Currently, Thailand can export 7 types of fresh fruit to the US, namely Mango, Mangosteen, Longan, Lychee, Rambutan, Pineapple and Dragon fruit under the Irradiation Fruit Program which is a project arising from the agreement (Preclearance Program) between Thailand Department of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is the regulatory body for animal and plant hygiene. Under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2019.
5 steps for entrepreneurs who want to export fresh fruit from Thailand to the US:
1. The exporter has to register to be "Official Exporter" and request more information at Plant Protection Research Development Bureau Plant Quarantine Research Group, Chakthong Building, Department of Agriculture (Located within Kasetsart University, Bangkhen)
2. Procure fruits from certified farms according to Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards.
3. Use the service of a fruit packing plants that has been certified in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.
4. Bring fruits to be irradiated at the radiation center. National Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization)
Obtain certification
4.1 Phytosanitary certificate (Phytosanitary Certificate) by the Department of Agriculture
4.2 Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Form 203 by APHIS staff
5. Export out to USA.
In 2021, it has only 5 exporters who exported NAM DOK MAI and MAHA CHA NOK to USA , including Korakot Inter Group Co., Ltd.,Chemgo Industry Co., Ltd.,World Fruit Co., Ltd.,TNT Express Worldwide (Thailand) Co., Ltd.,888 Organic Exporter Co., Ltd.
Among the 5 steps to exporting, the bottleneck is the step 4 in regards to specified irradiation place which has only one place for 7 types of fresh fruits. Most of them have the same seasoning period, it means that long queuing will happen for all exporters.