Russia may ban import of Polish fruits and vegetables

Russia’s veterinary inspection service Rosselkhoznadzor may impose a ban on fruit and vegetable imports from Poland because of risks dangerous and re-export goods may be supplied to the country, as follows from the agency’s statement,published on Friday. Rosselkhoznadzor informed the Polish State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service about its concern over the situation, noting that import restrictions might be imposed unless the Polish side took measures to prevent identified violations. In 2012 and in the last nine months of 2013 alone, Rosselkhoznadzor exposed 21 batches of Polish vegetable products contaminated with quarantine objects. Besides, there were over 900 cases detected in 2013 of non-compliance with international requirements for phytosanitary documents. The Polish side reportedly provided unreliable or distorted information about the country of origin, and the senders and recipients of goods. The exported products lacked marking. And it is also possible that phytosanitary certificates and accompanying documents were improperly executed.