Loss of $500,000: US rejects 15 Indian mango shipments over documentation errors
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Mumbai: Setback for Indian mango exporters because the US authorities rejected at least 15 mango shipments from India at different airports like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta due to paperwork errors, creating woe among exporters. They have two options: either to destroy the mangoes in the US or send them back to India. Mangoes are perishable items, and sending them back will cost more, so exporters have decided to destroy the fruits in the US.
India is the largest mango exporter to the US; however, this incident has disappointed the exporters. They are likely to lose around $500,000 due to the rejection of shipments. Errors in the documentation have created all the issues. Exporters say they got the punishment amid mistakes made at the irradiation center.
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The mangoes had gone through the required irradiation treatment on May 8 and 9 at a facility in Navi Mumbai. This process uses controlled radiation to kill pests and extend shelf life. A US Department of Agriculture (USDA) official oversees this facility and must sign a form called PPQ203, which confirms the treatment.
One exporter said his mangoes were held at Los Angeles airport from May 9 to 11 before being ordered for destruction. He insisted the treatment was properly done and questioned how the official USDA form could be issued without completing the procedure. “This is not our fault," he said. "Without that form, the mangoes wouldn’t even be allowed on the plane."
The rejection of India’s mangoes in the US is a lesson for the exporters and irradiation centre, where fruits are checked and get the NOC and other paperworks. Therefore, better coordination is required in export documentation so that the same mistake could not take place in the future.