Russia threatens to ban rice imports from Pakistan due to phytosanitary issues
- In Reports
- 07:21 PM, Apr 22, 2024
- Myind Staff
According to the news agency Dawn, Russia has cautioned Pakistan about the possibility of imposing a ban on rice imports if concerns regarding phytosanitary issues are not addressed in forthcoming shipments.
The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) of the Russian Federation has issued a notification regarding violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements concerning a shipment of rice imported from Pakistan.
Dawn reported that the notification, numbered FS-SA-3/6592 and dated April 2, 2024, underscores the discovery of a quarantine organism, "Megaselia scalaris (Loew)," in the rice consignment. The FSVPS has requested an immediate investigation into the issue from the plenipotentiary and trade representative at the Pakistani embassy in Russia.
According to Dawn, a copy of the notice issued by the Russian authorities indicates that the FSVPS has instructed the relevant official at the Pakistani embassy to take measures to prevent similar violations in the future. The notice underscores the significance of complying with phytosanitary standards to safeguard the safety of agricultural products exchanged between nations.
The trade division of the Pakistani embassy in Moscow has transmitted the English rendition of the Russian authority's communication to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) within the Ministry of Food Security and other pertinent government departments.
The embassy's letter to the DPP requests an immediate investigation into the matter and urges for the findings to be promptly communicated to the FSVPS to avert potential restrictions on rice exports in the future.
According to Dawn, the FSVPS has forwarded an official correspondence to the director of the DPP, urging enhanced cooperation in plant quarantine matters. Previously, in 2019, Russia imposed a ban on rice imports due to similar concerns, which lasted approximately two years.
The ban was lifted following negotiations between officials from both countries. Furthermore, in December 2006, Russia halted rice imports from Pakistan citing failure to meet food safety standards.
Image source: Reuters
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