"Green lane" mechanism to boost Central Highlands durian exports

However, more than two months after its introduction, the mechanism has yet to bring about significant changes, even as the largest harvest season in the Central Highlands draws near.

In response to increasingly stringent standards in import markets, many businesses and cooperatives in Dak Lak province have invested in quality control systems, conducted regular testing and applied technology to monitor factors affecting product quality.

Businesses and cooperatives say unified guidelines and regulations are still needed to ensure the consistent implementation of the “green lane” mechanism. They have also expressed concern that if future regulations differ from current practices, the time and effort invested may be wasted and their products may not qualify for the “green lane”.

According to them , the “green lane” mechanism involves more than attaching QR codes to products. It requires a transparent data system capable of tracing the entire production process, from cultivation, agricultural input use and product testing to harvesting, transportation and packaging.

They have also called on management agencies to provide guidance and support for farmers and cooperatives to join supply chains that meet the mechanism’s standards.

As import markets continue to tighten quality control and traceability standards, Vietnam’s durian industry is facing growing pressure to improve product quality and transparency rather than relying solely on output growth.

Industry representatives and experts say markets increasingly demand not only high-quality products but also proof of origin, production methods, food safety compliance and accountability throughout the supply chain.

The Dak Lak Durian Association states that China’s stricter quality control and traceability requirements should be seen as an opportunity rather than a barrier.

These measures are key to helping the industry maintain and expand its market share if producers and exporters comply with standards throughout the production and distribution process, the association emphasizes.

Transparency and traceability are no longer optional but are becoming an almost mandatory requirement for growers and exporters. Effective operation of the “green lane” mechanism is expected to shorten customs clearance times, lower logistics costs, improve product quality and solidify the position of Vietnamese durian in international markets.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the “green lane” mechanism is not only a procedural or technological solution but also an important step toward supply chain-based agricultural quality management.

Since early June 2026, the ministry has been piloting the National Agricultural Product Traceability System to help businesses and localities meet new import market standards while improving export efficiency and supporting agricultural consumption.

The Central Highlands is currently Vietnam’s largest durian-producing region, with more than 90,000 hectares under cultivation and output exceeding 700,000 tonnes in 2025.

As the peak harvest season draws near, farmers and businesses are calling for detailed guidelines on participation in the “green lane” mechanism, alongside the completion of a unified traceability system and stronger quality control measures.

These are considered important for maintaining export markets, enhancing competitiveness and expanding opportunities for Vietnamese durian in international markets.

First “green lane” durian shipment exported to China

The first batch of fresh durians exported under a newly applied “green lane” process was cleared for shipment to China via the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in the northern province of Lang Son on April 10.