CRUSHING BLOW: US rejects Indian Mangoes shipments exporters face $500K loss

The US has rejected several shipments of mangoes from India on grounds of irregularities in documents related to radiation treatment. US airport authorities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta have rejected 15 consignments after inconsistencies were detected in mandatory documentation, The Economic Times reported.

The mango exports, which were treated with radiation in Mumbai on May 8 and 9, did not pass US import rules because of differences in certification regarding the irradiation process—a necessary measure to ensure the fruit is free from pests and has a longer shelf life.

Following this, exporters were requested to either destroy or re-export the cargo. The majority opted to discard the mangoes, which were estimated to cost them a financial loss of approximately $500,000 (or ₹41.5 million).

The exporters complained about the losses and reiterated that radiation treatment is a common phytosanitary method applied to meet international import requirements.

The incident underlines the utmost importance of compliance in international trade documentation.