Japan’s Ban on Indian Mangoes: What Went Wrong?
HYDERABAD: Japan has halted fresh mango imports from India this season. Plant quarantine officers found lapses in fumigation and disinfection procedures at Indian treatment facilities during a March inspection.
The move has stopped exports of Indian mango varieties such as Kesar, Alphonso, Langra and Banganapalli to Japan. Three exporters and an Indian agricultural scientist involved in the certification process confirmed the development. All requested anonymity.
The Indian government has not publicly commented on the issue. Exporters fear the April-to-June mango season may end without a solution. Japan is not among India’s biggest mango buyers. However, the suspension has hit exporters serving premium overseas markets.
Japan stopped clearing shipments after March 25.
A March 31 statement from the Yokohama Plant Protection Association cited a notification from Japan’s Plant Protection Station. It said authorities would reject shipments carrying inspection certificates issued in India on or after March 25, 2026.
The statement also said Japan would continue the suspension until Indian facilities improved their operational standards.
The Yokohama Plant Protection Association is an industry body.
