Response of the Food Safety Agency to Russia's Ban on Certain Armenian Products

On July 17, the Food Safety Inspectorate of Armenia received a letter from the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russia (Rosselkhoznadzor), informing that violations had been recorded in shipments of fruits and vegetables exported from Armenia to Russia between April and June. Consequently, as of July 15, a decision was made to temporarily restrict the supply of products from 16 Armenian companies to the Russian territory. This was announced by the Food Safety Agency of Armenia.

In response to the situation, negotiations have begun with the participation of experts from both organizations. An agreement has been reached regarding an online conference, aimed at rapidly resolving the issue in the context of EAEU's overall processes.

The entrepreneurs concerned have been immediately informed about the discrepancies found in their shipments, and the Inspectorate has begun control measures. The issues identified by Rosselkhoznadzor are regulated by legal acts governing the circulation of food products among EAEU member states through conformity assessment procedures carried out by accredited laboratories or assessing bodies chosen by the operators. According to the legislation, the Inspectorate can only address such issues upon receiving a complaint, a report of a violation, or an application. If there are none, then the system is operating clearly.

The Food Safety Agency has direct supervisory functions only over phytosanitary aspects, monitoring for plant diseases and infections by quarantine harmful organisms. Accordingly, sampling and laboratory testing are conducted during border control, and based on the results, a phytosanitary certificate regarding the absence of quarantine harmful diseases is provided, allowing for export. Otherwise, the export of the shipment is prohibited, and an order for the destruction or disposal of hazardous food products is issued.

It is noteworthy that in 2023, instances of non-compliance regarding the issuance of phytosanitary certificates, which fall under the direct supervisory function of the Food Safety Agency for fruits and vegetables, were recorded. As a result of the monitoring aimed at resolving these issues, non-compliance significantly decreased in 2024, and shipments to Russia are currently not facing difficulties.

All efforts are currently being made to resolve the situation. In addition to the accreditation process, periodic laboratory control measures and new tools are planned to be implemented in the near future to prevent such issues.