Mango exports : Delay in documentation hinders process

Exporters fear documentation hurdles may delay the scheduled first-ever export of mango to the US.

KARACHI:

Government departments have yet to finish the documentation process required for the export of mangoes to the United States, which, exporters fear, may delay the scheduled first-ever export of the fruit to the US, The Express Tribune has learnt.

According to details, several legal requirements have to be fulfilled to meet the criteria set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Once these necessities are met, the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an offshoot of USDA, will issue compliance agreements and permits to the importers of Pakistani mangoes.

“However, unless our government meets the requirements, USDA cannot move ahead, consequently they will not be able to import mangoes,” informed Harvest Tradings Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jawad. “If the process is expedited, I am sure shipments will start in June,” he added.

Jawad said that APHIS requires that mangoes meant for exports should be sent only from orchards/pack houses certified by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), Pakistan, mangoes should only be in pest-proof packaging with defined specifications and consignments should be allowed entry only at the O’Hare International Airport, Chicago.

He further said that consignments would be irradiated at Sadex Corporation, Sioux City, Iowa before being transported to other parts of the US through the importer. Furthermore, consignments are subject to all related US import laws and only the importer with a valid permit can bring fresh mangoes from Pakistan.

Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company representative Kashif Niazi, when asked about the reason for the delay in documentation, responded that the US government requires certain procedures that need to be followed.

“The US government revisited their own procedures this season and asked us to fulfill more requirements that had not been asked for earlier when the export of mangoes was discussed with them,” he explained.

Niazi said that the demands are being looked into and a speedy process is being followed to ensure timely export of mangoes. “It will take around 60 days for the formalities to be met. We have sufficient time before scheduled exports,” he added.

Exporter expresses doubt about mangoes reaching US stores

A prominent exporter, who wished not to be named, said that exports of mangoes to the US are unlikely for the next two or three years. He said that countries such as the US and Australia demand the fruits go through certain processing techniques, for which Pakistan has not the technology.

He said that as a member of the All Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association, his organisation had repeatedly requested the government to import the expensive processing technology as it is out of the reach of the private sector.

“Even though the agriculture sector is exempted from taxes, we end up paying thousands of rupees in bribes to government officials. The government departments concerned are often uncooperative and many of the potential markets have been lost due to the neglect and disinterest of the government,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune March 30^th, 2011.