In Pakistan, mango exports currently face scrutiny concerning adherence to international phytosanitary protocols, influencing trade relations with markets such as Iran, the European Union, and Australia.
Complaints to the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and the Ministry of Commerce suggest several Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plants violate mandatory treatment standards. The Department of Plant Protection (DPP) is accused of issuing phytosanitary certificates based on inaccurate records, facilitating the export of untreated mango consignments.
"Around here, certificates are being distributed without any actual treatment. Truckers are loading mangoes directly from farms for shipment to Iran, claiming they already have the necessary paperwork," claims a mango exporter and HWT facility owner from Multan. The effectiveness of government-mandated treatment protocols is questioned despite the DPP and Ministry acknowledging the issue's seriousness.
A formal complaint to the Prime Minister further alleges that a group of HWT plant operators linked to a politically connected clearing agent at the Taftan–Mirjaveh border manipulates compliance systems. Concerns include inadequate infrastructure, which affects pest elimination, critical for export standards.
Manipulation of treatment logs and compliance records to gain phytosanitary clearance is reported, allegedly aided by contacts within Iranian plant protection authorities.
The National Agri Trade and Food Safety Authority (NA&FSA) now oversees phytosanitary compliance. Regulations mandate HWT plants undergo audits, maintain video surveillance, and ensure electronic documentation. Delayed audits and political influence on inspector appointments have allegedly led to accreditation without required audits, raising concerns about regulatory oversight within the sector and potential cartel-like behavior.
According to the Pakistan-Iran bilateral agreement, fruit fly detection in mango consignments could trigger a year-long suspension of the responsible HWT plant, pending a successful re-audit.
NA&FSA Director General Tahir Abbas stated no shipment to Iran would be cleared without verified treatment, initially reducing export volumes. However, reports indicate enforcement weakened early in the season due to political pressure, leading to unequal regulation within the sector.
Source: Profit
