China-Malaysia Durian Fast Track: Customs Clearance in as Little as 4 Hours

World Food News

Background

According to a report by The Star (Malaysia), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), China Henan Aviation Group (CHAG), and Tropika Makmur Manufacturing Sdn Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding on September 4 to explore the implementation of the "KUL-CGO Smart Durian Fast Track."

Key Highlights

Streamlined Customs Clearance

Under the proposed agreement, fresh Malaysian durians arriving in China will follow an "inspect-on-arrival, release-on-compliance" model. The entire customs clearance process — from aircraft arrival and document processing to cargo pickup — is expected to be reduced to just 3 to 4 hours.

Building on the Zhengzhou-Kuala Lumpur Air Silk Road

This collaboration builds upon the Zhengzhou-Kuala Lumpur Air Silk Road partnership established in June 2024 between China Henan Aviation Group and Malaysia Airports Holdings. Since the route was launched, Malaysian durian cargo volume surged from 2,407 tons to 20,298 tons in 2025, an increase of nearly eightfold.

Pilot Center and Optimization Plans

The three parties will use the Malaysia Durian and Tropical Fruit Export Centre as a pilot unit to jointly study the establishment of this smart durian fast track.

The plan also includes setting up dedicated channels and platforms to improve cargo handling and inspection, free trade zone access, customs coordination, and permit and certification procedures, while optimizing cross-border transport and cold chain logistics for fresh Malaysian durians.

Trade Data

Data shows that in 2023, Malaysia's durian export value reached RM 1.51 billion, of which exports to China alone accounted for RM 1.19 billion.