Russia blocks sales of more than 70,000 Armenian bottled drinks over safety concerns

Russia has blocked the sale of more than 70,000 bottles of drinking water and soft drinks imported from Armenia after regulators identified alleged violations of mandatory product requirements, according to the operator of the country's state product labelling system.

The Centre for the Development of Advanced Technologies (CRPT), which operates the Honest Sign product labelling system, said the move was taken on the instructions of Russia's consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, Kommersant reported.

The restrictions affect BJNI medicinal table mineral water produced by the RRR Mineral Water Plant, Prosto Azbuka natural drinking water, including its children's range, manufactured by Armenian company Waterlock, and the non-alcoholic DARBAS Mojito produced by Arsen ev Nerses LLC.

"At present, the sale of the batches identified by Rospotrebnadzor has been prohibited in retail outlets and online sales channels until all necessary inspections have been completed. The product labelling system is integrated with every checkout in the country, enabling an immediate consumer protection mechanism," CRPT Deputy Director General Revaz Yusupov said.

According to the CRPT, the restrictions apply only to the specified batches and will remain in place until the required inspections have been completed.

Since late May, Russia has introduced a series of restrictions on imports of Armenian products, including alcoholic beverages, vegetables, fruit and flowers. Russian authorities say the measures are temporary and intended to ensure product safety, while Armenian officials have described them as politically motivated.

By Aghakazim Guliyev