India Takes Issue of Mango Imports to Japanese Plant Protection Authorities

Indian Mango Exports to Japan Halted Over Protocol Lapses

The National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) is taking up with the Japanese government the issue of restrictions on imports of Indian mangoes. Japan halted imports of Indian mangoes last month after inspections by its quarantine officials earlier this year revealed lapses in protocols at treatment facilities in India.

The Japanese authorities made observations regarding humidity levels at a centre in Lucknow and near Vishakhapatnam. Under Japan's import requirements, mangoes must undergo Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) at approved facilities, where they are subjected to hot, humid air with a minimum relative humidity of 90 per cent to eradicate fruit flies and other quarantine pests before export.

Despite the halt in imports to Japan, the country is not a major export market for Indian mangoes. Instead, India mainly exports mangoes to the US and Europe. In contrast, Nepal has not imposed any restrictions on imports of Indian mangoes.