The European Union has recently heightened official controls on several farm products imported from Vietnam, signaling the necessity for producers and exporters to adhere to import market regulations and boost competitiveness for sustainable exports. From early February, Vietnamese durians, peppers of genus capsicum and more will be subject to increased identity and physical checks at a frequency of 10-50%.
Okra and dragon fruit, due to a contamination risk by mycotoxins, are subject to special conditions for entry into the EU, with checks at 50% and 20% respectively. The EU updates this list biannually. For durians, this is the first time that this fruit has been subjected to a control frequency of 10%.
A representative from SK International, a durian exporter to the EU, noted that the damage to enterprises will be modest due to the limited durian export into this market. However, opportunities for durian in the EU are diminishing. Lê Anh Trung, deputy chairman of the Đắk Lắk Durian Association, highlighted that the increased controls will extend the customs clearance process, resulting in higher costs.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Trần Thanh Nam pointed out that not only the EU but also China has augmented requirements for quality and safety on importing food and agricultural products. He stressed that meeting these requirements can unlock the potential for Vietnam to extend its international reach.
Source: vietnamnews.vn