New Delhi: In a significant setback for Indian mango exporters, U.S. authorities have rejected 15 shipments of mangoes at major airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, due to documentation irregularities.
The shipments, which underwent mandatory irradiation treatment in Navi Mumbai on May 8 and 9, were denied entry after discrepancies were found in the PPQ203 phytosanitary certificates.
Faced with the high costs and impracticality of returning the perishable fruit to India, exporters were compelled to destroy the mangoes in the U.S., resulting in estimated losses of approximately $500,000.
Key Facts:
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15 shipments of Indian mangoes were rejected by U.S. authorities at major airports due to documentation errors.
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The mangoes underwent mandatory irradiation treatment in Navi Mumbai on May 8 and 9.
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Exporters faced an estimated $500,000 loss as they were forced to destroy the shipments in the U.S.
The issue centers around the PPQ203 form, a crucial phytosanitary certificate required for mango exports to the U.S.
Despite the irradiation process being conducted under the supervision of a U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector, the PPQ203 forms were reportedly issued incorrectly, leading to the rejection of the shipments.
Exporters argue that the fault lies with administrative errors at the irradiation facility, not with the quality of the fruit itself.
One affected exporter expressed frustration, stating, "We are being penalized for mistakes made at the irradiation facility."
The USDA's communication to exporters indicated that the shipments must be re-exported or destroyed, with no remedial measures provided by the U.S. government.
This incident underscores the critical importance of meticulous compliance with export documentation requirements.
The U.S. is India's largest export market for mangoes, and such setbacks can have significant economic implications for exporters.
The situation highlights the need for stringent quality control and adherence to export protocols to maintain credibility and market access in key international markets.
Looking ahead, exporters are calling for a review of the irradiation certification process to prevent similar issues in the future.
Ensuring accurate and compliant documentation is essential to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters and uphold the reputation of Indian produce in global markets.
Do You Know?
India is the world's largest producer of mangoes, yet it exports only a small fraction of its production.
The U.S. is a significant market for Indian mangoes, particularly varieties like Alphonso and Kesar, which are highly sought after by the Indian diaspora.
Key Terms:
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PPQ203 Form: A phytosanitary certificate issued by the USDA, confirming that agricultural products meet U.S. import requirements, including treatments like irradiation.
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Irradiation Treatment: A process where food is exposed to controlled amounts of radiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life, ensuring compliance with import standards.
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Phytosanitary Certificate: An official document certifying that plants or plant products are free from pests and diseases, required for international trade.