Russia imposes ban on agricultural imports from Pakistan
According to Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, in accordance with International Convention on Plant Protection, with effect from October 1, is "introducing temporary restrictions on imports from Pakistan on the territory of the Russian Federation of regulated products of high phytosanitary risk, according to the list of regulated products subject to quarantine phytosanitary control (supervision) at the customs border of the Customs Union and the customs territory of the Customs Union, approved by the Commission of the Customs Union on June 18, 2010."
According to Rosselkhoznadzor, the restrictions have been imposed due to the systematic violations of international and Russian Phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine facilities in the territory of Russian Federation and the destabilisation of the phytosanitary situation in the country.
Spokesman of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), Waheed Ahmed told Business Recorder here that it would have a negative impact on Pakistan's total exporters, a crushing blow to horticulture exports, notwithstanding.
Spokesman of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), Waheed Ahmed, said that he reqrets that quarantine authorities in Pakistan have not taken any notice so far. He urged Minister for National Food Security and Research, Sikandar Hyat Khan Bosan to take immediate notice of that punitive move and act swiftly to save exports of fruits and vegetables to Russian Federation.
There was every possibility of entering US and Japan mango markets this year, but due to the non-availability of Vapor Heat Treatment (VHT) plant, this opportunity was lost. These markets are very sensitive on quarantine issues and unless Government of Pakistan tackles irradiation problems in right earnest, Pakistan may never be able to export mangoes which were in high demand in those countries, he said.
Source: brecorder.com
