Thai fruit exporters have been warned to implement strict safety measures to protect their product and the supply chain from Covid-19 following new guidance from China.
According to a report from Asia News Network, Pichet Viriyapaha, director-general of Thailand’s Department of Agriculture, said China had tightened measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Viriyapaha said truck drivers now had to undergo testing at border checkpoints, particularly the Mohan checkpoint on the border of China’s Yunnan province.
Meanwhile, Chinese importers have been told to ensure Thai exporters disinfect their trucks and product packages before entry.
“If the driver tests positive or signs of the virus are detected on the fruits for the first time, the shipment will be blocked from entering for ten to 15 days. But the exporter will be banned permanently if this occurs again,” Viriyapaha said.
“Hence, we want to warn exporters to strictly implement Covid-19 prevention measures in each process and ensure their products are not contaminated by the virus.”
Viriyapaha said the department had dedicated more resources to checkpoints to support the industry as exports of durian and mangosteen peaked.
“We have boosted personnel at each checkpoint and extended their working hours to ensure no products are contaminated,” he concluded.
