EU BAN ON INDIAN MANGO IMPORTS LIFTED

We are pleased to confirm that the European Commission has decided to lift the EU ban on imports of Indian mangoes.
“We are delighted that the Commission has responded to FPC lobbying and control measures by the Indian authorities and acted to lift the on Indian mangoes in time for the next UK import season,â€? commented Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of FPC. “We hope to see future lifting of the ban on other products soon.â€?
Minister for the Natural Environment, Lord de Mauley, 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 and UK plant health remains protected.
“I am very pleased that the UK has been able to play its part in supporting India through this period, including through technical assistance provided by Defra€™s Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate.
Imports will resume once the new EU legislation has been formally adopted and published by the European Commission, in approximately a month’€™s time. We will advise members when the regulation is published and comes into force.
Checks will continue to ensure the safety of produce entering the EU and to determine whether restrictions should also be lifted on four other products suspended at the same time as mangoes.
Please note that the suspension remains in place for four other Indian products: Momordica (bitter gourd), Solanum melongena (aubergine), Colocasia (patra leaves) and Trichosanthes (snake gourd).
A decision on lifting these restrictions will be taken in light of whether the improvements seen by the Food and Veterinary Office are sustained and whether interceptions of plants pests associated with products not subject to the suspension remain at a low level. If so, this will demonstrate that there has been an improvement in the Indian export system as a whole, justifying the removal of all restrictions.