The Government of Kenya through the Agriculture and Food Authority Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) on Tuesday, October 22 warned mango exporters following reports of some traders mixing consignments of mango with avocado for sea shipment.
In a notice, was categorical that action would be taken against those who break 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),” part of the notice read.
According to the regulations, all produce for export must undergo inspection by the Directorate before an Export Certificate is issued, as provided in the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020 Section 29 (1 & 2).
Directive to Mango Exporters
In light of the above concerns, the state issued the following guidelines to all mango exporters to comply with:
1. They should ensure that the quantity of Mango being exported for which the permit is being sought fully constitutes Mango fruits in the consignment.
2. All mango exporters should apply for physical inspection of Mango consignments through [email protected] (copy to [email protected]).
Also Read: Govt Issues 7 Directives to Avocado Traders
The application should clearly state the location of the pack house to facilitate inspection.
Subsequently, mango exporters must demonstrate compliance with the above guidelines, without which an export permit for the consignment shall not be issued.
At the same time, the Directorate notified avocado exporters that the closure of avocado exports via sea shipment for the 2024/2025 fiscal year will come into effect on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Avocados export through sea shipment
The government also stopped sea shipment exports for avocados because of recent survey findings, which indicated that there were currently insufficient volumes of the main season crop to warrant sea shipment.
Similarly, the directorate announced that the affected avocado varieties, including Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo, will be exported via air shipment.
Also Read: Kenya Issues Directive to All Avocado Traders
Also, AFA stated that export clearance for avocados shall be granted subject to inspection by the authority, and traceability information will be required for all consignments.
The Directorate clarified that the notice applies to all exporters, importers, and processors of avocado fruit.
Moreover, the Directorate vowed to continue to closely monitor Avocado maturity trends and patterns, review the notice in the first week of December 2024, and guide appropriately.
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