Latest news with #PPQ203
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Business Standard
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Why did US reject 25 MT of mangoes? India alleges inspection lapse
India has raised concerns over the rejection of 15 mango consignments by the United States, alleging that American inspectors failed to follow standard inspection protocols. The procedural lapse reportedly led exporters to destroy mango shipments, causing considerable financial losses, according to a report by The Economic Times. Due to the perishable nature of mangoes and the high cost of returning shipments, exporters chose to destroy the rejected fruit, resulting in an estimated loss of $500,000 (₹4.2 crore), The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which operates one of the key irradiation facilities for mango exports in Mumbai, said on Tuesday: "Instead of discussing the matter with relevant agencies or notifying the facility beforehand, they (the inspectors) directly reported the alleged issues to their senior offices in the US, resulting in the rejection of the 15 consignments." US-bound shipments destroyed over documentation issues The rejected consignments — amounting to 25 metric tonnes from 10 exporters — had undergone irradiation at the MSAMB facility on May 8 and 9. According to MSAMB, the issue could have been resolved had the inspectors raised concerns with facility officials before issuing the necessary clearance document, PPQ203, required for mango exports to the US. Reports suggest that the affected shipments were held up at major US entry points, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The fruits had undergone mandatory irradiation, a pest elimination procedure monitored by a USDA-appointed inspector at the Navi Mumbai facility. Exports resume despite inspection setback Dosimeter readings — used to track radiation exposure levels—were not properly documented by facility staff during the inspection process, The Times of India reported. Despite the temporary setback, operations at the Mumbai irradiation facility have resumed. Between May 11 and May 18, mango exports from the Mumbai facility bounced back, with 53,072 boxes — equivalent to 185.75 metric tonnes — shipped to the US across 39 consignments, MSAMB reported. India currently uses three USDA-approved irradiation facilities for exporting mangoes to the United States, located in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. Indian mango exports to US on the rise Despite the recent setback, Indian mango exports to the US have been expanding rapidly. In FY24, export value surged by 130 per cent to $10 million, compared to $4.36 million the previous year. Mango varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli, and Himayat have already secured market access in the US, along with North Indian varieties like Raspuri, Langra, Chausa, and Dasheri, which are also cleared for irradiation treatment. Governance framework behind mango exports India's mango export operations to the US are conducted under a Cooperative Service Agreement between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The procedures are guided by an Irradiation Operational Work Plan, jointly developed by USDA-APHIS, India's National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) under the Ministry of Agriculture, and APEDA. The protocol involves sourcing mangoes from registered farms, processing them at APEDA- and NPPO-certified packhouses, treating them with hot water and fungicide, and finally irradiating them at USDA-certified facilities.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Explainer: How a single paperwork error got 15 Indian mango shipments rejected by the US and left exporters furious
At least 15 mango consignments from India have been turned away at US entry points, including airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, due to documentation irregularities. Exporters claim that the shipments had met all export treatment requirements, but discrepancies in paperwork led to the rejections. With no viable option to re-import, the shipments were destroyed, resulting in a loss estimated at $500,000 (around ₹4.28 crore). Exporters say mangoes were treated as required The mangoes were subjected to irradiation — a standard treatment meant to remove pests and satisfy US import requirements — at a USDA-approved facility in Navi Mumbai on May 8 and 9. Exporters stated that the treatment was completed under the supervision of a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officer and that the mandatory PPQ203 form, which certifies this process, was issued. One exporter said the USDA officer issues the PPQ203 only after the treatment is confirmed. 'If the treatment was not conducted, how did we get the form and clearance to ship?' he asked. Incorrect paperwork cited as cause for rejection Despite the completed treatment, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) denied the mangoes entry, citing errors in the PPQ203 certification. According to a USDA communication sent to one of the exporters, the form was 'incorrectly issued' and the shipment 'must be re-exported or destroyed.' The USDA also clarified that it would not cover the costs of either re-export or disposal. Given the perishable nature of mangoes and high freight costs, exporters chose to destroy the shipments in the US. Responsibility shifted to irradiation facility Exporters insist the problem lies with the facility managed by the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), where the irradiation was conducted. 'There were no pests. The paperwork problem occurred at the irradiation centre,' one exporter explained, adding that they were being held accountable for a process they did not control. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which falls under India's commerce ministry, acknowledged the issue but referred all questions to MSAMB, stating that the matter falls under its jurisdiction. MSAMB has not yet responded to the requests for clarification. Wider implications amid ongoing trade talks The US continues to be the primary destination for Indian mango exports. Rejections over procedural errors during the peak season have highlighted challenges in trade execution. This comes as the two countries are working to finalise a broader trade agreement. While the US claims that India has proposed a deal with virtually no tariffs, Indian authorities have offered limited comment on that front. According to The Economic Times, the first phase of the trade deal is expected to be concluded in the coming months.
NDTV
19-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Rejects 15 Shipments Of Mangoes From India, Cites Documentation Errors
The authorities in the United States tossed out at least 15 shipments of mangoes from India, citing errors in the documentation process. They instructed the exporters to either send the shipment back to India or destroy it. Although a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector in Mumbai was in charge of the procedure, at least 15 shipments of Indian mangoes were refused because of paperwork issues related to mandatory irradiation, The Economic Times reported. The fruit was rejected after arriving at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The shipment underwent irradiation in Mumbai on May 8 and 9. The exporters chose not to re-export the cargo to India because of the perishable nature of the mangoes and the high cost of shipping. The officials pointed out the inconsistencies in the documentation related to the irradiation process. It is an obligatory step that exposes a fruit to regulated radiation dosages to eradicate pests and increase its shelf life. They highlighted inconsistencies with the PPQ203 form - a required document for mangoes exported to the US - potentially resulting in losses of $500,000 (approximately Rs 4.3 crore), The Economic Times reported. According to a USDA notification sent to one of the impacted exporters, the US Customs and Border Protection refused entrance to the consignment "because PPQ203 was issued incorrectly." Another exporter received notice that their shipment did not match the "entry requirement" - more precisely, the required irradiation treatment. The notice further stated that the shipment "must be re-exported or destroyed," and that the US government would not be required to take "remedial measures for this shipment." Exporters strongly refuted allegations that the treatment was not completed. They pointed out that a USDA official oversees the irradiation procedure, which is carried out at a plant in Navi Mumbai. They claimed the process was completed and that the PPQ203 form was only provided following the procedure. The issue reportedly concerns the export of mangoes from the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), a USDA-approved plant in Vashi, Mumbai.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
15 mango shipments from India rejected at US entry points
Listen to article At least 15 shipments of Indian mangoes have been rejected by United States authorities at key entry points due to documentation errors, leading to an estimated loss of around $500,000 for exporters during the peak season. The shipments, which arrived at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta earlier this month, were denied entry after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) flagged issues with the PPQ203 form, a required phytosanitary certificate. Exporters were given two options—either destroy the fruit or bear the cost of sending it back to India. Given the perishable nature of mangoes and the high expense of re-export, all the affected exporters chose to dispose of the consignments within the US. The financial loss is estimated at $500,000. Industry players say the setback is especially damaging as the United States is India's most lucrative market for mango exports. According to exporters, the mangoes had undergone mandatory irradiation at a USDA-approved facility in Navi Mumbai on 8 and 9 May. The treatment is essential to eliminate pests and meet US import norms. However, US officials found discrepancies in the accompanying paperwork. A USDA notice to one exporter cited an 'incorrectly issued PPQ203' as the reason for rejection and instructed that the fruit 'must be re-exported or destroyed'. Exporters argue the error lies with the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which runs the irradiation centre under USDA supervision. 'The USDA officer only issues the PPQ203 after the treatment is complete. If something was wrong, why were we cleared for export?' questioned an exporter whose shipment was held at Los Angeles between 9 and 11 May. Another exporter said, 'There were no pests found. We are being penalised for mistakes we didn't make.' The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which operates under India's commerce ministry, acknowledged the problem but directed queries to MSAMB, saying it falls under their jurisdiction. MSAMB has not commented publicly on the issue. The incident has caused concern within India's horticulture export sector, with stakeholders demanding accountability and clearer communication to prevent future losses.
News18
19-05-2025
- Business
- News18
US Rejects 15 Shipments Of Indian Mangoes Over Paperwork Error, Exporters Suffer Rs 4.2 Crore Loss
Last Updated: The US, India's top mango buyer, rejected shipments over missing documents, pointing to serious gaps in export procedures and poor oversight The US authorities have rejected several consignments of mangoes sent from India due to documentation deficiencies. At least 15 shipments were turned away at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. These mangoes had undergone radiation treatment on May 8 and 9 at a facility in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, under the supervision of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), a mandatory process to eliminate pests and extend shelf life. The US authorities cited irregularities in the documents related to radiation treatment, particularly the PPQ203 form, as the reason for the rejection. PPQ203 is a crucial certificate issued by US officials in India. Exporters claim that the fault lies with the radiation centre in Navi Mumbai, not with them. One exporter stated, 'We did not commit a mistake, yet we are being punished for it." According to a report by Economic Times, the rejected shipments were either to be sent back to India or destroyed. Due to the perishable nature of mangoes and the high cost of reverse transport, exporters chose to destroy the fruit, resulting in an estimated loss of about $500,000 (approximately Rs 4.2 crore). According to Economic Times, the USDA informed the affected exporter that US Customs and Border Protection denied entry due to an 'incorrectly issued PPQ203." The notification stated that the shipment 'must be re-exported or destroyed" and clarified that the US government would not cover the costs for 'remedial measures for this shipment." The irradiation process occurs at a facility in Navi Mumbai, supervised by a USDA representative who certifies the PPQ203 form, crucial for exporting mangoes to the US. 'We are being penalised for mistakes made at the irradiation facility," the exporter was quoted as saying as per the report. The Economic Times When asked about the details of the case, including the number of affected mangoes and documentation issues, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Authority (APEDA) chairman's office reportedly said, 'The matter involves a shipment of mangoes from the USDA-approved facility, Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) located in Vashi, Mumbai. Therefore, inquiries should be directed to them." APEDA operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The United States is the largest export market for Indian mangoes. The rejection of shipments due to documentation errors not only leads to business losses but also highlights significant lapses in process and management. Meanwhile, India and the US are working towards finalising a trade deal soon, with US President Donald Trump stating that India has proposed a deal with virtually no tariffs. The initial phase of this agreement is anticipated to be completed in the coming months, according to the Economic Times report. India aims to boost bilateral trade by negotiating tariff reductions from the United States for various labor-intensive sectors. These sectors include textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, chemicals, grapes, and bananas. In exchange, the United States reportedly seeks lower duties on a range of products, including industrial goods, automobiles (particularly electric vehicles), wines, petrochemical products, dairy items, and agricultural produce such as apples and tree nuts, as part of the proposed trade agreement. First Published: May 19, 2025, 11:00 IST
