Mangoes from Pakistan are highly regarded globally for their exceptional sweetness, rich aroma, and luscious pulp, which have established Pakistan as a key player in the international mango market. The country’s conducive soil and climate conditions enable it to be the fourth largest mango producer worldwide, allowing it to meet both domestic needs and substantial international demand.
The export of mangoes to European countries involves a complex procedure that must adhere to strict regulations and quality standards.
Importers need to navigate through various mandatory and additional requirements, from obtaining phytosanitary certification and conducting microbiological evaluations to ensuring proper size, quality control, and packaging of the mangoes.
Importing mangoes from Pakistan to the EU requires meticulous planning to comply with these regulations and to successfully import the “King of Fruits” into the European market.
Discover the process of importing Pakistani mangoes to the EU, with a comprehensive guide covering all the necessary steps and requirements.
Mandatory Requirements
Microbiological Evaluation
Ensuring the safety and hygiene of mango imports is critical. Microorganisms, which may include bacteria, fungi, toxins, and viruses, can contaminate food products if not properly managed. EU regulations demand strict microbiological standards for imported mangoes:
- E. coli levels must be less than 100 colony-forming units (cfu) per gram.
- Salmonella should be completely absent, ideally, or not detected in at least five separate samples of 25 grams.
Phytosanitary Certification
To prevent the introduction and spread of plant diseases, phytosanitary measures are important. The EU necessitates that all imported mangoes from Pakistan come with a Phytosanitary Certificate verifying that either:
- The mangoes come from an area free of fruit flies (Tephritidae).
- A treatment has been applied to ensure the mangoes are Tephritidae-free.
- The mangoes were produced in a region declared free of Tephritidae by local authorities.
- The production site and surrounding area have been officially inspected during the entire vegetation period to ensure no presence of Tephritidae.
Quality Control
The EU mandates that imported mangoes adhere to Class I quality standards to be accepted. Characteristics include:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Intact, sound, clean, fresh, free from pests and deterioration affecting the flesh. |
| Pesticide Residue | If present, must not exceed the permissible MRL values. |
| Aesthetics | Free from blemishes extending to the flesh; minor surface defects like scratches acceptable. |
| Transport Resilience | Must withstand handling and transportation without quality loss. |
Some allowances for variation are provided:
| Tolerance | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Minor defects and slight bruising are permissible. |
| Sizing | A 10% deviation from the size requirements is acceptable. |
| Surface Exudation | Accepted within 3,4,5,6 cm2 for size groups A, B, C, D, respectively. |
| Yellowing | Up to 40% surface yellowing is allowed for green varieties due to sunlight exposure. |
Size and Packaging
Mangoes for the EU market must be categorized within specified size codes and appropriately packaged. The following table outlines the size specifications:
| Size Code | Weight Range (grams) | Allowed Deviation in Weight |
|---|---|---|
| A | 100-350 | 10% |
| B | 351-550 | 10% |
| C | 551-800 | 10% |
| D | 800 and above | 10% |
Packaging should be clean, ensuring the integrity of the mangoes during shipping, commonly in 4 kg boxes but varying depending on market demand.
Additional Requirements
- Variety: In Europe, Kent and Keitt mangoes are often the varieties of choice due to their non-fibrous texture.
- Sugar Content: The mangoes should have an optimal level of sugar indicating appropriate maturity for better taste and shelf life.
- Certifications: Presence of Global G.A.P. certifications is a significant advantage, as it ensures adherence to good agricultural practices recognized globally.
Mangoes that meet these additional criteria tend to be more preferable to European buyers, increasing their marketability in the EU.