The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has welcomed a European decision to remove a ban on the import of Indian mangos.
The European Union’s (EU) decision follows an inspection of the Indian authorities’ export system, improved through close collaboration with the Defra’s Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. The decision will facilitate the resumption of trade in the fruit, but will not lift existing restrictions on the trade of Indian aubergines, two types of squash and a leaf called Patra. The four things were banned together in May following the repeated discovery of plant pests in shipments from India.
Lord de Mauley, the UK government’s minister for the natural environment, said: “We have been working closely with our Indian and European counterparts to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and I am pleased that trade in mangoes will resume.
“Today’s decision demonstrates the marked improvements India has made to its export system and it is important that these standards are maintained so that trade can continue.” The UK was one of a number of EU member states to vote in favour of the proposed changes.
The removal of the ban will come into effect once it has been formally adopted and published by the European Commission, which is expected to take roughly a month. That will represent perfect timing for Indian exporters and European importers ahead of the start of the mango season in March.
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