\nSourcing Method<\/strong><\/td>\nAdvantages<\/strong><\/td>\nDisadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nOnline B2B Sourcing Platforms <\/strong>(Alibaba, VinaSources, Global Sources)<\/td>\n\n\n- Easy to compare multiple suppliers quickly<\/li>\n
- High volume of active exporters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n\n- Risk of encountering unverified sellers<\/li>\n
- High density of trading intermediaries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nTrade Shows<\/strong> (Vietfood & Beverage, Thaifex)<\/td>\n\n\n- Direct sensory evaluation of fruit quality<\/li>\n
- Face-to-face negotiation with owners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n\n- High travel and logistics costs<\/li>\n
- Limited to specific annual dates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\nSourcing Agencies<\/strong><\/td>\n\n\n- Helpful for buyers unfamiliar with Vietnam<\/li>\n
- Supports supplier verification and negotiation<\/li>\n
- Can assist with logistics and inspections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n\n- Additional sourcing commission costs<\/li>\n
- Potential bias toward partner suppliers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
After identifying potential suppliers, buyers should verify whether the company has real export capability and operational experience before discussing bulk orders.<\/p>\n Here are some tips to verify the supplier:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Search the business tax code on the Vietnam National Business Registration Portal.<\/li>\n
- Request valid copies of GlobalGAP, SMETA, or BRC certificates with current expiry dates.<\/li>\n
- Validate the Plantation Unit Code (PUC) and Packing House Code (PHC) via the Plant Protection Department.<\/li>\n
- Review past export history using customs data or historical Bills of Lading.<\/li>\n
- Conduct a live video call to tour the sorting and packing facilities in real-time.<\/li>\n
- Cross-reference client testimonials or ask for references from previous international buyers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You should notice some common scam warning signs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Be cautious of price quotes that are significantly lower than the current market rates.<\/li>\n
- The company uses free email domains (e.g., @gmail.com) instead of business domains.<\/li>\n
- Company information on the website does not match the details on the business license.<\/li>\n
- The business address is vague, non-existent, or located in a residential-only area.<\/li>\n
- Certificates appear edited, or the registration numbers do not return results on official databases<\/li>\n
- The supplier pressures buyers to transfer deposits urgently.<\/li>\n
- Company address information is inconsistent across documents and websites.<\/li>\n
- Product photos appear copied from other exporters.<\/li>\n
- The supplier refuses to provide export documentation samples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>2. Make a Contract<\/span><\/h3>\nA well-structured export contract serves as the primary safeguard against the inherent risks of the perishable fruit trade.<\/p>\n By formalizing clear agreements on quality, logistics, and financial terms, buyers can significantly reduce the potential for disputes and ensure a stable supply chain from Vietnamese farms to global markets.<\/p>\n Key contractual components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Product specifications<\/strong>: Define the specific dragon fruit variety, weight per fruit, and permissible defect tolerances. Clearly state the required skin condition and minimum expected shelf life upon arrival.<\/li>\n
- Pricing terms<\/strong>: Clarify the pricing basis, currency, and whether costs include packaging, palletization, inland trucking, cold storage, or export documentation fees. Seasonal price fluctuation conditions should also be discussed in advance.<\/li>\n
- Incoterms<\/strong>: Confirm whether the shipment uses EXW, FOB, CIF, or DDP terms. Clearly define which party handles export customs clearance, freight booking, insurance, and destination delivery.<\/li>\n
- Payment terms<\/strong>: Discuss payment method, deposit percentage, balance payment timing, and beneficiary bank information. Buyers should also confirm the refund or compensation conditions for shipment disputes.<\/li>\n
- Order quantity and loading<\/strong>: Confirm Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), estimated container loading capacity, and whether mixed varieties or mixed grades are allowed in one shipment. Production lead time and harvest scheduling should also be clarified.<\/li>\n
- Packaging standards: <\/strong>Detail the carton specifications, including weight capacity and ventilation holes, to withstand high-humidity environments. Include all mandatory labeling requirements for your target market, such as origin, weight, and PUC\/PHC codes.<\/li>\n
- Cold Chain Requirements<\/strong>: Set strict temperature and humidity parameters for the duration of the voyage. Mandate the use of calibrated data loggers in every container to provide a verifiable record of the thermal environment.<\/li>\n
- Inspection and Quality Claims:<\/strong> Define the timeline and procedure for filing quality claims, usually within 24 to 48 hours of container de-vanning. Specify that an independent third-party report (e.g., from SGS or Intertek) will serve as the final evidence for compensation.<\/li>\n
- Shipment Schedule and Lead Times: <\/strong>Agree on a firm cut-off date for harvest and the expected transit time to the port of discharge. Include clauses for potential delays caused by weather conditions or vessel omissions during peak seasons.<\/li>\n
- Legal and Dispute Resolution<\/strong>: Confirm governing law, force majeure conditions, dispute resolution procedures, and penalties for delayed shipment or quality non-compliance. Written agreements should clearly define responsibilities for both parties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When negotiating contracts, experienced buyers usually request all technical specifications in written form instead of relying only on verbal discussions or email conversations.<\/p>\n Important Contract Precautions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Verify that the payment information belongs to the supplier\u2019s registered company.<\/li>\n
- Avoid vague quality descriptions without measurable specifications.<\/li>\n
- Confirm the compensation policy before transferring deposits.<\/li>\n
- Clarify the compensation policy for weight loss or spoilage exceeding the standard 3%\u20135% threshold.<\/li>\n
- Do not transfer the final balance until you have verified the shipping documents through official channels.<\/li>\n
- Review all Incoterms responsibilities carefully before signing.<\/li>\n
- Confirm whether inspection costs are covered by the buyer or the supplier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>3. Product Packaging and Pre-Shipment Inspection<\/span><\/h3>\nProper packaging and rigorous pre-shipment inspections are important in protecting dragon fruit quality during export transportation.<\/p>\n Here are dragon fruit packaging and storage guidelines:<\/p>\n \n- Use double-walled corrugated fiberboard boxes capable of withstanding 95%\u2013100% humidity without collapsing under the weight of stacked pallets.<\/li>\n
- Use ventilation holes on cartons to improve airflow and reduce moisture accumulation during transportation.<\/li>\n
- Wrap each dragon fruit in individual polyethylene (PE) bags or protective foam netting to prevent friction burns and bruising during transit.<\/li>\n
- Pre-cool the fruit to a core temperature of 5\u00b0C to 6\u00b0C immediately after packing to remove field heat and slow the respiration rate.<\/li>\n
- Maintain a steady container temperature between 6\u00b0C to 7\u00b0C with a relative humidity of 90%\u201395% for sea freight.<\/li>\n
- Avoid co-shipping dragon fruit with high ethylene producers like bananas or mangos, as this accelerates skin yellowing and wilting.<\/li>\n
- Secure pallets with plastic strapping and edge protectors to prevent shifting during maritime movement.<\/li>\n
- Avoid excessive humidity buildup inside cartons to reduce mold and condensation risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Many buyers conduct pre-shipment inspections before cargo departure. This process helps ensure that the fruit meets the exact grading, color, and size specifications defined in your contract before the container is sealed.<\/p>\n For high-volume consignments, it is highly recommended to appoint an independent firm, such as SGS Vietnam<\/strong>, QIMA<\/strong>, or V-Trust, <\/strong>to conduct pre-shipment inspections on your behalf.
\n![\"inspect](\"https:\/\/vinasources.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VinaSources-Image-Blog-2026-05-21T102835.154.jpg\") <\/p>\n<\/span>4. Handle Customs Clearances<\/span><\/h3>\nAfter the shipment has been packed and inspected, the next step is preparing customs clearance procedures in both Vietnam and the destination market.<\/p>\n Most exporters in Vietnam will handle export customs procedures locally, while importers or customs brokers manage clearance in the destination country. However, buyers should still review all documentation carefully before shipment departure to ensure consistency across the entire shipment file.<\/p>\n Export Documents Commonly Required:<\/strong><\/p>\n | | | | | | | | | | | |