Lam Dong cracks down on illegal durian planting code trading

Lam Dong province is implementing stricter measures to manage its lucrative durian industry, focusing on curbing the illicit trade of planting area codes that threaten the region's reputation and export market.

Provincial authorities have directed relevant departments and local governments to enhance oversight of durian production, purchasing, processing, and export activities. The crackdown targets the illegal buying, renting, and lending of official planting area codes. This practice not only undermines the integrity of Lam Dong's durian brand but also jeopardizes its access to international markets.

According to the Lam Dong Provincial Police, a growing problem involves the misuse of planting area codes. Many businesses are reportedly using codes not aligned with their actual production areas to legitimize exports. Some have even used codes belonging to other companies without authorization, leading to warnings or temporary export suspensions from importing nations.

Furthermore, some entities that were granted planting area codes have delegated their operational management to third parties. This delegation makes tracking and verifying the origin of the durian difficult for authorities.

Statistics reveal the extent of the issue: as of April 2026, 131 planting area codes and 129 packing facilities in Lam Dong faced temporary suspension or revocation by importing countries due to violations of plant quarantine and food safety regulations. During 2024-2025, inspections also found 17 durian samples contaminated with mealybugs and six samples with cadmium levels at or near the permissible limit.

In response, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reinforcing its management of code issuance and usage. Efforts include reviewing and updating databases, verifying compliance with regulations, and strengthening post-issuance checks. The department is also closely monitoring production, harvesting, and sales, alongside enforcing phytosanitary and food safety standards required by importing markets.

The Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee has tasked the Provincial Police to collaborate with other agencies in investigating and strictly penalizing fraudulent activities related to planting area codes, origin misrepresentation, and violations of food safety and quarantine laws. Lam Dong is Vietnam's leading durian-producing province, boasting approximately 45,550 hectares of durian orchards with an estimated output of 310,000 tons annually, primarily exported to China.