In a recent development, Thailand's durian export sector has encountered challenges following the rejection of over 100 containers by China due to the absence of test results for the carcinogenic dye Basic Yellow 2 (BY2). This situation has led to a notable drop in durian prices within the Thai market, with rates plummeting from the initial 230-240 baht/kg to 110-120 baht/kg. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has heightened its regulatory measures, mandating that all Thai durian shipments be accompanied by a test report certifying the absence of BY2 and cadmium, effective from January 10, 2025.
The Thai Durian Association has responded by prohibiting the use of such chemical additives in durian production for export, aiming to align with Chinese standards and rebuild consumer trust. Nonetheless, China has intensified its inspection processes, extending the duration of these checks beyond the previous one-week period. The inclusion of Basic Yellow 2, identified by the WHO as a Group 2B carcinogen, in durian exports has prompted stringent inspections by Chinese authorities, not only on Thai durians but also on those from Vietnam and Malaysia.
Amidst this backdrop, the Thai durian export landscape has been described as chaotic, particularly with about 100 containers being returned from China ahead of the Chinese New Year due to missing BY2 test results. This has resulted in substantial financial losses, estimated at 500 million baht, and has compelled exporters to sell returned durians domestically at significantly reduced prices.
To address these challenges, the Thai Fruit Traders and Exporters Association has outlined a three-stage enforcement protocol by the Chinese authorities, emphasizing the need for compliance to prevent the complete destruction of shipments found in violation of the new regulations. The Department of Agriculture has announced that AMARC, among 22 accredited laboratories in Thailand, is now capable of issuing BY2 test reports, with each test costing THB 3,000 and results expected within three days.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has mandated a 100% inspection rate for all Thai durian exports, covering tests for BY2, cadmium, durian mites, and sulfur dioxide contamination in longans. This move is part of broader efforts to ensure compliance with the new regulations and restore confidence in Thai durian exports. The Minister of Agriculture is scheduled to visit China to discuss these export challenges and explore solutions with the GACC.
As Thailand navigates these regulatory hurdles, the government has also initiated measures to diversify export markets, including efforts to introduce Thai longan to the Philippine market, thereby expanding export opportunities for Thai fruit producers.
Source: Khaosod English