Japan Halts Indian Mango Imports Over Fumigation Compliance Issues

27/05/2026

TOKYO, May 27: Japan has halted imports of fresh mangoes from India after inspections identified deficiencies in fumigation and disinfection procedures at Indian treatment facilities, according to reports.

The decision follows an inspection conducted by Japanese authorities in March, during which compliance issues were flagged at facilities handling mango export treatments, reported Economic Times.

Fumigation is a mandatory phytosanitary process used to eliminate pests and insects before agricultural exports are cleared for international markets.

Japan’s Yokohama Plant Protection Association said in a statement dated March 31 that shipments carrying inspection certificates issued by India on or after March 25 would no longer be accepted, effectively suspending exports during the peak April–June mango season.

Popular Indian varieties such as Kesar, Alphonso, Langra, Banganapalli, Chausa, Totapuri, and Mallika are typically exported during this period.

Mango exporters said Indian authorities are in talks with Japanese counterparts to resolve the issue, though there are concerns that the current season may pass without shipments to Japan.

Japan is a relatively small market for Indian mangoes, with exports valued at around $1.54 million in the last financial year, including $0.2 million worth of Gujarat’s Kesar mangoes.

Meanwhile, exporters are also facing challenges in the larger US market, where rising airfreight costs—driven by higher jet fuel prices and longer flight routes due to regional airspace restrictions—have significantly increased shipping expenses.