Russia will temporarily ban import of flowers from Kazakhstan from Oct 21

MOSCOW. Oct 18 (Interfax) - The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) will temporarily ban the import of cut flowers and buds from Kazakhstan, the Russian watchdog said in a press release.

The watchdog said the flowers imported to Russia are accompanied by phytosanitary certificates that Kazakhstan issues mainly for products originating from unfriendly countries.

The decision to temporarily ban the import was also driven by 43 identified cases of the western flower thrip. Potential economic damage from this pest is estimated at over 11.5 billion rubles, the watchdog said.

"Kazakhstan re-exports most of the flowers from the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium. However, the concerned authorities of these countries have been failing to ensure an adequate safety control over their products," the press release says.

Earlier Russia temporarily banned the import of tomatoes, peppers, melons, wheat, flax seeds and lentils from Kazakhstan.