The United States has rejected at least 15 mango shipments from India, citing documentation issues related to mandatory irradiation treatment. The affected cargo had been processed in Mumbai and sent by air to airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Exporters were forced to either destroy or re-export the perishable goods—most chose destruction due to cost and shelf life.
The issue wasn’t pest-related but stemmed from incorrect paperwork, particularly the USDA-required PPQ203 form, which should be issued by US officials stationed at the irradiation facility. The oversight in completing this form correctly caused the shipments—worth nearly $300,000—to be blocked on arrival.
Exporters expressed frustration over the lapses at the irradiation facility, which led to the unnecessary loss. This setback occurs at a time when India is aggressively promoting mango exports and has been investing in building irradiation infrastructure. Industry stakeholders are now demanding better process oversight to avoid such avoidable trade failures.