How to Import Durian to China: Customs & Compliance Guide

Durian,hailed as the "King of Fruits," has captivated numerous consumers with its unique flavor and rich nutritional value.Particularly in the Chinese market,the demand for imported durian has been rising year by year.However,smoothly importing this exotic delicacy into China is no easy task.So,what documents are required for importing durian?How can compliance with customs clearance be ensured?This article will provide a detailed introduction to the specific procedures and requirements for importing durian.

I.Permitted Import Commodity Names

According to relevant regulations,frozen durian is a permitted import commodity,specifically including the following two categories:

Durian pulp and puree (without shell): Must be frozen at -30°C or below for 30 minutes and stored/transported at -18°C or below.Whole durian (with shell): Must be frozen between -80°C to -110°C for no less than 1 hour and stored/transported at -18°C or below.

Currently,China permits durian imports mainly from Thailand,Malaysia,and Vietnam.II.Durian

Importing durian requires certain qualifications for both suppliers and consignees:

Supplier Qualifications: Suppliers must be on Chinas registered list.Require the provision of a tax payment certificate and a special VAT invoice.

Consignee Qualifications:

(a) Food Business License: A prerequisite for importing fresh fruits.(b) Business Scope in Business License: Must include qualifications for agricultural products or related food items.

(c) Warehouse Registration: Importers must ensure warehouses are registered.

(d) Fresh Fruit Importer/Consignee Registration and Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License: These are essential documents for import customs clearance.This is a prerequisite for importing fresh fruit.

(b) Business license scope: Must includeQualifications for agricultural or related food products.

(c) Warehouse registration: Importers must ensure the warehouse is registered.

(d) Importer and Consignee Registration for Imported Fresh Fruit and Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit: This is an important document for import customs clearance.

III.Durian Import Customs Documents and Procedures

To ensure smooth customs clearance,importers need to prepare the following documents:

Original foreign health certificate (should indicate container number)

Original certificate of origin

Original bill of lading or telex release

Packing list,commercial invoice,contract

Payment voucher,insurance policy

Frozen durian HS code (Tariff No.0811909090)

Note: Vietnam,Malaysia,and Thailand are ASEAN countries,eligible for an import tariff rate of "0%".Additionally,the packaging boxes must indicate the fruit name,origin,and the name or code of the packing factory in either Chinese or English.

IV.DurianImportant Considerations

To ensure a smooth import process,special attention should be paid to the following points:

Storage agreement: Ensure the cold storage facility has passed inspection and quarantine registration.The warehouse listed in the commitment letter must be registered before applying for the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License and storage.

Advance procedures: Before shipment,the consignee must obtain the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License and complete consignee registration.

V.Import Inspection,Quarantine,and Non-Compliance Handling

(1) Entry inspection and quarantine

When durians arrive at the port of entry,Chinese customs will conduct inspection and quarantine according to relevant laws,regulations,and rules.

The inspection and quarantine mainly includes:

(a) Verifying documents,checking the phytosanitary certificate and relevant information on packaging along with official quarantine marks.

(b) Inspecting fruits for pests,disease symptoms,branches,leaves,soil,or pest damage.

(c) Sampling for safety and hygiene testing according to regulations and standards.

(2) Handling of non-compliance

Disinfestation treatment: If quarantine pests or other live pests of quarantine significance are found with effective treatment methods available,disinfection treatment will be applied.Goods passing disinfection will be released.

Return or destruction:

Goods will be returned or destroyed under the following circumstances:

(a) Invalid phytosanitary certificate or license,or inconsistency between goods and documents.

(b) Packaging not indicating fruit name,origin,orchard registration code,or packer name/registration code in Chinese or English.

(c) Originating from unregistered orchards or packing facilities (except Thai frozen durians).

(d) Presence of branches,leaves,or soil.

(e) Failing inspection with no effective treatment method available,or detection of toxic/harmful substances exceeding Chinese safety standards.

This detailed introduction provides comprehensive understanding of durian import procedures and required documents.Compliance with relevant regulations and standards ensures smooth import process and product quality/safety.For further assistance or services,ShanghaiWe provide one-stop import supply chain services to help you effortlessly complete durian imports and savor the delicious taste of the "King of Fruits."