26 May 2022 09:30

Russia to consider lifting ban on dairy imports from Iran

MOSCOW. May 26 (Interfax) - Russia's plant and animal health watchdog will consider lifting the ban on imports of milk and dairy products from Iran and expanding the list of Iranian suppliers, Rosselkhoznadzor said.

An agreement to revisit the issue of lifting current restrictions, as well as certification of new businesses to supply milk and dairy products for export from Iran to Russia was reached at the fifth meeting of a working group on veterinary issues attended by representatives of Rosselkhoznadzor and the Iran Veterinary Organization, the watchdog said.

The issue will be considered after Rosselkhoznadzor receives commentary from the Iranian side on a preliminary report on an inspection done by Russian experts at the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022. In addition, experts from the Iran Veterinary Organization will soon visit Rosselkhoznadzor research institutes where they will study lab diagnostics methods.

Other issues regarding the expansion of bilateral trade were also discussed at the working group meeting.

Rosselkhoznadzor banned imports of milk and dairy products from Iran through the Yarag-Kazmalyar border checkpoint in Dagestan as of February 28, 2020 due to violations of Eurasian Economic Union veterinary legislation. Imports of frozen cream were banned as of December 29, 2020 for the same reason.