Pakistan's first mango shipment by sea has reached United Kingdom (UK). This was dispatched by Pakistan Hortifresh Private Limited, a joint venture of Durrani Associates and Pakistan Horticultural Development Corporation (PHDEC), "Three consignments of mangoes have already reached UK, on trial basis, and are being sold in the markets, whereas 15 consignments are on their way to England, from where mangoes will be dispatched to other European countries," Bashir Hussain, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PHDEC told Business Recorder.
He said that mango consignments have been processed in accordance with the international standards on plants established by PHDEC and Durrani Associates. He said that the mango consignments that reached England are fresh, of which some will be sent to other destinations in Europe. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom had set out the following obligatory requirements and guidelines for importing perishable items into the UK.
Pakistani exporters of all perishable items into the UK are required to submit: (i) invoice and packaging list; (ii) certificate of origin; (iii) phytosanitary certificate; (iv) health certificate official certificate/establishment number of approved premises in country of origin; (v) a document certifying that a country is approved for exporting fruits and vegetables into EU; (vi) prior approval from destination is also one of the mandatory requirements; and (vii) airline's prior approval is required before forwarding PER cargo into UK and rejection by DEFRA.
Upon refusal for entry of the shipment by DEFRA on account of non-compliance, the shipment will be returned to origin under new airway bill consigned to shipper and all charges on account of shipper/agent. He said that the processing units established by the PHDEC will enhance the shelf life of perishable items like mangoes and kinnows being exported.