Import of Flowers from Armenia to Russia to Be Banned

The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russia may temporarily ban the import of flowers from Armenia. During inspections by the agency, pests were discovered, and concerns were communicated to the State Food Security Service (SFSS).

Starting from June 16, Rosselkhoznadzor may impose temporary restrictions on the import of flowers cultivated in Armenia into Russia. The agency stated that it is worried about frequent violations discovered during inspections of plants supplied from Armenia.

"In order to prevent the deterioration of the quarantine phytosanitary situation in Russia, a letter has been sent to the Armenian Food Safety Inspectorate asking for necessary measures to be taken and for increased control over the supplied products," the statement reads.

It is noted that there has been a sharp increase in the import of flowers cultivated in Armenia this year. A total of 52 million flower stems have already been imported this year, which is a 49.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (34.7 million stems).

Alongside the increase in transportation, there has also been a rise in the number of detected quarantine objects. As a result of quarantine phytosanitary control by Rosselkhoznadzor, 13 cases of flower contamination with Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) have been discovered.

Consequently, Rosselkhoznadzor has decided that if the situation is not quickly rectified and necessary measures are not taken, it will be forced to impose temporary restrictions on the import of flowers accompanied by Armenian phytosanitary certificates from third countries starting from June 16.