In a significant blow to India‘s mango exports, U.S. authorities have denied entry to at least 15 shipments at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The rejections were triggered by paperwork discrepancies, forcing exporters to either re-ship the fruit to India or destroy it in the U.S. Due to the perishable nature of mangoes and high re-export costs, all consignments were discarded locally.

The U.S. is India’s largest mango buyer, making these setbacks critical for bilateral trade. Exporters estimate collective losses around $500,000. The fruit had undergone mandatory irradiation treatment in Mumbai on May 8–9, intended to eradicate pests and extend shelf life. However, according to a report by The Economic Times, U.S. officials flagged inconsistencies in the pest-control documentation, not the presence of actual pests.

A USDA notice to one exporter cited an “incorrectly issued PPQ203” form as the reason for rejection, stating the shipment must be either re-exported or destroyed—with no financial responsibility borne by the U.S. government. This form is validated by USDA officials at the Navi Mumbai irradiation center.

Exporters are frustrated, claiming the form wouldn’t have been issued had the irradiation not taken place. “We’re being punished for faults at the treatment facility,” one exporter said.

APEDA, operating under India’s Ministry of Commerce, redirected questions to the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), which has remained unresponsive.

Meanwhile, India and the U.S. are negotiating a phased trade deal. India seeks tariff relief on key exports, while the U.S. is pushing for reduced duties on items like EVs and agricultural goods.