HCMC – Vietnam has received approval from the U.S. to export fresh husked coconuts to the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter to Vietnam’s Plant Protection Department on August 8, indicating the U.S.’s readiness to accept coconut imports from Vietnam.
APHIS has been conducting assessments of the quality of coconuts originating from Vietnam, and confirmed that these coconuts meet the processing criteria set by the U.S. and pose minimal risk of spreading plant pests.
APHIS has completed updating its database of import requirements for agricultural goods to accommodate the entry of young coconuts from Vietnam. These coconuts must have at least 75% of their coir removed and the outer green shell fully extracted.
Vietnamese coconut manufacturers are now eligible to commence exporting coconut husks to the U.S., as per APHIS. The sole phytosanitary inspection for shipments from Vietnam will occur at U.S. ports of entry.
Earlier, the U.S. disclosed the results of its analysis on the phytosanitary risks associated with fresh coconuts from Vietnam. The study identified 43 pest species; however, none of them possess the capability to accompany fresh young coconuts exported from Vietnam to the U.S.
