ArmInfo. Rosselkhoznadzor has asked the Iranian Plant Protection Organization to suspend certification of flowers for export to Russia, citing suspicions that the products are actually of Armenian origin.
According to the agency, the volume of flower shipments from Iran in 2026 has significantly exceeded figures from the same period last year. "The phytosanitary certificates list Iran as the country of origin; however, the external characteristics and packaging of these products are identical to those previously imported from Armenia," the agency stated.
Rosselkhoznadzor had previously informed Iran of the current temporary restrictions on Armenian flower products. Effective May 22, 2026, the import of cut flowers originating from or dispatched through Armenia into Russia is prohibited," Rosselkhoznadzor's statement reads.
It is noted that due to a lack of a response from Iran, and in an effort to maintain the phytosanitary security of Russia and EAEU member states, as well as to comply with the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by Rosselkhoznadzor, the Service has contacted the Plant Protection Organization of the Iranian Ministry of Agricultural Jihad with a request to suspend all certifications for local flower products until bilateral negotiations are held to clarify the issue.
It should be noted that since the end of April of this year, Russia has gradually introduced restrictions on the import of Armenian products into the country. Rosselkhoznadzor (the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) has banned the import of fish and fish products from Armenia, flowers, mineral water, cognac, wine, vegetables, strawberries, grapes, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, and fresh grapes, allegedly due to "increasing supply violations." Armenian authorities and observers attribute Moscow's actions not only to sanitary concerns but also to the sharp deterioration of relations amid the Armenian Prime Minister's - Laboratory analysis reveals no violations in Armenian fish products and Jermuk mineral water, contrary to reports from the Russian side
