Japan bans Indian mangoes after pest-control lapses found at export facilities

Tokyo (TIP): Japan has halted mango imports from India after quarantine officials flagged deficiencies in pest-control procedures at Indian export treatment centres, dealing a blow to shipments during the peak summer mango season.
The suspension affects premium Indian varieties including Alphonso, Kesar, Langra and Banganapalli, which are exported to Japan under strict phytosanitary rules. Japanese authorities are learnt to have raised concerns over whether Indian consignments were fully complying with the country’s plant health standards.
According to a report by Economic Times, inspectors from Japan found operational irregularities at vapour heat treatment (VHT) facilities in India during inspections conducted earlier this year. These facilities are tasked with disinfecting mangoes before export to ensure they are free from pests such as fruit flies.