Longan cartons, cold chain, SO₂ and container loading from Vietnam
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Short answer. Vietnamese longan ships by sea in 5–6 kg cartons, about 3,600–4,000 per 40' reefer, around 20 t, at 5 °C, plus or minus 1 °C. It keeps 2–4 weeks. Air lots use 1–3 kg cartons of bunches, from 200 cartons. Sulphur dioxide treatment prevents peel browning, within each market's residue limit.
How is longan packed?
| Item | Sea | Air |
|---|---|---|
| Carton | 5–6 kg | 1–3 kg, bunches |
| Cartons per pallet | About 180–200 | Not applicable |
| Load | About 3,600–4,000 cartons per 40' reefer on 20 pallets, about 20 t | From 200 cartons per shipment |
Pallets are ISPM 15 wood. The exact count is confirmed with the packing house in the quotation, and the forwarder confirms the chargeable weight for air.
Which cold-chain settings apply?
| Item | Setting |
|---|---|
| Set point | 5 °C, plus or minus 1 °C |
| Relative humidity | 90–95 % |
| Storage life | 2–4 weeks, depending on the variety |
High humidity and good packaging limit water loss and stop the peel from turning dark brown.
What are the rules for sulphur dioxide?
Sulphur dioxide fumigation is the most effective way to prevent peel browning. The EU, Australia and Japan set a maximum residue of 10 ppm. The USA has no registered post-harvest sulphur use for longan. Treated fruit may have a paler peel.
How long is the sea voyage from Cat Lai?
| Port | Days at sea (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 2–3 |
| Port Klang, Malaysia | 3–5 |
| Jebel Ali, UAE | 13–18, via transhipment |
| Dammam, Saudi Arabia | 16–20 |
| Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | 18–22 |
Storage life is 2–4 weeks, so longer routes are checked against it in each quotation. Routing and schedule are confirmed with the quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest air order?
200 cartons of 1–3 kg.
Can longan ship without sulphur dioxide?
The treatment depends on the destination and its residue rule. It is agreed in the quotation.
How is the price quoted?
In the quotation only, for your carton and route.
Sizes, classes and season are in Vietnamese longan (Ido): size codes, classes, Brix and season. Full specifications are on the longan page; to order, use the longan quotation form.
Last reviewed 12 November 2026 by VIET FARM EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED, Ho Chi Minh City. Figures come from our longan specification; they are indicative and confirmed with each quotation.