Vietnamese Durian Exports to EU Face Stricter Food Safety Regulations Amid Rising Inspections

Vietnamese durian traders exporting to the European Union (EU) are faced with stringent food safety regulations, and recent data highlights the increasing scrutiny of Vietnamese agricultural exports, particularly for durian, according to a recent EU notification. Fresh durians from Vietnam have faced increased inspection rates (20%) due to non-compliance with EU standards, specifically failure to comply with the maximum residue limit (MRL) of pesticides.

In H1-2024, Vietnam received 57 warnings from the EU through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), representing a 2.1% share of the 2,708 alerts. This marks a significant increase compared to the 67 warnings issued in 2023. The EU has responded by intensifying border inspections, with durian now subject to a 20% inspection rate, up from 10%. Dragon fruit, chili peppers, and okra retained existing inspection rates of 30%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. These measures stem from violations of pesticide MRLs, with substances such as Carbendazim, Fipronil, and Azoxystrobin exceeding permissible limits several times.

The EU’s regulatory framework, including Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, mandates periodic reviews of import controls every six months. This allows for adjustments in inspection frequencies based on compliance levels. While some products from other countries have seen relaxed measures, Vietnamese durian remains under increased scrutiny. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in stricter controls, such as requiring food safety certificates for exports, as is already the case for dragon fruit, chili peppers, and okra.

Figure 1. Vietnam’s Fresh Durian Export Market Share 2023

Source: Tridge, TradeMap

Although the majority of Vietnam’s durian export volume is bound for China, traders have been diversifying markets, and EU countries have been increasing the import of fresh and frozen durian from Vietnam. In 2023, the Czech Republic imported 1,418 metric tons (mt) of fresh durian from Vietnam, a significant increase from 2 mt in 2022. In the first nine months of 2024, the Czech Republic's imports declined, mostly due to phytosanitary issues and increased prices.

The EU is Vietnam’s third-largest market for fruits and vegetables, with exports growing from USD 200 million in 2022 to USD 399 million in 2023, almost 100% year-over-year (YoY) increase in export value. However, the recent surge in warnings and inspections threatens this growth trajectory. The EU’s focus on food safety and hygiene underscores the need for Vietnamese exporters to adopt proactive measures. These include regular monitoring of pesticide residues, adherence to Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP) standards, and collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, and businesses to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain.

Effective from Aug-20, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) offers significant opportunities for Vietnamese exports, with projections of over 40% growth by 2025. However, these benefits can only be realized if exporters meet the EU’s stringent standards. The Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority (Vietnam's SPS) has emphasized the importance of timely updates on regulatory changes and the need for local authorities and businesses to strengthen food safety management.

While the EU presents a lucrative market for Vietnamese agricultural products, compliance with its rigorous food safety regulations is non-negotiable. Vietnam’s SPS and other government institutions must implement measures to ameliorate trade, safeguard its export growth, and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. Implementing stricter pesticide use, monitoring, and educating farmers may improve issues regarding MRLs and boost confidence in the quality and safety of Vietnam’s fresh fruit and vegetables.