Inspectors examine the quality of dried laver produced at Rudong county, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

Along the coast of the Yellow Sea in Rudong county, Nantong, Jiangsu province, a 110,000-mu (7,333-hectare) sea farming zone has emerged as one of China's core production areas for laver. This year, the industry marks a milestone with yield and quality reaching new highs. Purchase prices rose by 20 percent year-on-year, while export volumes from January to March increased by 12.9 percent.

Every cultivation stage in this marine farmland is guided by meticulous management. "Laver is delicate. Sudden temperature changes or rainfall can greatly impact its freshness and quality," said Sun Zhiwu, deputy chief of the supervision division at Rudong Customs.

To support the industry, Rudong Customs, the county's food safety office, and the laver association have built a collaborative platform. Technical experts visit coastal farms to help control harmful algae growth. Meanwhile, a customs-led "premium export studio" decodes international standards on pesticide residues and heavy metals — especially those of the EU, Japan, and South Korea—into actionable checklists for enterprises, ensuring compliance from raw material testing to packaging.

Rudong Customs has also adopted a streamlined clearance process. On-demand inspection services are available for urgent orders to reduce time and costs. "Now the certificates are issued right after declaration, and we can even book inspection slots in advance,” said Cai Shouqing, president of the Rudong Laver Association.

As one of Rudong's signature agricultural products, laver contributes to the local economy, creates jobs, and boosts farmers' incomes. The industry is evolving beyond basic dried products to high-value items like flavored snacks, extending the value chain. Rudong's laver sector now generates an annual output value of around 4 billion yuan ($548.22 million) and supports employment for over 10,000 people.