First traceable durian passes ‘Green Lane’ to China

Starting a supply chain-based agricultural management model

On April 10, at Huu Nghi International Border Gate (Lang Son), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with relevant units, organized the clearance of the first durian shipment applying a “green lane” process based on a full-chain traceability system. This activity is part of a pilot plan under Decision No. 5272/QD-BNNMT, issued on December 13, 2025, aimed at building a transparent, digitalized, and end-to-end-controlled agricultural management model.

The shipment consists of two containers, each carrying approximately 7,000 durians, sourced from raw material areas in Bao Loc (Lam Dong). The fruits were packed in 10 kg and 18 kg cartons. This is the first shipment to fully apply the entire process, from input control to completion of electronic documentation before export.

The event marks a transition from traditional practices to a data-driven management model. Previously, control mainly took place at the final stage, whereas the new process records and monitors the entire journey from production to transportation.

Green lane process controls from farm to border gate

The core of the model is restructuring production and export processes into a closed-loop system. From the outset, soil samples from growing areas were collected, tested, sealed, and the data were uploaded to the system. By April 4, 2026, harvesting was conducted under supervision by authorities and businesses at pilot households’ farms.

A key change is attaching traceability stamps directly to the fruit stem during harvesting. This differs from previous practices, in which stamps were applied after procurement. Early labeling ensures data accuracy and minimizes discrepancies during transportation.

After harvesting, from April 5 to 7, the products were transported to packing facilities for sorting, QR labeling on cartons, container QR coding, and completion of electronic documentation. All data were continuously updated, forming a seamless information chain from farm to border gate.

The traceability label system, provided by the National Center for Anti-Counterfeiting Stamps and Materials (Ministry of Public Security), functions as a “digital identity” for the product. Each QR code is linked to specific data on growing areas, production processes, and transportation, enhancing transparency in traceability.

Shorter clearance time, reduced border congestion

The application of the “green lane” process has significantly shortened export time. According to pilot results, the time from harvest to clearance has been reduced to roughly six days, compared to 8 - 11 days or more under conventional methods. This helps ease inspection pressure at border gates and reduces congestion. In addition, electronic seals with GPS tracking are used to monitor container transport routes. Journey data are continuously updated, improving control and transparency.

The shipment is currently in transit and is expected to arrive at the Pingxiang (China) gathering point on April 11, completing the first pilot cycle of this model. From a single shipment, the “green lane” model is opening a new approach to agricultural management, where data and technology play a central role in connecting all stages from production to consumption.

The “green lane” pilot demonstrates a new approach. Instead of handling each stage separately, the entire chain is placed under a unified control process, integrated with the traceability platform being widely deployed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. As of early April 2026, the system has connected 149 enterprises, 547 farmers, 255 growing areas, and 919 agricultural shipments across 26 of 34 provinces and cities, enabling supply chain stages to coordinate based on data rather than operating in isolation.

The effectiveness is evident in outcomes: post-harvest losses have dropped from 8–10% to 3–5%. This means product value is no longer lost during circulation but retained within the chain. The “green lane” not only speeds up movement but also highlights a more important capability: agricultural supply chains can be reorganized to operate on data, discipline, and control, rather than relying on experience and ad hoc handling as before. The question now is no longer whether it can be done, but whether stakeholders are willing to change.