The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Wednesday dismissed media reports claiming that Nepal has imposed a ban or suspended imports of Indian mangoes, calling such reports “factually incorrect and misleading” .
The clarification came after the Government of Nepal, through its Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre (the country’s National Plant Protection Organisation), confirmed on June 10 that no ban has been imposed on the import of Indian mangoes .
Imports Continue with Phytosanitary Compliance
According to the ministry’s statement, imports of Indian mangoes into Nepal continue to be permitted, subject to compliance with prescribed phytosanitary requirements. Import permits and release orders are being issued by Nepalese authorities upon fulfillment of these conditions and submission of valid phytosanitary certificates issued by the Government of India .
Trade data released by the ministry shows that exports to Nepal have continued without disruption. Since January 2026, India has exported 149 consignments of mangoes totalling 2,005 metric tonnes to Nepal. In June alone, 18 consignments amounting to 266 metric tonnes have already been shipped .
New Phytosanitary Measures Introduced
Nepal has recently revised certain import conditions, including the introduction of a mandatory Hot Water Treatment (HWT) requirement for mango shipments. Under this protocol, mangoes must be treated in water at 48 degrees Celsius for one hour—a standard international practice to eliminate larvae and pathogens .
The treatment is part of Nepal’s biosecurity measures under the Plant Quarantine and Protection Act, 2064, aimed at preventing the entry of high-risk pests. The Nepalese authorities clarified that they regularly conduct Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) and adopt phytosanitary measures based on these assessments .
India Raises Concerns Over Unilateral Measures
While India is facilitating exports in accordance with the revised norms, New Delhi has conveyed its concerns to Kathmandu regarding the introduction of new phytosanitary measures without prior consultation .
The matter is being pursued through appropriate bilateral channels in line with the provisions of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) framework .
Background of the Issue
The clarification follows an incident in which a large consignment of Indian mangoes was temporarily stopped at the Bhittamod Quarantine Check Post in Nepal’s Madhes Province. The shipment was subsequently released after documentation requirements were fulfilled, including the issuance of a plant health certificate from Indian authorities .
Earlier reports had suggested that Nepal had restricted Indian mango imports due to concerns over excessive pesticide residues and lack of adequate quarantine facilities in border areas. However, the Nepalese government has now officially clarified its position .
Advisory to Stakeholders
The Ministry has advised traders, stakeholders, and the public to rely only on official communications for information relating to import and export regulations. It urged them to disregard unverified reports regarding any alleged restrictions on Indian mango exports to Nepal .
Market Context
While locally grown Nepali mangoes are highly regarded for their quality, their production is limited to a short harvest window of around two months, making steady imports from India crucial to meeting consumer demand in the Nepalese market .
India remains the world’s largest producer of mangoes, producing nearly 28 million metric tonnes annually. The clarification from Nepal provides assurance to Indian exporters who had expressed concerns over potential market access restrictions .
