In a significant setback for Indian exporters, several shipments of Indian mangoes were recently denied entry into the United States due to incomplete import documentation. The rejected consignments, which were returned from airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, are estimated to have caused losses totaling approximately $500,000, according to a report from The Economic Times.
A total of 15 shipments were transported via air freight but did not meet the documentation requirements set by U.S. authorities. These mangoes had undergone radiation treatment on May 8 and 9 in Mumbai—a process designed to eliminate pests and extend shelf life, as mandated by U.S. import regulations.
Despite fulfilling the phytosanitary treatment requirements, the shipments were rejected solely on documentation grounds. U.S. officials gave exporters the choice to either re-export the fruit or destroy it. Faced with logistical and financial constraints, the exporters decided to discard the mangoes.
The incident has sparked concern within India’s export community, underscoring the importance of rigorous compliance with international trade regulations. Many exporters are now calling for improved coordination among Indian regulatory agencies to ensure future shipments meet global standards.
This event is a considerable economic blow, especially since Indian mangoes are widely sought after in global markets. Exporters are now aiming for better planning and stricter quality checks to avoid similar setbacks in future export seasons.
