Officers from Zhoushan Customs conduct on-site supervision of fresh-cut branches. [Photo/Tide News]

Exports of freshly cut branches and foliage from Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province rose 16.14 percent year-on-year in the first four months of this year. Fifteen batches of products, including Eurya japonica, black pine, and miscanthus, were exported, totaling 2.27 million yuan ($334,549).

At Zhoushan Lyuzhou Agriculture's processing workshop, workers handle freshly harvested Eurya japonica materials through conditioning, quarantine inspection, disinfection, washing, fine trimming, and bundling before they become finished ornamental branches. Staff said that overseas customers have strict requirements for size and shape, with damaged or discolored leaves removed and foliage arranged in compact, layered patterns.

Benefiting from the island's humid climate, Zhoushan-produced Eurya japonica branches are known for their uniform shape, thick leaves, and deep green color, helping them maintain steady demand in international horticulture markets.

Fresh-cut branches have a short shelf life and require rapid shipment. To preserve quality and reduce the risk of missed sailings, Zhoushan Customs has introduced round-the-clock appointment-based inspection services, optimized phytosanitary certificate issuance procedures, and promoted self-service printing of RCEP certificates.