89,420 Kg Kiwi Wastes Due to Delays, Customs Ordered to Pay ₹50 Lakh to Ludhiana Importer

In a significant case that highlights the challenges faced by importers of perishable goods, over 89,000 kg of kiwi went to waste due to delays caused by the Indian customs department. The rotten produce resulted in a massive financial loss for the Ludhiana-based importer, who has now been granted compensation.

The importer had brought the kiwis into India with the hope of meeting growing demand for the fruit, especially in markets across the northern states. However, due to customs delays and bureaucratic hurdles, the shipment of kiwis was stuck in transit for an extended period, leading to the rotting of the entire consignment.

As per the import regulations, perishable goods must clear customs within a specified period. Unfortunately, the shipment of kiwis experienced significant delays, causing the imported goods to exceed their shelf life and become unfit for sale. The loss was so extensive that the importer filed a legal complaint against the customs department, seeking compensation for the damages caused.

After months of hearings and legal battles, the Indian court ruled in favor of the importer, ordering the customs department to pay ₹50 lakh as compensation for the damage caused. The compensation is meant to cover part of the financial loss incurred by the importer due to the spoilage of the goods.

This incident raises critical concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the customs clearance process for perishable goods in India. As more businesses venture into importing fresh produce and food products, the need for timely clearance and better handling of such goods becomes even more critical.

Industry experts have pointed out that similar delays have impacted several importers in the past, resulting in the wastage of significant amounts of perishable products. These delays not only lead to financial losses but also disrupt the supply chains, affecting the availability of fresh produce in local markets.

The ruling serves as a reminder to the customs authorities of the importance of improving their logistical processes to ensure that perishable goods are processed quickly and efficiently. Importers hope that this case will lead to better practices and faster clearance procedures to prevent such costly incidents in the future.