UK delighted at EU lifting Indian mango ban
The UK worked closely with India and the European Commission to bring the ban to an end.
The UK has welcomed today’s EU decision to lift its ban on the imports of mangoes from India after improvements were made in plant health controls. The decision to suspend imports of mangoes across the EU was taken in response to persistent interceptions of harmful plant pests.
The British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan said:
The British Government worked hard to have the ban lifted. This includes sending an expert to provide technical training, prior to the EU inspection in September. This is great news for the UK-India and EU-India trade relationship and especially for Indian exporters and UK consumers. We are pleased to have played an important role in bringing the ban to an end.
The EU accounts for more than 50% of total exports of fruits and vegetables from India. The UK is the main destination, followed by the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
Exports of fresh fruits to the EU 2011 - 2013
| Local common name | Botanical name | Quantity (tonnes) | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | ||
| Mango | Mangifera sp. | 2995 | 3060 | 3933 |
| Grapes | Vitis sp. | 29380 | 28945 | 80326 |
| Other fresh fruit | 8802 | 8056 | 5077 |
Today’s EU vote paves the way for the ban on mangoes to be lifted. The legislation now needs to be formally adopted and published by the European Commission. This will take around a month, but the positive vote by the Committee gives certainty to Indian exporters and UK importers about the position for the forthcoming mango season.
Further Information:
Please visit EU website.
For information please contact:
Stuart Adam, Head,
Press and Communications
British High Commission, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
Tel: 44192100; Fax: 24192411
Mail to: Deepti Soni
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