Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to SPS Regulations Amid Mango Export Violation
Islamabad – Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, describing them as the foundation of safe and sustainable agricultural trade.
“These rules are not just formalities; they are the lifeline of our export system,” the minister said. “They protect food safety, public health, and the integrity of our ecosystems. Any negligence risks the livelihoods of farmers and the country’s hard-earned reputation in global markets.”
Reforms for Agricultural Exports
Under the minister’s guidance, the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) has implemented sweeping reforms in key export sectors, including rice, maize, citrus, and mangoes. Steps taken during the 2025 mango season included:
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Deployment of staff at all exit points
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Use of reputed Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) firms
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Installation of CCTV monitoring systems
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Mandatory punching of vehicle numbers on certificates
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Photographic documentation of consignments
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Rotation of staff to curb malpractice
Violation at Karachi Airport
On May 25, 2025, DPP officials, working with Pakistan Customs, intercepted three mango consignments totaling 6.2 metric tons and valued at USD 25,649 at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
The exporters – Pak Punjab International, Sajjad & Co., and Kamran Enterprises – attempted to bypass SPS requirements such as Hot Water Treatment (HWT), sourcing from registered orchards, pesticide residue analysis, and proper HS code declaration.
“These irresponsible actions do not just endanger one shipment — they put our entire export access to Europe at risk,” said Minister Hussain. “We will ensure strict penalties and maintain a zero-tolerance policy against such violations.”
Penalties and Stronger Oversight
The non-compliant consignments were confiscated, penalties were imposed, and the exporters were barred from future exports for a specified period.
Despite this incident, Pakistan successfully exported around 120,000 metric tons of mangoes during the 2025 season, with no rejections or interceptions reported globally — a milestone credited to strict enforcement of SPS standards.
