Russia to restrict Armenian grain imports over phytosanitary concerns

Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) will restrict the import of all regulated products, including grain, originating from Armenia, as well as their transit through Russia to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, starting June 12, 2026.

The agency’s press service said, in a statement, that the ban will remain in effect until a specific algorithm is developed to ensure the safety and traceability of shipped goods, Caliber.Az reports.

The decision was taken due to the systematic detection of quarantine pests.

Starting in May of this year, the service has gradually restricted the import of certain types of Armenian regulated products and has repeatedly sent information to the Armenian side regarding violations in shipments.

However, the detection of quarantine pests continues. In June, three cases of khapra beetle infestation were identified in walnuts, dried peaches, and dried tomatoes imported from Armenia.

This indicates insufficient control by Armenia’s authorised body and raises concerns about the phytosanitary certification system. The ineffectiveness of Armenia’s plant quarantine and protection service threatens the phytosanitary security of Russia and the EAEU,” the statement said.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov