ArmInfo. Rosselkhoznadzor is recording increasing instances of violations in the supply of Armenian fruits to Russia and is restricting the import of stone fruits and grapes from Armenia.
The statement issued by Rosselkhoznadzor notes that the inspection agency has repeatedly sent information to the Armenian side regarding violations in the supply of quarantine products related to the identification of species subject to quarantine for EAEU member states. "The increased number of detections indicates the consequences of the liquidation of the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture. Following structural reform, these responsibilities were transferred to the Ministry of Economy. Considering that products recently imported from Armenia do not meet the phytosanitary requirements of the EAEU and Russia, it can be assumed that the Armenian Ministry of Economy is experiencing structural problems and is unable to fulfill the responsibilities vested in it following the abolition of the Ministry of Agriculture," the agency stated.
Rosselkhoznadzor is confident that the current situation threatens the phytosanitary well-being of Russia and the EAEU, as well as the implementation of state support programs for industrial horticulture, fruit growing, and viticulture in Russia. "Considering the above, temporary restrictions will be introduced starting June 2, 2026, on the import of stone fruits (from EAEU TN VED code 0809: cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, and nectarines) and fresh grapes (from EAEU TN VED code 0806) originating and shipped in the Republic of Armenia, as well as on the transit of these products to EAEU member states until an appropriate algorithm for ensuring the safety of shipped products is developed," the inspection body concluded.
On May 15, Sergei Dankvert, head of Rosselkhoznadzor, held talks with Tigran Petrosyan, head of the Food Safety Inspectorate of Armenia. The parties discussed cooperation between the competent authorities of the two countries and compliance with requirements for the supply of Armenian plant and livestock products to the Russian market. At the request of the Armenian side, Rosselkhoznadzor inspected the facilities whose shipments to Russia had been suspended due to the suspected import of counterfeit fish products, presumably of European origin.
Furthermore, Russia banned the import of Armenian flowers on May 22, fruits and vegetables on May 30, and live fish on June 2, with the exception of two licensed fish farms.
