Russia bans re-exports of Polish food products
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
10.10.2014 12:46
Russia has tightened its embargo on food products from Poland and other western countries amid accusations that products are being re-exported through countries such as Belarus.
Image: sxc.hu
Moscow introduced a 12-month ban in August on meat, fish, dairy, fruit and vegetables from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Norway.
According to Moscow, the measures were in retaliation against a block of sanctions pushed through against Russia as a result of the Ukrainian crisis.
Belarus's minister of agriculture Leonid Zayats has stated that Minsk will be taking extra care to cooperate with Russian requirements, following accusations that fruit and vegetables from the EU were being re-exported through Belarus.
Zayats said that Minsk has “reached an understanding” with Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia's veterinary inspection service, as cited by the Itar-Tass news agency.
“Cargoes are being discharged and examined, alongside their markings and documents are being checked,” Zayats said.
Russia had been Poland's biggest market for several fruit and vegetable products, and Warsaw is currently looking for new markets, such as China and India. (nh)