Centre denies reports of Nepal ban on Indian mangoes, says exports continue unhindered

The Centre on Wednesday clarified that Nepal has not imposed any ban on the import of Indian mangoes, dismissing recent media reports as "factually incorrect and misleading".

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare asserted that exports to the neighbouring country continue without interruption.

The ministry said the Government of Nepal, through its Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center (National Plant Protection Organization of Nepal), had clarified on June 10 that no prohibition had been imposed on Indian mango imports.

"Imports continue to be permitted subject to prescribed phytosanitary requirements," the ministry said.

“Import permits and release orders are being issued upon compliance with these requirements and submission of valid phytosanitary certificates issued by the Government of India,” it added.

The clarification comes amid reports claiming that Nepal had suspended imports of Indian mangoes and several other fruits after quarantine authorities allegedly detected excessive levels of chemical pesticide residues in imported consignments.

According to the ministry, exports of Indian mangoes to Nepal have remained unaffected.

Since January this year, India has exported 149 consignments comprising 2,005 metric tonnes (MT) of mangoes to Nepal. In June alone, 18 consignments totalling 266 MT have been shipped so far.

The ministry acknowledged that Nepal has recently revised certain import conditions, including a requirement for Hot Water Treatment (HWT) of mangoes.

However, it said India continues to facilitate exports in compliance with the prescribed requirements.

India has also conveyed its concerns over the introduction of new phytosanitary measures without prior consultation and is pursuing the matter through appropriate bilateral channels in line with the World Trade Organization's Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) framework.

The ministry advised stakeholders, traders and the public to rely on official communications for information related to import and export regulations and disregard unverified reports regarding alleged restrictions on Indian mango exports to Nepal.

Media reports had suggested that Nepal's authorities had imposed restrictions on imports of Indian mangoes and some other fruits during April-May.

The reports also came against the backdrop of challenges faced by Indian mango exporters in other markets, including Japan, which recently tightened import requirements for certain Indian mango varieties following observations related to treatment facilities.