Russia expands restrictions on Armenian agricultural imports

Russia will impose temporary restrictions on imports of pome fruits, eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits from Armenia starting June 3, widening a series of curbs on Armenian agricultural exports in recent weeks.

Russia's agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said the measures were necessary because there was no effective mechanism to verify the movement of regulated agricultural products shipped from Armenia to other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The restrictions will remain in force until an agreed procedure is established to ensure the safety and traceability of the affected goods, the agency said.

The latest move follows a string of import bans imposed by Russian authorities. On May 30, Rosselkhoznadzor suspended imports of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy vegetables and strawberries from Armenia. From June 2, the restrictions were extended to cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines and grapes.

The agency also said Armenia must suspend veterinary certification for exports of live fish and fish products to Russia from all but two companies that have passed Russian inspections.

Separately, Russia's consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, halted imports and sales of Armenian mineral water brand Jermuk on May 22.  Later on May 29, it instructed the operator of Russia's state product-labelling system to suspend the sale of 64.5 million bottles of the water.