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After FVO visit, EU may lift ban on Alphonso mangoes, 4 other products
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Tuesday, 23 December, 2014, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Libin Chacko Kurian, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d Following the visit by officials of the European Union’s (EU) Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) to India, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is awaiting official communication from the 28-member EU about the ban on five Indian fruit and vegetables, including Alphonso mangoes.
The inspection and quality assurance check by the FVO team had a positive outcome, according to officials of India’s commerce ministry, which administers APEDA. European lawmakers noted improvements in the quality and control methods for agri products in India, and FVO observed a shift in the methods of packaging and export.
The ban, which is on account of interceptions of export consignments that were not found to be compliant with EU’s phytosanitary regulations, has been in effect from May 1, 2014. Although the banned products do not affect India’s exports significantly, they could put the country’s long-term credibility in doubt. The recent developments could help exporters from India resume their trade and earn profits.
The government of India has taken a host of measures, including the enhancement of capacity; an increase in the number of inspecting staff; improvements in infrastructure; the implementation of a standard operation procedure to guarantee safe exports, and the routing of export consignments containing perishables to EU through approved pack houses to enable better inspection and certification.
Replying to FnB News via e-mail, British Member of Parliament Keith Vaz said, “Trade and good relations between India and the United Kingdom are vital objectives of both countries. Mangoes are symbolic of India, but are vital to both business in the two nations and consumers across the United Kingdom, many of whom are of Indian origin.”
“FVO congratulates the Indian government for the positive changes in the quality and control standards for packaging and exports. And now that the EU may possibly reverse the ban, we would hopefully see trade between the two countries resume, adding to the strong links between them,” he added.
Sudhanshu, APEDA’s regional in-charge (western India), said, “Although there is no official confirmation about the lifting of the ban on Indian fruit and vegetables, the visit by officials of EU’s FVO took note of the improvements made in India in inspection and quality control, which are crucial to their export. We expect the ban to be lifted soon.”
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