Most of the work that Subtrop is involved with is on phytosanitary side of the market access process as depicted below.
Phytosanitary
Phytosanitary regulations are there to prevent the introduction of new pests and diseases. To address this, the following process is followed:
Pest information package (PIP)
to
Pest risk assessment (PRA)
to
Quarantine pest list (QPL)
to
Agreement on mitigation treatments
Once mitigation treatments are agreed upon, a draft workplan is generated and reviewed, a verification visit is scheduled, and once access is granted then a rule needs to be signed by the Ministers of both countries.
Bear in mind that market access for our industry is often one of a number of bilateral trade negotiations mediated by government-to-government engagements for every market being pursued.
Access for SA mangoes to the USA is in the queue behind access for SA avocados.
A proposed operational workplan for irradiation was sent to the USDA-APHIS in July 2023.
The USDA-APHIS indicated in April 2026 that they are open to a virtual bilateral meeting with the South African Department of Agriculture. A date has not yet been set but the mango application will be on the agenda for the meeting.
Updated 20 August 2026
Access for SA mangoes to China follows access for SA cherries and SA blueberries).
The GACC requested an updated Pest Information Package (PIP). This was sent to the DoA on 31 July 2026 and is currently being reviewed prior to submission to the GACC.
Updated 20 August 2026
Broader access for SA citrus and SA table grapes precede access for SA mangoes.
A major challenge for market access of SA mangoes to Japan is a mitigation treatment against mango seed weevil other than irradiation. The Japanese MAFF will not allow in fruit that has been irradiated. • A proposal for a Systems Approach to ensure fruit are free of mango seed weevil has been revised. There should still be an investigation to determine whether NIR or the Aweta system could be used to detect infested fruit which would strengthen the Systems Approach proposal.
Updated 20 August 2026
Access for SA mangoes follows access for SA mandarins, SA grapefruit, and SA lemons. Subtrop provided a response to the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) to the DALRRD on 14 August 2018, for submission to the Vietnamese PPD. In the PRA response, irradiation (at 400 Gy) is proposed to mitigate against False Codling Moth and mango seed weevil.
Updated 20 August 2026
The PIP was submitted to the DALRRD on 27 May 2016. There is, however, a long queue ahead of the application: market access is to be gained for SA blueberries, pears, stone fruits, avocados, and then mangoes. Parallel to this are the market access requests from Thailand to import mangosteens and longans into SA.
The applications for SA blueberries, SA pears, and Thai produce might be finalised in 2026.
Updated 20 August 2026