Pakistan’s mango exports are under threat following serious allegations of non-compliance with international phytosanitary standards, putting key markets like Iran, the European Union, and Australia at risk of suspending imports.
Multiple complaints submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant ministries have highlighted irregularities at several Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants. These facilities, crucial for ensuring mangoes are pest-free, have reportedly failed to meet export treatment protocols. Officials from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) are accused of issuing phytosanitary certificates based on falsified data, allowing the export of untreated or improperly treated mangoes.
A formal complaint by Barrister Junaid Khan claims that a group of HWT plant operators—allegedly connected to a politically influential clearing agent at the Taftan–Mirjaveh border with Iran—are manipulating the compliance process. These facilities are said to be using non-food-grade equipment, poor water circulation, and manual tampering of records to bypass mandatory disinfestation procedures.
READ MORE:
Pakistan’s Inflation Set to Drop Sharply to 4.51% in FY25
Phytosanitary oversight now lies with the National Agri Trade and Food Safety Authority (NA&FSA), which has introduced new compliance mechanisms, including real-time video monitoring, electronic documentation, and full-capacity audits. However, certain operators reportedly resisted these audits at the start of the 2024 mango export season and allegedly used political leverage to secure favorable inspectors and renew accreditations without completing the required demonstration audits.
Insiders further claim there are efforts to interfere with NA&FSA’s staffing and oversight, with attempts to weaken scrutiny for specific exporters while keeping strict checks on others. These alleged double standards have raised concerns over the formation of a cartel within the mango export industry.
According to bilateral trade agreements with Iran, any detection of fruit fly in a shipment can result in a one-year suspension of the involved HWT facility, pending a re-audit. Despite this, some exporters argue that hot water treatment compromises shelf life and taste, and are reportedly bypassing the process entirely.
Earlier this season, NA&FSA Director General Tahir Abbas declared strict enforcement, but sources say compliance efforts diminished within 20 days due to political pressure, with selected exporters receiving lenient treatment.
The growing irregularities have put the reputation of Pakistan’s mango exports at serious risk, potentially jeopardizing access to major international markets.
