Armenia says talks with Russia continue over export restrictions

Armenia’s Food Safety Inspection Agency has said it is in constant operational contact with its counterparts at Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor).

The agency made the statement in response to an Armenpress inquiry concerning the Russian agricultural watchdog’s recent remarks on the possible timeline for easing or lifting restrictions on imports of various products from Armenia.

Rosselkhoznadzor had said it expects Armenia to provide the results of investigations into identified sanitary violations, information on measures taken, and an action plan aimed at eliminating the violations.

“The Food Safety Inspection Body is in constant operational contact with its counterparts at the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision of Russia. Within the framework of the ongoing constructive dialogue, the sequence of joint steps and the algorithm of actions to be taken are being clarified with Rosselkhoznadzor. Measures and an action schedule aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the veterinary and phytosanitary standards of the Eurasian Economic Union are being coordinated. Given that negotiations are still ongoing, as well as the continuous nature of the process, we consider it premature to disclose preliminary or ongoing details at this stage. We will provide additional information on the final, clarified results and the measures implemented in a further statement,” the inspectorate told Armenpress. 

Russia has imposed a series of restrictions on imports of Armenian products in recent months, citing alleged veterinary and phytosanitary violations. The measures have affected flowers, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and other goods, with Rosselkhoznadzor imposing broader restrictions on regulated products from Armenia and their transit through Russia to other Eurasian Economic Union member states starting June 12. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly said that the restrictions run counter to the fundamental principles of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Russia began imposing the restrictions on Armenian products ahead of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections.