Amid increasingly stringent requirements from import markets, particularly China, Bac Ninh Province is strengthening the management of growing area codes and packing facility codes. Tightening traceability management and pesticide residue control is expected to support more stable and sustainable lychee exports.

Import markets becoming increasingly stringent

Importing countries are currently intensifying inspections of growing area codes and packing facility codes to monitor the entire production process, including pesticide usage, pest surveillance, and pre-processing and storage conditions. Many markets are continuously updating regulations related to pesticide residue limits, production records, and traceability requirements.

In particular, the Chinese market — which consumes the majority of the province’s exported lychee output — is increasing online inspections and conducting surprise checks on growing areas and packing facilities. If violations related to phytosanitary requirements or food safety are detected, importing authorities may temporarily suspend or revoke export codes.

On January 24, 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 38/2026/NĐ-CP regulating growing area codes and packing facility codes. Under the new regulations, growing areas seeking code approval must meet requirements regarding minimum cultivation area, production processes, record-keeping systems, and cultivation data storage. Packing facilities must ensure adequate equipment, pest control measures, and product traceability systems. All existing codes must also be converted to a new standardized format to ensure synchronized management.

Currently, the province has 315 export growing area codes covering a total area of 17,769.22 hectares for agricultural products such as lychee, longan, pomelo, watermelon, star apple, bananas, and herbs. Lychee alone accounts for 243 export growing area codes serving markets including China, the United States, Japan, Australia, Thailand, and the EU, along with 42 packing facilities supporting exports.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Hung, Director of Global Food Import-Export Joint Stock Company, China has remained the province’s primary export market for many years, accounting for more than 70% of exported lychee volume. However, in 2026, the market significantly changed its import management policies.

Currently, inspections and evaluations of packing facilities eligible for exports to China have become much stricter. Chinese authorities may conduct inspections before the harvest season or supervise operations throughout the harvesting and export process. “If businesses fail to promptly upgrade infrastructure and standardize production and packing processes, the risk of export suspension or code revocation is entirely possible,” Mr. Hung stated.

Not only China, but markets such as the EU, Japan, and the United States are also becoming increasingly stringent regarding pesticide residues and food safety standards. As a result, many enterprises have proactively strengthened control over raw material areas, cultivation processes, and pre-processing and packing systems.

Alongside businesses, many farmers have also actively adjusted their production methods to meet export standards. Mr. Ly Van Tri from Chay Hamlet, Luc Ngan Commune, stated that his family strictly complies with VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. The entire lychee cultivation process is updated through electronic software systems to ensure transparency and facilitate inspections and monitoring.

Mr. Tri’s family currently cultivates more than two hectares of main-season lychee within an area approved for exports to the United States, Japan, and the EU. Although many lychee-growing areas suffered reduced yields this year, his orchard is still expected to achieve approximately 80% of last year’s output, with estimated harvest volume exceeding 10 tonnes.

Strengthening guidance and inspections

Mr. Nguyen Hong Quang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that amid increasingly stringent import market requirements, the province’s agricultural sector considers strict management of growing area and packing facility codes a key task in maintaining the reputation and brand value of exported lychee.

From the beginning of the harvest season, the Department of Agriculture and Environment issued multiple plans and directives related to export-oriented lychee production, assigning the Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection as the focal agency responsible for advising on the issuance and management of growing area and packing facility codes across the province.

Following inspections, authorities revoked eight growing area codes covering 1,128.15 hectares and two packing facility codes due to crop conversion or at the request of the owners. At the same time, one growing area code covering 18.17 hectares and one packing facility code were temporarily suspended at the request of the owners.

During February and March 2026, the Department of Agriculture and Environment reviewed all previously approved export lychee growing area codes and packing facility codes.

Following inspections, authorities revoked eight growing area codes covering 1,128.15 hectares and two packing facility codes due to crop conversion or at the request of the owners. At the same time, one growing area code covering 18.17 hectares and one packing facility code were temporarily suspended at the request of the owners.

The conversion of growing area and packing facility codes to the new standardized format is currently underway and is expected to be completed before June 15, 2026. Once finalized, the data will be uploaded to the National Database System and shared with importing countries to support traceability and monitoring activities.

In addition, the provincial agricultural sector has organized multiple training programs providing guidance on the establishment, issuance, and management of growing area and packing facility codes. Authorities are also closely coordinating with the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection to promptly update new import market regulations and support businesses in product distribution.

Amid intensifying global competition, the standardization of growing area and packing facility codes is not only a mandatory requirement for maintaining export markets but also a strategic solution for enhancing the quality, reputation, and brand value of Bac Ninh lychee in international markets.

Source: Bao va Phat thanh, Truyen hinh Bac Ninh