What regulations must be met for frozen durian exported to China?

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Packing frozen durian at Chanh Thu Fruit Export Company Limited. Illustration photo: Internet.

Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) signed a Protocol on requirements for inspection, quarantine and food safety of frozen durian from Vietnam exported to China, paving the way for the export of frozen durian in the coming time. The official opening of the Chinese market for this product is expected to create great opportunities for the Vietnamese durian industry.

According to the Protocol, frozen durian (Durio zibethinus) includes whole durian fruit (with shell), pureed durian (without shell) and durian pulp (without shell), originating from fresh, ripe durian grown in Vietnam.

To export frozen durian from Vietnam to China, frozen durian must be hand-selected to remove rotten, damaged fruits and ensure that it does not contain foreign metal impurities. Raw materials for frozen durian exported from Vietnam to China must originate from durian gardens registered with the Vietnamese side.

The Vietnamese side will inspect the facilities for producing, processing, and preserving frozen durian exported from Vietnam to China and introduce qualified enterprises to the Chinese side. Qualified enterprises must be registered with the Chinese side. Only after registration can enterprises export products to China.

Packaging materials for frozen durian exported from Vietnam to China must be clean, hygienic, unused, and comply with food safety and phytosanitary requirements.

During the storage and transportation of frozen durian, the requirements of the International Food Standard - "Code of Practice for the Processing and Handling of Quick Frozen Foods" (CAC/RCP 8-1976) must be met.

Thus, frozen durian packaging facilities must meet the requirements of food safety and hygiene, packaging processes, traceability, and food safety control processes (HACCP). Along with that, there are some requirements on freezing capacity and cold storage.

According to the Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), opening the market for frozen durian products to the Chinese market will help diversify processing, reduce pressure on harvest seasons, and create greater added value for the durian industry.

In the coming time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to work closely with Chinese authorities to ensure the smooth implementation of the Protocol, while supporting Vietnamese businesses and farmers to make the most of the opportunities from these Protocols.

During the State visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to China, the Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for fresh coconuts from Vietnam exported to China was also officially signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the General Administration of Customs of China. The signing of these Protocols is an important step forward in promoting trade in agricultural products of plant origin between the two countries.