Thailand's Agriculture Minister, Narumon Pinyosinwat, announced that China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) will operate its checkpoints 24/7 to facilitate durian imports from Thailand. "I would like to thank the GACC and its officials for attaching importance to durian imports from Thailand and for assigning officials to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Narumon stated.
In response to requests, GACC has agreed to extend operating hours at border checkpoints, enhancing the export process for Thai durian producers. Additionally, China has increased laboratory facilities at the border for testing Thai durians for Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye contamination. Past incidents of contamination led to shipment rejections.
As the peak durian harvest season approaches, Thailand's Agriculture Ministry is coordinating with Chinese authorities and GACC to ensure uninterrupted durian shipments. Currently, nine laboratories in Thailand conduct BY2 screenings to prevent further rejections. Efforts are underway to gain China's recognition for an additional laboratory, Central Laboratory (Thailand) Co Ltd, located in Chachoengsao.
Source: The Nation
