A recent incident has cast a shadow over the thriving Indian mango export sector, with the United States rejecting at least 15 shipments of the beloved fruit due to significant lapses in documentation. This setback has potentially cost Indian exporters an estimated $500,000, as they grapple with the expensive prospect of destroying the perishable cargo.
The issue revolves around mandatory irradiation, a crucial process for eliminating pests and extending the shelf life of mangoes destined for the US market. While the irradiation process itself was reportedly overseen by a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officer in Mumbai, discrepancies in the accompanying paperwork, specifically the PPQ203 form, led US Customs and Border Protection to deny entry to the shipments.
These rejected shipments had undergone irradiation in Mumbai earlier this month and were subsequently turned away upon arrival at airports across the US, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The US authorities have firmly stated that they will not bear any responsibility for remedial actions related to the rejected consignments, leaving Indian exporters with the tough choice of either destroying the mangoes or re-exporting them, both financially draining options given the fruit's perishable nature.
Exporters are disputing the claims that the treatment wasn't completed and highlighting discrepancies with the PPQ203 form. The situation has raised serious questions about the checks and balances in place and the potential for miscommunication or errors in the documentation process.
The United States is the largest export market for Indian mangoes. For a smooth export, several requirements need to be fulfilled. The USDA has strict regulations for the importation of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes. These include ensuring that the mangoes are free from pests and diseases by obtaining phytosanitary certificates from Indian authorities. Treatment protocols like hot water treatment or irradiation must be followed according to USDA-approved guidelines and properly documented. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) also plays a vital role, requiring exporters to register, obtain licenses, and adhere to quality standards for size, maturity, appearance, and packaging.
This incident underscores the critical importance of meticulous documentation and adherence to international standards in the export of agricultural products. It also highlights the potential financial risks associated with non-compliance, particularly for perishable goods like mangoes. To mitigate such losses, exporters must prioritize accurate and complete documentation, and maintain clear communication with all relevant parties, including the USDA and customs officials. Moving forward, a thorough review of the export procedures and documentation processes is essential to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to safeguard the reputation and economic viability of the Indian mango export industry.
