Russia awaits Armenia’s response on sanitary violations amid import restrictions

Russia’s agricultural watchdog said it is awaiting the results of Armenia’s investigations into alleged sanitary violations identified in various exported products, as well as information on measures taken and an action plan to address the violations.

Rosselkhoznadzor (the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision) told Izvestia about the possible timeline for lifting or easing restrictions imposed on imports of various products from Armenia.

“Rosselkhoznadzor expects the Armenian side to provide the results of the investigation and information on the measures taken, as well as an action plan proposed by the Armenian side to ensure compliance with the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements of the Eurasian Economic Union,” the agency said.

In recent months, Russia has imposed restrictions on imports of a number of products from Armenia, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and other goods, citing alleged violations of phytosanitary and veterinary requirements. Since June 12, Rosselkhoznadzor has restricted the import of all regulated products from Armenia, as well as their transit to other Eurasian Economic Union member states, prompting businesses in Armenia to diversify their export destinations.

Russia began imposing restrictions on imports from Armenia ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary elections on June 7. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that the restrictions imposed by Russia on imports from Armenia run counter to the fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union.