Russia restricts all quarantine-controlled imports from Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia will impose restrictions from June 12 on the import of all quarantine-controlled products from Armenia, as well as on their transit through Russian territory to member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to a statement issued by Rosselkhoznadzor.

The agency said the decision applies both to products produced in Armenia and to goods exported from Armenian territory.

According to the statement, the restrictions will remain in effect until a special mechanism ensuring the safety and traceability of imported products is developed and implemented.

“The decision was made due to the systematic detection of quarantine pests and diseases. Since May of this year, the service has gradually restricted imports of certain categories of Armenian quarantine-regulated products and has repeatedly informed the Armenian side about violations related to shipments.

However, detections of quarantine organisms continue. In June, three cases involving infestation by the khapra beetle were identified in walnuts, dried peaches and dried tomatoes imported from Armenia,” the statement said.

Rosselkhoznadzor argued that the recorded cases indicate an insufficient level of control by Armenia’s authorized phytosanitary authority and undermine confidence in the country’s phytosanitary certification system.

“The ineffective work of Armenia’s Plant Quarantine and Protection Service poses a threat to the phytosanitary well-being of Russia and the EAEU,” the agency stated.

Russia has already imposed restrictions on a range of Armenian products. Imports of Jermuk mineral water, flowers and certain alcoholic beverages have been banned. Restrictions have also been applied to several agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries. Since June 2, Russia has restricted imports and transit to other EAEU countries of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes and other stone fruits from Armenia. Since June 3, restrictions have also been imposed on imports of eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits originating from Armenia.