Russia Warns Pakistan of Potential Rice Import Ban Over Phytosanitary Concerns
Russia has issued a warning to Pakistan regarding the possibility of banning rice imports if their phytosanitary concerns are not addressed in future consignments. The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) of the Russian Federation raised concerns over violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements in a recent shipment of rice imported from Pakistan.
The notification, dated April 2, 2024, highlighted the presence of a quarantine organism, “Megaselia scalaris (Loew),” in the rice consignment. The FSVPS has requested an immediate investigation into the matter and emphasized the importance of adhering to phytosanitary standards to ensure the safety of agricultural products traded between countries.
In response, the trade wing of the Pakistani embassy in Moscow has forwarded the Russian authority’s letter to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in the Ministry of Food Security and other relevant government offices. The embassy has requested an investigation to be conducted promptly to avoid any possible ban on rice exports in the future.
This is not the first time Russia has imposed a ban on rice imports from Pakistan. In 2019, a similar ban was in place for around two years and was lifted after negotiations between officials of both countries. In December 2006, Russia also stopped the import of rice from Pakistan due to food safety standards not being met.
The FSVPS has also sent an official communication to the director of DPP, seeking a higher degree of cooperation in the field of plant quarantine. The situation highlights the importance of maintaining phytosanitary standards in international trade to ensure the safety of agricultural products.
