India’s mango export industry, at least 15 shipments destined for the United States were rejected due to documentation discrepancies, leading to an estimated financial loss of approximately $500,000 for exporters.
The consignments, which had undergone mandatory irradiation treatment in Mumbai on May 8 and 9, were turned away at major US airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The United States, being India’s largest market for mango exports, requires that imported mangoes undergo irradiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life. This process is certified through the PPQ203 form, issued under the supervision of a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officer at the irradiation facility. However, US authorities cited discrepancies in the PPQ203 documentation as the reason for the rejection.
Exporters were given the option to either destroy the shipments or return them to India. Given the perishable nature of mangoes and the high cost associated with return shipping, all affected exporters chose to dispose of the fruit locally in the US. facility in Navi Mumbai. They argue that the treatment was completed, and the necessary documentation was provided, suggesting that the fault lies in the certification process overseen by the USDA representative.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, acknowledged the issue pertains to the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) facility in Vashi, Mumbai. However, no official response has been received from MSAMB regarding the incident. This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent quality control and adherence to export documentation requirements to maintain credibility and market access in key international markets. It also highlights the need for improved coordination between Indian export facilities and US regulatory bodies to prevent such costly mishaps in the future.
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Mumbai Mango Exports Rejected by US
