The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has issued an official notice to trade associations, announcing an extension of the enhanced inspection policy for fresh durian imports from Vietnam.
According to the TFDA, in order to ensure food safety and hygiene for imported agricultural products, and pursuant to Article 10, Section 4, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations on the Inspection of Imported Foods and Related Products, Taiwan will continue to inspect every batch of fresh durian (HS code 0810.60.00.00.7) imported from Vietnam until April 30, 2025.
Background of the Inspection Policy
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Previously, under Notice No. 1132004255B dated August 7, 2024, the TFDA had implemented a six-month period of mandatory batch inspection from August 12, 2024, to February 11, 2025, after detecting four non-compliant shipments of Vietnamese durians that failed to meet safety standards.
TFDA’s updated records show that in 2024, a total of eight consignments of fresh Vietnamese durians were rejecteddue to violations of import regulations.
Future Monitoring and Extension Conditions
The TFDA emphasized that if necessary, it may extend the inspection period beyond April 30, 2025, based on a subsequent risk assessment. Any extension will be publicly announced on the TFDA’s official website without a separate written notice.
Compliance Requirements for Exporters
According to Article 7 of Taiwan’s Food Safety and Sanitation Management Act, food businesses must establish internal self-management systems and safety monitoring plans. Exporters are required to:
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Implement quality assurance and testing prior to export.
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Maintain traceability and testing records for all shipments.
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Ensure compliance with Taiwan’s food safety regulations.
In case of any identified food safety risks, companies must immediately cease sales, recall affected products, and notify local authorities.
Implications for Vietnamese Exporters
This move underscores Taiwan’s strict stance on food safety and import quality control, especially for high-risk agricultural products such as durian.
Vietnamese exporters are advised to:
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Strengthen quality management and residue control at the production stage.
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Coordinate with plant quarantine and testing agencies before shipment.
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Maintain close communication with importers to ensure full documentation compliance.
Ensuring product consistency and meeting Taiwan’s phytosanitary standards are key to maintaining market access and safeguarding Vietnam’s durian export reputation.