Mangoes – Sweet turned Sour – US Rejects Indian Mangoes

By | May 21, 2025
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Mangoes rejected by the USA worth 400 crore of Indian Rupees.

The United States (US) has rejected 15 shipments of mangoes exported from India. The consignments were turned away upon arrival due to documentation lapses.

Why US rejected Indian mangoes?

The rejected mango shipments had undergone irradiation in Mumbai on May 8 and 9, but were turned away at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta.

The US authorities cited discrepancies in the irradiation-related documentation, a mandatory process used to eliminate pests and extend shelf life, as the reason for rejection. Thus, the cause of the problem was based on paperwork issues, not the presence of pests.

The irradiation was carried out at a facility in Navi Mumbai under the supervision of a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) official, who is authorized to certify the PPQ203 form—a mandatory document for mango exports to the United States.

What happens to such exported items?

When shipments of mangoes or other Indian fruits are rejected by US authorities, exporters typically have two options: bring back the goods to India or destroy them. In this case, the exporters chose to destroy the mangoes, citing their perishable nature and the high cost of returning them to India.

Exporters estimate potential losses of around USD 500,000. A USDA notification sent to one of the affected exporters stated that the shipment was denied entry by US Customs and Border Protection due to an “incorrectly issued PPQ203” form. The notice also clarified that the US government would not bear the cost of any remedial action for the shipment.

So what are the mandatory conditions, documents and certificates to abide by the Importing norms of USA for any fresh fruits or vegetables? Read the below carefully: 

1. Irradiation Treatment (Mandatory for USA)

  • Conducted at APEDA/USDA-approved irradiation facilities (e.g., Vashi, Nashik, Bangalore).

  • Treatment is carried out under USDA-APHIS supervision.

  • Treated mangoes receive a Phytosanitary Certificate and Irradiation Certificate.

2. Inspection & Sampling

  • USDA inspectors or Indian NPPO-authorized personnel inspect the consignment.

  • Sample testing for residues and pest control is done as per USDA standards.

3. Lab Tests

  • Pesticide Residue Testing in NABL-accredited labs.

  • Maturity Test (Brix level), pathogen tests if required.

  • Irradiation dose validation report from the approved facility.

4. Export Documentation and Shipping

  • Book a shipment with a shipping or air cargo line.

  • Export clearance and Customs processing are done at port of exit (e.g., Mumbai, Bangalore).

 List of Documents Required:

➤ Business & Registration Documents:

  • IEC Code

  • APEDA Registration (RCMC)

  • Farm Registration Certificate

  • Packhouse Registration Certificate

Certificates and Test Reports:

  • Phytosanitary Certificate (from NPPO)

  • Irradiation Certificate (from approved plant)

  • Pesticide Residue Test Report (NABL-accredited lab)

  • Certificate of Origin (from Export Promotion Council or Chamber of Commerce)

  • Brix Test Report

  • Traceability Certificate (from registered farm to pack-house)

➤ Shipping & Export Documents:

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Airway Bill / Bill of Lading

  • Shipping Instructions

  • Export Declaration (Shipping Bill – filed via ICEGATE)

  • Insurance Certificate (if insured)

  • FSSAI Clearance (for food exports if required at Indian port)

➤ Other Supporting Documents (USA Side):

  • Import Permit (issued by USDA-APHIS – generally for new importers)

  • Labeling Compliance as per FDA (mentioning product name, origin, irradiation-treated statement)

  • Prior Notice to FDA (submitted by the US importer before shipment arrives)

 Special Notes:

  • Irradiation is mandatory for mango exports to the USA to prevent fruit fly and pest infestation.

  • No untreated mangoes are allowed entry into the U.S.

  • Shipments without USDA-supervised treatment and proper documentation will be rejected.

  • US FDA may inspect shipments under Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

 Key Agencies Involved:

  • APEDA – Registration, monitoring, and export promotion

  • NPPO (India) – Phytosanitary certification

  • USDA-APHIS – Import conditions and irradiation oversight

  • FDA (USA) – Food safety compliance

  • Customs (India & USA) – Export/import clearance

  • FSSAI (India) – Food safety regulations at exit point

 

This article is only for exporting mangoes from India to the USA.