Moldova backdating documents, violating ban on fruit shipments to Russia - watchdog
MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - Moldova is violating a ban on fruit and vegetable shipments to Russia by backdating documents, Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor told Interfax.
"Moldova is contriving to sent fruits and vegetables at the beginning of August with certificates allegedly signed on July 21 [the date of the ban]," the watchdog said.
The agency said that around 370 tonnes of such products were seized at the border and sent back to the country.
Russia imposed a ban on fruits and vegetables from Moldova on July 21 of this year in connection with several violations to Russian phytosanitary requirements.
According to data from the Eurasian Economic Commission, Moldova shipped 535.7 tonnes of potatoes to Customs Union countries in 2013 worth $173,300. The country also exported 2,700 tonnes of tomatoes for $1.3 million, 2,400 tonnes of cabbage for $1.1 million and 31,900 tonnes of grapes for $24.4 million.
In addition, shipments of potatoes in four months of this year surpassed last year's figures more than twofold, reaching 1,200 tonnes for $458,600. All of these potatoes were sold in Russia.
