After a lengthy and rigorous risk assessment process, Australia has officially recognized that Vietnamese pomelo meets biosecurity requirements for import. This marks an important milestone in helping Vietnamese fruits penetrate into one of the most demanding markets in the world.
Australia has just released the “Final report on biosecurity requirements for the Importation of fresh pomelo from Vietnam.” This report concludes a negotiation process that spanned several years. Simultaneously, it paves the way for official Vietnam’s pomelo exports to Australia in the near future.
Vietnamese pomelo
To ensure biosecurity for its native ecosystem, Australia has imposed several mandatory conditions. First, production areas or facilities of Vietnamese pomelo must comply recognization of Pest-Free Areas (PFA). Also, pomelos must be treated with irradiation or methyl bromide, and must undergo strict inspections before export. In particular, pomelos entering Western Australia must also comply with specific quarantine regulations targeting red spider mites and mealybugs.
Australia noted that the report was finalized after consulting with seven organizations and individuals, both domestic and international. It helps ensure transparency, objectivity, and an accurate reflection of production practices in Vietnam.
Previously, in May 2022, Vietnam officially proposed that Australia open its market to Vietnamese pomelo. In November 2022, Australian officials visited pomelo production areas in Vietnam. They came to observe commercial production processes, pest management practices, and export activities.
Dien pomelo
In July 2023, Australia notified a review of import biosecurity requirements in response to Vietnam’s market access request for pomelo.
According to experts, Australia is one of the most demanding markets with strict biosecurity standards. Vietnam’s ability to meet these technical barriers opens up major opportunities for the country’s fruit export sector.
Currently, Vietnamese pomelo is present in 13 international markets. In which, China accounts for over 50% of total export value. However, total export volume remains modest, around 5,000 tons/year, due to numerous technical and post-harvest preservation challenges.
Vietnamese pomelo boxes
According to plan, Australian authorities will carry out final verifications to ensure Vietnam can effectively implement quarantine measures. BICON, an Australia’s plant import information portal, will update the official import conditions.
Vietnam currently has about 100,000 hectares of pomelo cultivation, yielding nearly 1 million tons annually. The cultivation area spans in the Mekong Delta, Red River Delta, and northern midland and mountainous regions. Varieties such as Nam Roi, Green Skin, Dien, and Tan Lac pomelos have already made their way into demanding markets.
To take full advantage of the Australian market opportunity, Vietnam’s agriculture sector must continue improving quality. Also, the sector should complete production processes and fully meet technical standards. Meanwhile, exporters of Vietnam’s pomelo should proactively build closed supply chains and boost trade promotion efforts to increase export values.
Vietnamese source: https://thuehaiquan.tapchikinhtetaichinh.vn/buoi-viet-nam-du-dieu-kien-an-toan-sinh-hoc-de-xuat-khau-vao-australia-196163.html&link=autochanger