A significant setback has hit Indian mango exporters as the United States rejected 15 mango shipments due to documentation irregularities, leading to estimated losses exceeding ₹4 crore ($500,000). The rejected shipments arrived at various US airports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, and the issue revolves around the mandatory irradiation treatment required for mangoes entering the US.
The core of the problem lies in discrepancies related to the PPQ203 form, a crucial phytosanitary certificate that confirms the mangoes have undergone the necessary irradiation process to eliminate pests and extend their shelf life. Despite the mangoes undergoing irradiation at a USDA-approved facility in Navi Mumbai, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials found errors in the documentation, leading to the rejection of the shipments.
According to a USDA notification sent to one of the affected exporters, the shipments were denied entry "due to incorrectly issued PPQ203." The notice further stipulated that the consignment "must be re-exported or destroyed," clarifying that the US government would not bear any costs for remedial measures.
Faced with the perishable nature of mangoes and the high costs associated with re-exportation, the exporters were left with no choice but to destroy the fruit locally within the US. This decision has resulted in substantial financial losses, estimated at $500,000, impacting the traders significantly.
The situation has sparked frustration and concern among Indian exporters, especially since the United States is India's largest export market for mangoes. Exporters are disputing claims that the treatment wasn't completed correctly and highlighting discrepancies with the PPQ203 form. Some exporters are alleging that the errors originated at the irradiation facility itself, despite the presence of a USDA representative overseeing the process. They argue that they are being penalized for mistakes they did not commit. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) acknowledged the problem but directed queries to the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which oversees the irradiation center. MSAMB has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
This incident highlights potential cracks in India's export preparedness and over-reliance on the U.S. market. While the U.S. remains a key partner, there is a need to broaden export horizons to other premium markets like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where India has already made inroads. In 2024, India exported 110 tons of mangoes to New Zealand and 58.42 tons to Australia, indicating potential for growth in these regions.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, several measures are being recommended: strengthen documentation training for exporters and facility personnel, expand irradiation infrastructure beyond the single USDA-approved facility in Navi Mumbai, deploy real-time digital verification systems to catch administrative errors before shipments depart, and initiate open communication channels with the USDA to align accountability. Some experts suggest introducing digital documentation systems with real-time audits to catch administrative errors before shipments depart. A joint review mechanism between India and the USDA could also be instituted to flag issues before they escalate.
The rejection of these mango shipments underscores the importance of meticulous compliance with import regulations and the need for robust quality control measures throughout the export process. It also serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with relying heavily on a single export market and the importance of diversifying export destinations.
