US officials have rejected more than a dozen shipments of Indian mangoes because of documentation issues. At least 15 mango consignments were denied entry into the US, India’s top mango export destination, due to alleged paperwork problems.
Mangoes Rejected at Multiple Airports
These shipments arrived at major US airports such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. However, local authorities refused to clear them. Officials gave exporters two options—either destroy the mangoes or send them back to India. Since mangoes are highly perishable and the cost of return is too high, exporters chose to discard the fruit.
Dispute Over Irradiation Process Paperwork
An official linked the rejection to issues in documentation related to irradiation treatment. This process involves using controlled doses of radiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life. It is mandatory for mangoes entering the US market. The report said the rejected mangoes were treated on May 8 and 9 at an irradiation facility in Mumbai.
Exporters believe the paperwork was in order. They said the irradiation was done at a certified facility in Navi Mumbai and was supervised by an officer from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Exporters Say They Are Paying for Someone Else’s Mistake
Exporters expressed disappointment over the loss. They estimate the total financial hit at around $500,000. “We are being penalised for mistakes made at the irradiation facility,” one exporter told The Economic Times.
After the incident, the USDA made it clear that the US government would not be responsible for correcting or compensating for the rejected cargo. A USDA notification sent to one of the exporters stated the government would not take any “remedial measures for this shipment.”
Indian Authorities Refer Responsibility to Local Facility
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) responded to the issue by directing attention to the irradiation center involved. Quoted by ET, the APEDA chairman’s office said, “The matter pertains to the shipment of mangoes from USDA approved facility, Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) located at Vashi, Mumbai. Hence inputs may be sought from them.”
India’s Global Role in Mango Production
India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes. It grows over 1,000 different types and contributes about 43% of global mango output. That’s more than the next four biggest producers combined.
