Toan Phat Irradiation (TPI) is among the few facilities in Vietnam recognized by Australia as meeting its strict phytosanitary requirements for fresh fruit exports.

HANOI – After more than two years of negotiation, fresh Vietnamese pomelo has officially been approved for import into the Australian market, becoming the sixth Vietnamese fresh fruit to enter this high-standard market after dragon fruit, mango, longan, lychee, and passion fruit. This milestone not only opens new growth opportunities for Vietnam’s pomelo industry but also reaffirms the country’s ability to meet the world’s most stringent technical and quality standards.

Speaking at the official announcement ceremony on October 9, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung emphasized that the market opening marks a strong recognition of Vietnamese agricultural credibility. “In today’s global trade environment, where transparency, traceability, and sustainability are top priorities, Vietnam considers Australia a strategic partner — not only in trade but also in technology transfer and the development of sustainable value chains,” he noted.

With more than 100,000 hectares of pomelo cultivation, an annual output of nearly 1 million tons, and an export turnover of about USD 60 million in 2024, Vietnam’s pomelo industry has enormous potential for expansion. However, entering a market as highly regulated as Australia requires exporters to comply with exceptionally rigorous quarantine and phytosanitary conditions.

Fresh pomelo exported from Vietnam to Australia

Under the bilateral agreement, one of the key technical requirements stipulates that all fresh pomelos must undergo irradiation treatment at a facility jointly approved by the Vietnam Plant Protection Department and the Australian Department of Agriculture, with a minimum dose of 150 Gy. This ensures the destruction of pest eggs and larvae while maintaining the fruit’s freshness, flavor, and nutritional integrity.

Among the few facilities qualified for this process, the Toan Phat Irradiation (TPI) continues to play a vital role in the export value chain. Recognized by the agricultural authorities of Australia, the United States, and New Zealand, TPI operates under internationally accredited quality management systems such as ISO 22000, HACCP, and Halal. These certifications ensure that all post-harvest irradiation treatments comply with global standards for phytosanitary safety, food hygiene, and traceability.

Toan Phat Irradiation is ready to accompany Vietnamese enterprises in exporting fresh pomelo to Australia.

Irradiation technology is regarded as an optimal solution for pest control, enabling exporters to fully eliminate quarantine pests while preserving the color, texture, freshness, and nutritional value of the fruit — a decisive factor for Vietnamese pomelo to maintain its competitive advantage in the Australian market.

A representative from Toan Phat Irradiation shared: “We understand that overcoming technical barriers is critical to the success of Vietnam’s agricultural exports. With practical experience and infrastructure recognized by the most demanding markets, TPI is committed to supporting Vietnamese exporters — not only through irradiation services but also via technical assistance to standardize post-harvest procedures. Our goal is to help Vietnamese pomelo achieve sustainable success in Australia. We firmly believe that, with advanced technology and close collaboration among Vietnamese enterprises, our pomelo will not only thrive in Australia but also expand into other promising international markets.”

Source: Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection