Cambodian durian farmers urged to meet Chinese safety standards

Cambodia is set to begin direct exports of fresh durian to China after receiving final approval from the General Administration of Customs of China in April 2025. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), 112 durian farms and 30 packaging facilities have been certified for export under a new plant quarantine protocol.

On July 4, MAFF urged all approved exporters to strictly comply with China’s import standards, particularly regarding pesticide use and banned substances. The ministry also invited other durian producers interested in exporting to apply for official evaluation.

Durian is now Cambodia’s ninth agricultural product cleared for direct export to China, joining items like bananas, mangoes, and longan. Durian farms are mainly located across nine provinces including Kampot, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri.

Industry leaders stress that for Cambodian durian to compete in the Chinese market, producers must prioritise taste, safety, and pricing. Prior to formal approval, Chinese importers had already begun investing in Cambodian durian farms. In June, two Guangxi-based companies signed agreements to buy 15,000 tonnes of Cambodian durian between 2025 and 2026, alongside 20,000 tonnes of dried mango from 2025 to 2027.

source: m.guojiguoshu.com

photo: adventurescambodia.com