The import volume of fresh durian at Shenzhen Port has increased by over 40% (see chart)

The picture shows customs officers using intelligent inspection robots to inspect imported durians at Mawan Smart Port. Photo by Xia Huatian

The peak season for durian imports at Shenzhen Port has recently come to an end, delivering an impressive "sweet answer sheet". According to statistics from Shenzhen Customs, from April to July this year, Shenzhen Port imported 26200 tons and 797 million yuan of fresh durian, an increase of 40.86% and 22.62% respectively year-on-year, with Thailand, Malaysia and other APEC member economies being the main sources.

This' sweetness' can continuously reach consumers' fruit plates, and behind it is a race against time. After the durian leaves the branch, its freshness decreases in hours. If there is a slight delay, the taste and appearance will also be discounted, so every step from harvesting to shelving cannot be delayed, "said Liu Juan, the South China Customs Director of Shenzhen Ouheng Import and Export Co., Ltd., an importer.

In response to the short shelf life and high time requirements of durian, Shenzhen Customs has conducted a preliminary investigation of the import volume and shipping schedule of durian by enterprises, strengthened the rapid linkage between port supervision sites and testing technology centers, opened up a green testing channel for fresh fruits, and achieved immediate inspection of durian samples and rapid feedback of testing results. On this basis, a full chain quarantine defense line covering on-site inspection and laboratory testing will be established, allowing eligible fresh durians to be conditionally removed. While strictly adhering to the national biosafety and food safety bottom line, the impact on durian quality will be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

Now, the durian we import can basically arrive at the port and be tested on the same day, and can be put on the market within two days. The fruit is fresh, has good appearance, and its market competitiveness is stronger, "said Liu Juan.

This year is the "China Year" of APEC, and Shenzhen Customs will continue to provide advanced services, accurately meet the needs of enterprises, and strive to ensure that more high-quality APEC products enter the Chinese market safely and smoothly. (Luo Zengxiao, Chen Xiaoyu/text)