Durian: Banned For Long Is Now Attributed As The King Of Fruits To Legitimise Imports From Vietnam.

New Delhi/Hanoi; May 2026: India is preparing to ease import requirements of Durian, a long time banned fruit – by removing special conditions and additional phytosanitary declarations for fresh Vietnamese durian, a move expected to streamline access to one of Asia’s largest consumer markets, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.

The update was issued by the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS) in its latest report on food safety and plant and animal quarantine measures covering May 1-15 for World Trade Organisation (WTO) members. Citing India’s latest SPS notification, the report said the country is drafting amendments to its phytosanitary regulations for imported plants.

Under the proposed changes, fresh durian from Vietnam would no longer require additional declarations on phytosanitary certificates and would not be subject to special import conditions. The development is viewed as a positive signal for Vietnam’s durian industry, potentially reducing administrative procedures and easing export flows.

However, the rules remain in the public consultation phase until July 03rd, 2026, meaning businesses are advised to continue monitoring developments closely before making major trade commitments. Industry observers note that waiting until the regulations formally take effect would help reduce the risk of last-minute policy adjustments.

India happens to be the Asia’s largest market after China, with a population of around 154 Crores at the time of preparing this report (20th May 2026). The prospect of Vietnamese durian meeting technical requirements under more favourable conditions is seen as a significant step forward, opening new export growth opportunities for the sector in the coming years.

According to the Vietnamese Customs Department, durian exports recorded strong growth in both volume and value in the first four months of 2026, despite not yet entering the peak season, alongside ongoing efforts to expand markets and strengthen branding. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Vietnam’s durian exports surged by 230% year on year to around US$222 million.

Durian is a tropical Southeast Asian fruit critically acclaimed as the king of fruits. Revered for its sweet, custard-like flesh, it is equally notorious for its polarising, pungent aroma, often described as a mix of onions, cheese, and almonds, which frequently lands it on bans lists for public transit and hotels. Its pungent, lingering scent, often compared to rotten onions, sewage, or turpentine, can permeate enclosed spaces and cause severe nausea or discomfort for other commuters and guests.

While it is perfectly legal to eat durian in designated areas or outdoors, specific locations enforce rules against it for a few practical reasons:

The Lingering Odor: The fruit contains dozens of odor-active compounds that result in a strong, permeating smell that can be difficult to ventilate and may linger for days.

Public Transit Bans: Systems like the Singapore MRT strictly prohibit durians on subways and buses because the smell recirculates through enclosed air-conditioning systems, creating a major nuisance for other passengers.

Hotel and Airport Policies: Many hotels and airports display “No Durian” signs alongside “No Smoking” signs to prevent room odors that would make the space uninhabitable for incoming guests.

Safety Concerns: Because of their heavy weight and sharp, spiky exteriors, whole durian fruits pose a physical safety hazard if dropped in crowded public areas.

Although not officially banned in India, however its usage, alike other countries are restricted in open places, religious offerings.

Team Maverick.