Russia might ban flower imports through Armenia as of June 16

MOSCOW. June 3 (Interfax) - Russian plant and animal health watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor might ban imports of flowers from third countries through Armenia as of June 16 due to increasingly frequent discoveries of shipments containing quarantinable objects.

"In the event of an absence of necessary response measures and continued discovery of quarantinable objects, Rosselkhoznadzor will be forced to impose temporary restrictions on imports of flower products into Russia accompanied by Armenian phytosanitary certificates from third countries starting June 16, 2025," the agency said.

Imports of fresh cut flowers from Armenia have surged in 2025, with 52 million inspected so far, up 49.7% from 34.7 million in the same period of 2024, Rosselkhoznadzor said. As a result, inspectors found 13 cases of flowers being infected with western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)).

"In addition, there have been repeated cases of quarantinable objects found in other types of plant products, which points to the ineffectiveness of the export product control system on the part of Armenia," Rosselkhoznadzor said.

In light of this, the Russian watchdog has sent Armenia's food safety authority a letter asking it to take exhaustive measures and tighten control over shipped goods.