The Agriculture and Food Authority - Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) has cautioned mango and avocado exporters over mixing of the commodities during export.
In a notice on Tuesday, October 22, the directorate warned the exporters that the move was against the law.
"It has come to our attention that following the closure of the Avocado harvesting season and export by sea, some exporters mix consignments of Mango with Avocado for sea shipment. This is against the provisions of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 20(5),” read part of the notice.
AFA-HCD stated that all produce for export is required to undergo inspection by the directorate before an export certificate is issued, as provided in the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 20(5).
The directorate directed mango exporters to ensure that the quantity of mangoes being exported fully constitutes mango fruits in the consignment.
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The exporters were further urged to apply for physical inspection of mango consignments through [email protected], with the application clearly stating the location of the consignment.
"Mango exporters are required to demonstrate compliance to the above guidelines, without which an export permit for the consignment shall not be issued," AFA-HCD warned.
At the same time, the directorate informed the avocado and mango exporters that export clearance will be granted subject to inspection by the directorate and that traceability information will be required for all consignments.
Similarly, AFA-HCD announced that the closing of the avocado harvesting season for sea shipment for the 2024/2025 fiscal year will come into force with effect from Friday, October 25.
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