Temporary import restrictions imposed on Kazakh cut flowers to Russia

RUSSIA – Starting October 21, 2024, the Rosselkhoznadzor will implement temporary restrictions on importing cut flowers and buds from Kazakhstan to Russia.

This decision follows concerns regarding the safety of flowers accompanied by Kazakh phytosanitary certificates issued for products primarily sourced from countries deemed unfriendly.

Kazakhstan has long served as a transit point for flowers re-exported from nations like the Netherlands, Poland, and Belgium.

However, the Russian authorities have noted that these countries fail to maintain a sufficient level of control over the safety of these floral products.

“We must ensure the safety of our agricultural imports,” said a representative of the Rosselkhoznadzor. “This measure is vital to protecting Russia’s phytosanitary status.”

The restrictions come amid growing concerns about the presence of harmful pests within imported flower products.

In 2023 and 2024, authorities detected 43 cases of the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) in shipments.

This pest poses a significant risk as it can damage a wide range of plants. The potential economic harm from the pest’s spread is estimated to exceed 11.5 billion rubles.

“Such measures are necessary to prevent the introduction of harmful organisms that can devastate our local flora,” the Rosselkhoznadzor representative explained.

The agency, which oversees various aspects of plant quarantine and phytosanitary measures in Russia, aims to safeguard the country’s agricultural landscape by regulating imports effectively.

The Russian flower import market has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2021, Russia imported around 81,400 tons of cut flowers, but fluctuations have occurred due to sanctions and currency restrictions.

These factors have limited the capacity of Russian importers to pay foreign suppliers, resulting in delays and reduced import volumes.

Moreover, in July 2023, Russia introduced a 20% tariff on cut flowers from countries categorized as unfriendly. This tariff will remain in place until the end of 2024, further complicating the import landscape.

In light of these restrictions and economic pressures, there is a growing trend towards domestic flower production in Russia.

Authorities and local growers are increasingly focusing on import substitution strategies to lessen reliance on foreign suppliers. This shift not only aims to enhance local production but also ensures better control over the quality and safety of floral products available in the market.

The Rosselkhoznadzor’s latest move reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of Russia’s agricultural imports.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders in the flower industry will need to adapt to these new restrictions and consider the long-term implications for their businesses.