India asks U.S. to permit domestic labs for fruit irradiation to cut trade cost

India has asked the U.S. to allow domestic labs also for irradiation of certain fruits like mangoes with a view to helping exporters cut additional trade costs.

India has asked the U.S. to allow domestic labs also for irradiation of certain fruits like mangoes with a view to helping exporters cut additional trade costs, an official said.

At present, exporters have to carry out irradiation at the U.S. ports, which increases cost and uncertainty in case of rejection of the consignment.

The issue was raised during the 14th India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum meeting here on January 12.

"We have raised the issue of fruit irradiation which they do on their coast. Let it happen here. They can allow Indian labs to do so. It will reduce trade costs in a way," the official said.

According to international trade experts, several Indian products may require irradiation at the U.S. ports before entering the U.S. market to comply with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations and prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases.

Think tank GTRI Co-Founder Ajay Srivastava said that a better way is to carry out irradiation in India before exports as modern facilities are available in India that can meet the U.S. import requirements.

Irradiation improves safety of fruits as it kills microorganisms. Irradiation helps eliminate pests without affecting the quality of the fruit.