6 Thai Labs Certified for Testing Durian Exports to China

The Chinese market has always been a key export destination for Thai durians, a fruit with a total export value of 130 billion Thai baht ($3.83 billion) in 2024. In an effort to further expand its overseas markets, Thailand has set an export target of 150 billion baht ($4.42 billion) for 2025, although achieving this goal appears challenging.

In recent weeks, Chinese authorities reported the presence of the unpermitted dye auramine O during food safety inspections of imported Thai durians. As a result, starting from Jan. 10, 2025, China Customs introduced new regulations requiring a test report for auramine O with every batch of Thai durians exported to China, where any detection of prohibited substances would result in an immediate halt to imports. The implementation of these new regulations has severely impacted Thai durian exports to China, with hundreds of containers being returned or rejected, causing the Thai durian industry to suffer significant losses.

In response to the situation, Thailand has taken swift action. According to Thai media reports, an emergency notice confirmed that the General Administration of Customs of China has approved six Thai laboratories to conduct auramine O testing of durians. The testing must be performed within 48 hours before export. The six approved laboratories are also capable of providing analysis services for the heavy metal cadmium. The testing fee for each sample is 3,000 baht ($88.39), with a processing time of two days and a combined daily capacity of up to 700 samples.

The approval of these six laboratories is highly significant. On the one hand, it provides essential technical support for Thai durians to comply with China’s testing requirements. On the other hand, it encourages the Thai durian industry to place a greater emphasis on product quality and safety. To ensure durian quality in 2025, Thailand has introduced four stringent quality control measures: no immature durians, no insect infestations, no false declarations and no use of prohibited chemicals.

In the coming days, Thailand’s testing capacity is set to increase further. Four additional laboratories are expected to become operational this week, increasing the total testing capacity to 1,300 samples per day. This enhancement will better accommodate export demands from Thailand’s eastern and southern regions, boost export efficiency, and minimize delays caused by limited testing capacity.

Image: Pixabay

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.