Reasons for Restrictions on Certain Goods from Armenia to Russia Announced

The Russian veterinary and sanitary control service, Rosselkhoznadzor, has reported frequent violations in the supply of plant products from Armenia. This has led to issues with the supply of certain products from Armenia.

According to a statement posted on the service's official website, in 2023, the territorial divisions of Rosselkhoznadzor identified 72 cases of quarantine harmful organisms in flower and fruit-vegetable products received from Armenia. There was a sharp increase in violations noted in November.

“Only between November 24-26, there were 36 incidents of infected flowers, cucumbers, dried fruits, grapes, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, apples, and pears, which were accompanied by phytosanitary certificates issued by the Armenian Food Safety Inspection Body,” the statement noted.

The service reported the presence of quarantine harmful organisms for EAEU member countries, including the Eastern cecidomyia (Grapholita molesta (Busck)), Pepino mosaic virus (Pepino mosaic virus), Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (Tomato brown rugose fruit virus), and Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande).

Additionally, in November, there were five cases of exceeding the maximum permissible residue levels of pesticides in tomatoes, strawberries, apples, and grapes, indicating potential violations of pesticide application regulations by Armenian producers, according to the statement.

“This indicates a decrease in oversight by the Armenian Food Safety Inspection Body and poses a threat to Russia's phytosanitary well-being. Rosselkhoznadzor has informed the relevant authorities in Armenia about all violations, however, no information has been received regarding the investigations conducted,” the statement said.

Taking this into account, Rosselkhoznadzor has sent an official letter to Armenia, requesting immediate comprehensive measures to prevent the shipment of contaminated products to Russia and to inform the Russian authorities of the actions taken.

Meanwhile, phytosanitary control at the border is being carried out in the usual manner, and the rules for examining and processing the cargo departing from Armenia have not changed, the service reported.