Durian customs clearance reducing by 48 hours in Guangzhou

In the early morning of September 10, a 2.68-ton shipment of ripe Monthong durians from Thailand landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou City. Just a few hours later, these durians were already on the shelves at Jiangnan Wholesale Market, the largest fruit distribution hub in southern China.

The key difference lies in the airport quarantine mechanism implemented by Guangzhou Customs since late May, which shortens customs clearance by up to 48 hours compared to before.

Immediately after the plane landed, even at 1 a.m., the shipment was transported straight to a special centralized inspection area just a few hundred meters from the runway. According to Xinhua News Agency, quarantine officers promptly collected samples, verified documents, and transferred them directly to the laboratory located on the third floor of the inspection zone.

By the afternoon of the same day, analysis results showed no irregularities, and the shipment was approved for circulation. The durians were quickly transported by truck to Jiangnan Market in time for evening buyers.

According to Yang Fuwang, representative of Hong Xiang Agriculture Products Firm – the importer of this shipment, the key to this model is minimizing the time required for sample transport and waiting for results.

Previously, samples had to be taken to laboratories in downtown Guangzhou, which added several hours of transport time and delays due to heavy workloads. This often extended customs clearance, sometimes taking up to two days.

However, ripe durians, which are highly valued, can only maintain peak quality for 48 hours after harvest. Any delay could cause rapid deterioration.

Mr. Yang further noted that the airport quarantine mechanism helps ensure fruit freshness when it reaches consumers. “Before, it took us at least two days to bring durians to the market, but now it only takes the same day. This directly affects selling prices and customer trust in imported goods,” he said.

From the perspective of regulators, Guangzhou Customs confirmed this as an important improvement to enhance food safety control efficiency while ensuring speedy customs clearance for fresh produce.

Bai Jianshan, an officer at the Comprehensive Technical Service Center of Baiyun Customs, explained that airport quarantine (inspection immediately after landing) enables sampling, testing, and result issuance within 24 hours. Thanks to this, fresh fruit imported by air can reach the market the same day instead of having long delays.

Since the new system began operating on May 31, multiple shipments of durians from Thailand and Malaysia have cleared customs. Guangzhou Customs statistics show that since early 2025, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has handled 72 shipments of fresh durians, totaling 176.4 tons. Premium varieties such as Musang King, Black Thorn, and Monthong accounted for a large share.

The 48-hour reduction in customs clearance is considered a major factor for Southeast Asian companies choosing Guangzhou as a key import gateway. On the other hand, on-site testing not only speeds up delivery to consumers but also boosts competitiveness for local importers.

For exporters, preserving the quality of tree-ripened products upon arrival in China is a significant advantage, especially with durians. This fruit is richer in flavor and sweeter, and Chinese consumers prefer it over prematurely harvested ones transported by sea. As a result, their prices are higher, sometimes double.

Beyond a technical upgrade, this mechanism reflects a shift in China’s agricultural import management mindset. Xinhua News Agency noted that instead of focusing on post-entry inspections, authorities have brought laboratories right to the border gate, simultaneously tightening food safety control and facilitating trade.

Unlike Guangxi, which borders ASEAN with numerous convenient land ports for mass fruit imports, Guangzhou has focused on air transport and procedural reform to compensate.

In the first half of 2025, Guangxi imported around 780,000 tons of fruit from Southeast Asia, accounting for about one-third of China’s total fruit imports. During the same period, Guangdong – with Guangzhou as its central city – imported up to 40% of tropical fruits.

Without the geographical advantage of border proximity, Guangzhou leverages Baiyun airport, along with major ports and wholesale markets, to position itself as an important air-import hub. The city plays a crucial role in importing high-quality fruits such as tree-ripened durians and cherries for Guangdong Province before distributing them to inland provinces and cities across China.