The official completion of a risk assessment for Vietnamese pomelos by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) marks a positive development for Vietnam’s agricultural exports. This is not only the result of years of negotiation but also a major opportunity for Vietnamese pomelos to enter one of the world’s most demanding markets.

Australia Publishes Risk Assessment Report for Vietnamese Pomelos

According to a statement from the SPS Vietnam Office under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, DAFF has just released the "Final Report on Biosecurity Requirements for the Import of Fresh Pomelos from Vietnam." This is the final step in opening the Australian market to Vietnamese pomelos, following a comprehensive evaluation of the entire production chain—from cultivation and harvesting to post-harvest processing and transportation.

Australia’s completion of this assessment indicates that Vietnamese pomelos have met stringent biosecurity standards, paving the way for official exports.

Technical Barriers and Quarantine Requirements to Note

Although the door is now open, Vietnamese exporters must strictly comply with DAFF’s biosecurity requirements to officially ship pomelos to Australia. According to the report, 19 pests have been identified as requiring control measures, notably:

• Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri)
• Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
• Mealybugs and red spider mites

These pests have significantly impacted citrus industries in various countries and pose a serious threat to Australia’s agricultural ecosystem.

Therefore, DAFF proposes several control measures, including:

1. Pest-Free Areas (PFAs) or recognized production sites
2. Irradiation or methyl bromide fumigation
3. Visual inspection prior to export

For citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri), exporters must adopt a "systems approach," meaning multiple control measures must be implemented throughout the production and post-harvest stages.

Thorough Preparation and Transparent Assessment

A notable aspect of DAFF’s process is that it extended beyond internal technical analysis. The final report incorporated feedback from seven domestic and international organizations and experts. Updates regarding pest data, growing regions, and information from Vietnam were compiled and reflected in the April 2025 report.

This shows DAFF’s seriousness and transparency in its approach, and it highlights the increasing professionalism and international integration of Vietnam’s agricultural sector in complying with global standards.

Additional Regulations by Australian States

Despite passing the national quarantine requirements, Vietnamese pomelos must still comply with specific regulations at the state level. For example, pests such as mealybugs and red spider mites are subject to regional quarantine in Western Australia. This means that even though pomelos are approved for import, additional rules may apply for inter-state transportation, especially for broad distribution.

A New Boost for Vietnam’s Pomelo Exports

According to Mr. Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of SPS Vietnam Office, Australia’s recognition of Vietnam’s quarantine capacity and product quality is a major milestone. It not only affirms the reputation of Vietnamese pomelos on the global agricultural map but also elevates the profile of local pomelo-growing regions.

Currently, Vietnam is licensed to export pomelos to 13 major markets, with China accounting for over 50% of the export volume. Other destinations include the U.S., South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, UAE, and Norway—each with high potential.

Australia, known for its strict quality and quarantine standards, represents not just a commercial opportunity but a "passport" that enhances the brand value of Vietnamese pomelos when expanding into other Oceanic and global markets.

What Exporters Need to Do to Capitalize on This Opportunity

To effectively take advantage of the Australian market, Vietnamese pomelo exporters should:

1. Register Qualified Growing Areas and Packing Facilities

Growing areas and post-harvest facilities must be registered, monitored, and approved by relevant authorities. This ensures traceability and confirms pest-free production.

2. Comply Strictly with Quarantine Measures

Irradiation, methyl bromide treatment, or systems approach protocols must be followed correctly. Exporters should collaborate with experienced partners in post-harvest treatment and export processes to meet high market standards.

3. Research Consumer Preferences and State Regulations

Beyond national requirements, exporters must understand specific state-level regulations in Australia—especially if they plan to distribute products widely across the country.

4. Invest in International-Standard Branding and Packaging

Products should have appealing packaging, clear English labeling, and detailed information on origin, treatment methods, growing regions, and harvest dates.

Australia’s official recognition of Vietnamese pomelos as eligible for import is a major milestone in the journey of Vietnam’s agricultural integration. This presents not only a significant economic export opportunity but also serves as proof of Vietnam’s progress in plant quarantine, biosecurity, and product quality.

With this foundation, and if exporters seize the moment while strictly adhering to technical requirements, Vietnamese pomelos can confidently establish their position in international markets—not just in Australia, but globally.