: VNA)

Authorities in border areas of the northern province of Lang Son have tightened inspection and management, and used modern specialised equipment to rigorously control the safety of agricultural products exported to and imported from China via border gates, in a bid to prevent the spread of both traditional and exotic diseases.

Statistics from the Management Board of the Dong Dang border gate economic zone showed that an average of 1,100 to 1,300 trucks undergo customs clearance at local border crossings a day, including between 400 – 500 trucks transporting exports (primarily agricultural products and fresh fruits).

Tan Thanh border gate records the largest volume of import-export goods. It is considered the "gateway" for exporting agricultural products from southern provinces to the Chinese market.

Particularly, thousands of tonnes of goods are processed through customs clearance points every day to serve the increasing demand during the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, mainly vegetables, fresh fruits, and dry goods, which carry the inherent risk of bringing exotic diseases.

The Lang Son Regional II Animal Quarantine Branch has directed the Tan Thanh border gate plant quarantine station to increase human resources for strictly controlling agricultural products imported through border gates to avoid risks and minimise economic losses.

Tran Van Hieu, deputy head of the agency, said the unit has directed its affiliated quarantine stations to pay attention to monitoring and handling quarantine-related procedures for businesses, helping them meet regulations on the quality and safety of goods.

Lang Son province has seven border gates recording imports and exports customs clearance activities at the beginning of 2023, namely Tan Thanh, Coc Nam, Chi Ma, Na Nua, Na Hinh, Huu Nghi, and Dong Dang.

Recent efforts made by the local authorities and businesses have contributed to ensuring quarantine regulations and the quality of goods, and stabilising the import and export environment at local border gates./.