Russia has imposed temporary restrictions on the import of certain fresh produce from Kazakhstan, including tomatoes, peppers certified by Kazakh authorities, and fresh melons. These measures aim to protect Russia’s phytosanitary security following concerns over quarantine risks.
The restrictions come after a series of biosecurity breaches involving quarantined products entering Russia from Kazakhstan. Since the beginning of 2024, 215 cases of quarantine pests and pathogens have been detected in these goods, a figure four times higher than during the same period in 2023.
Despite ongoing discussions, Russian authorities have been unable to secure compliance from Kazakhstan’s agricultural inspection bodies. In September, Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s agricultural oversight agency, requested that Kazakhstan halt the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for certain fresh produce bound for Russia. However, the certification process continued, along with further detections of quarantine issues.
Rosselkhoznadzor has notified Kazakhstan’s authorities, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and other Russian federal bodies of the decision, citing the need to safeguard Russia’s agricultural sector.
While restrictions on fresh produce are in place, transit of certain other agricultural goods, including wheat and flax seeds, is allowed under strict conditions.
This move underscores Russia’s commitment to maintaining stringent biosecurity standards and addressing the rising number of quarantine violations in fresh produce imports.
Source: fsvps.gov.ru
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