Armenia takes export dispute with Russia to Eurasian commission

Armenia has formally appealed to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) over a series of restrictions imposed on its exports to Russia, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan announced.

Yerevan has asked the EEC to examine what it describes as barriers affecting the access of Armenian goods to the Russian market, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“We have appealed to the EEC so that the commission can examine the issue of barriers and restrictions being applied against us. There are procedures in place, and we are following them,” Papoyan told lawmakers in parliament.

The move comes amid a growing number of import restrictions introduced by Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) on agricultural products from Armenia.

On May 15, Rosselkhoznadzor announced plans to inspect several Armenian enterprises whose exports to Russia had previously been suspended. A week later, on May 22, restrictions were imposed on the import of flowers from Armenia.

The measures expanded further on May 30, when the Russian regulator introduced temporary restrictions on imports of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens and strawberries originating from and shipped from Armenia.

Beginning June 2, Russia also restricted imports of stone fruits, including cherries, sweet cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines and grapes.

Additional temporary restrictions took effect on June 3, covering pome fruits such as apples and pears, as well as eggplants, potatoes and dried fruits.

By Vafa Guliyeva