The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) stated that timely measures by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) ensured smooth mango exports in 2025 without interceptions abroad. However, European Commission records show multiple interceptions of Pakistani mango shipments.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized "zero tolerance" for violators of sanitary and phytosanitary protocols, citing the denial of phytosanitary certificates to three shipments bound for Norway on May 25, 2025. The ministry said reforms such as staff deployment at exit points, CCTV monitoring, stricter audits, and vehicle punching on certificates led to certificates being refused for Pak Punjab International, Sajjad & Co., and Kamran Enterprises.
Industry sources reported that the same exporters continued shipments under different company names with alleged support from DPP staff, raising enforcement concerns. Despite this, the minister claimed Pakistan exported 120,000 tons of mangoes without rejections or interceptions.
EUROPHYT data contradicts these statements, reporting two interceptions in April, three in May, five in June, and twelve in July 2025. More than one involved mango consignment with issues ranging from insect infestation and pathogens to missing certificates. Pakistan exported just over 6,000 tons of mangoes to the EU in 2025, small compared to its 1.8 million-ton production, yet the interception rate was high. Exporters note that competitors such as India, Thailand, and Kenya faced fewer disruptions despite larger volumes.
The DPP has also been under scrutiny for performance with other commodities. Corn exports to Vietnam were suspended between September 2024 and June 2025 due to compliance failures, resuming only after approval for methyl bromide fumigation. Rice exports to the EU fell by 80% by June compared to January, while overall rice exports dropped 60% in the first half of the year. The EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed reported 40 interceptions of Pakistani rice linked to pesticide residues, aflatoxin, heavy metals, and mineral oil.
Industry insiders allege irregularities in audits, with inspectors charging exporters Rs. 100,000–200,000 (US$360–720) per approval, and favoritism in the appointment of staff at hot water treatment plants. Criticism has also been directed at the authorization of only one inspection agency, Baltic Control, despite its alleged record of issuing false pesticide certifications.
Pakistan's mango exports to Iran dropped from 45,000 tons in 2024 to 30,000 tons in 2025. The decline has been linked to limited capacity at favored plants and sidelining of larger, better-equipped facilities. Sources allege that senior officials who refused to certify beyond plant capacity were removed or transferred.
The minister's statement came ahead of a Senate Standing Committee on MNFSR session, which has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the National Agri Trade and Food Safety Authority, created through the merger of DPP and the Animal Quarantine Department. The committee has been reviewing compliance and corruption issues in mango exports.
Source: Profit