President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, has approved a law introducing new methods of control over the import of agricultural products into the country.
This document allows for phytosanitary control to be carried out before the products are sent to Russia in the territories of non-member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union. This measure enables the inspection of products for dangerous organisms at the stage of preparation for shipment to Russia, significantly reducing the risk of importing harmful plants and agricultural products. Control can be carried out at the shipment location and even at the plant growing sites.
In addition, according to the agreement between Russia and the exporting country, foreign laboratories conducting plant research to detect pesticides and agrochemicals may be inspected. These laboratories must confirm their ability to conduct inspections of agricultural products in accordance with Russian phytosanitary standards.
It is expected that this law will simplify and expedite the procedures for importing agricultural products into the Russian Federation and, in general, reduce the cost of plant imports. This decision will also help ease the congestion at Russian checkpoints and ensure smooth transportation of products between countries.
The law will come into effect 180 days after its publication, with exceptions for certain provisions that have different timelines.
