US Rejects Indian Mango Shipments Worth $500,000 Over Documentation Issues

At least 15 consignments of Indian mangoes bound for the United States have been rejected due to alleged incomplete documentation, according to a reports. The shipments, valued at approximately $500,000, were turned away at major U.S. airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta.

Authorities cited incomplete export paperwork as the reason for the rejection. As per protocol, exporters were directed to either destroy the cargo or send it back to India. However, due to the high cost of transportation and the perishable nature of mangoes, many exporters chose to discard the fruit.

The mangoes in question had undergone radiation treatment on May 8 and 9 in Mumbai. This process, which involves exposing the fruit to controlled doses of radiation to eliminate pests and extend shelf life, is a mandatory step for mango imports into the United States.

Exporters expressed frustration, pointing out that the irradiation process was carried out under the supervision of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officer at a facility in Navi Mumbai. One exporter claimed, “We are being penalised for mistakes made at the irradiation facility.”

Despite concerns raised, the U.S. government maintained its stance. A USDA notification sent to one of the exporters stated that it would not incur “remedial measures for this shipment.”