Report

U.S. authorities rejected at least 15 shipments of Indian mangoes after identifying discrepancies in the export paperwork, leading to estimated losses of $500,000 (approximately ₹4.3 crore) for exporters. The shipments, which landed at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, failed to meet documentation requirements despite undergoing the mandatory irradiation process in Mumbai.

Irradiation Process Completed, But Paperwork Fell Short

Exporters conducted the required irradiation treatment—intended to eliminate pests and extend shelf life—at a USDA-approved facility in Navi Mumbai on May 8 and 9. A USDA inspector supervised the process throughout. However, U.S. officials flagged discrepancies in the PPQ203 form, a critical document for importing mangoes into the United States.

USDA Officials Cite Documentation Errors

U.S. Customs and Border Protection blocked the shipments, claiming the PPQ203 forms were either incorrectly issued or failed to confirm proper irradiation. In one notice, officials stated that the cargo did not meet “entry requirements” and ordered.

Source: NDTV