Govt Issues New Directive Affecting Avocado and Mango Exporters

In a notice on October 28 to avocado and mango exporters, importers and processors, the authority said a countrywide survey conducted by the Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) found that current avocado production volumes were too low to support sea shipments.

“The survey findings are that current production volumes are low and insufficient for sea shipment,” the statement read.

The directive outlines restrictions on avocado harvesting, exportation and processing, while introducing inspection requirements for mango consignments.

AFA has also warned that exporters and avocado oil processors who violate the new guidelines risk losing their export licences.

According to the notice, the closure applies to Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo avocado varieties, and sea shipments are prohibited from October 30, 2026.

However, exporters may still ship the four varieties by air. The authority said the Directorate must inspect all consignments, and exporters must provide traceability details before receiving export clearance.

AFA said the decision followed an assessment of production patterns across the country’s major avocado-growing zones. The survey was conducted to establish current production levels and forecast output for the next main season.

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Findings from the assessment indicated that available avocado volumes were insufficient to sustain sea shipments, prompting the authority to close the harvesting season for that export channel.

This closure also applies to avocado oil processors. Processors holding existing oil stocks and intending to export during the closed season must request verification by emailing [email protected].

The deadline for submitting verification requests is Monday, November 2, 2026. AFA said it will clear for export only oil stocks verified in advance during the closure.

Additionally, the authority has prohibited the importation of avocado fruits for oil processing during the period. It said the measure was intended to prevent the harvesting of immature local avocados under the pretext that the fruits had been imported.

“Importation of Avocado fruit for oil processing is equally closed, to avert the harvesting of local immature avocado under the pretext of importation.”

The Directorate said it would continue monitoring avocado maturity patterns and issue further guidance where necessary.

The authority has also issued fresh instructions for mango exporters following the closure of avocado harvesting for sea shipment.

According to AFA, some exporters have been mixing mango consignments with avocados for sea shipment after the avocado export season closes. The authority said the practice contravenes Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.

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Under the new guidelines, mango exporters must ensure that consignments submitted for export permits contain only mango fruits. The quantity indicated in an application must correspond to the mango produce being exported.

“The Authority hereby informs you that all produce for export is required to undergo inspection before an export certificate is issued,” AFA stated.

Exporters must also apply for physical inspection of their mango consignments through [email protected]. Each application must clearly state the location of the packhouse to enable the Directorate to conduct the inspection.

AFA emphasised that all produce intended for export must undergo inspection before the Directorate issues an export certificate. Failure to comply with the requirements will result in the withholding of an export permit for the affected consignment.

The authority warned that exporters and avocado oil processors who contravene the season closure guidelines risk having their export licences revoked. It also said it will not issue permits for export consignments initiated in violation of the directive.

Daisy Moraa is an all-round journalist at The Kenya Times, covering education, business, politics, and health. She specializes in storytelling, news reporting, and content creation, with experience across both mainstream and digital media platforms. She actively champions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on mental health awareness and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism from Rongo University. She can be reached at [email protected].

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