How the EU Controls Vietnamese Dragon Fruit, Durian and Passion Fruit Imports

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said several key fruits exported to the European Union are subject to different levels of enhanced control depending on pesticide residue risks and food safety requirements.Under Appendix II of Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, Vietnamese dragon fruit is currently subject to a 30% inspection rate at EU border entry points. This means roughly three out of every ten shipments are subject to document checks or laboratory testing. Authorities clarified that the rate is not 50% as previously reported.

Other Vietnamese agricultural products are also under increased scrutiny. Chili peppers and okra face the highest inspection rate at 50%, while durian shipments are checked at 20%. Passion fruit is not currently subject to enhanced control measures and therefore does not face elevated inspection frequency. The tighter EU control mainly relates to pesticide residue concerns. In recent years, the EU has lowered maximum residue limits and expanded the list of banned substances. These changes impose stricter compliance requirements on exporters and affect the entire production chain from cultivation to processing. Regarding France’s pesticide residue monitoring report, the ministry said it has not received an official version through Vietnam’s SPS Office or trade representatives in France. Available information indicates the report was based on testing results from 2024.

To address food safety issues and support negotiations to reduce inspection rates, Vietnam coordinated with EU authorities for an audit conducted from June 3 to June 20, 2025, covering chili, dragon fruit and durian. The audit reviewed pesticide management, growing area codes, residue control and traceability systems. EU inspectors positively evaluated Vietnam’s pesticide management system and the proactive involvement of private exporters. The EU also agreed with Vietnam’s corrective action plan.

Vietnam is expected to submit its implementation report in May 2026. The report will serve as a key basis for the EU to decide whether to maintain, increase or reduce inspection frequencies. The EU remains a high-potential but demanding market. Vietnam plans to strengthen compliance capacity, expand training programs and promote sustainable farming practices to reduce chemical use and improve traceability. These measures aim to lower inspection rates and expand Vietnamese fruit exports to the EU in the coming years.