Lam Dong clears two major bottlenecks in agricultural exports

New testing capacity for durian and jackfruit exports

The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has approved 50 testing facilities in Vietnam to conduct inspections required for agricultural exports, particularly durian and jackfruit shipments to the Chinese market.

The facilities are located across 13 provinces and cities. Lam Dong has three approved facilities, while Ho Chi Minh City has the largest number, with 19.

The distribution is expected to strengthen testing capacity in key agricultural production areas.

For Lam Dong exporters, the move is expected to make quality inspections more accessible, shorten testing times and facilitate customs clearance for agricultural products entering China.

The development is particularly significant for durian, as Lam Dong accounts for about 28% of Vietnam's total durian-growing area. The province has also developed many production areas following green, transparent and sustainable farming practices.

For years, food safety requirements and strict testing procedures have been among the major obstacles to durian exports to China, where the fruit has a limited post-harvest window. The approval of additional testing facilities in Lam Dong is therefore expected to help ease one of the key bottlenecks.

Jackfruit producers are also expected to benefit.

In Lam Dong, jackfruit is mainly grown on a scattered scale, often intercropped with other fruit trees or coffee rather than cultivated in large specialized areas.

Several local production models have nevertheless gained recognition for their quality, including Nghe jackfruit in Bao Loc and Thai jackfruit in Phan Son.

Previously, growers seeking a planting area code had to meet a minimum area of 10 hectares. This created difficulties for jackfruit producers, particularly those growing the crop in mixed orchards.

The new regulation has changed that situation.

Export opportunities move closer to farmers

The removal of the minimum area requirement is expected to benefit not only jackfruit but also many other crops grown in mixed orchards across Lam Dong.

Farmers in the province have traditionally diversified their orchards by planting different crops in the same area. This approach helps spread market risks, but it has also made it difficult for growers to establish production areas large enough to qualify for growing area codes under previous regulations.

From August 1, 2026, the Government's Resolution No. 36 on simplifying administrative procedures for planting area codes and packing facility codes took effect.

The resolution removes the previous 10-hectare minimum requirement for planting area codes.

This means farmers cultivating areas of any size can apply for a growing area code, provided they meet requirements on production processes and product quality.

Applications can be submitted and declared through the National Public Service Portal.

The new procedure also specifies different processing timelines.

For growing areas not yet intended for export, the code can be issued in about three days. For areas registered for export, competent authorities will conduct an on-site inspection before issuing the code. The process is expected to take about 10 days, depending on the requirements set by the importing country.

Agricultural experts said the new procedure is considerably simpler than the previous system.

However, farmers are still encouraged to form production linkages and develop larger, coordinated growing areas. Common cultivation standards can help ensure consistent quality and output while making product traceability more effective.

Bich Nghi